I chose the top response - 1 game is just 1 game

 

It's only 1 game. Houston is a much better team than us, so losing to them won't really mean much. Winning will be impressive however still only 1 game.

 

Can learn things about all the above even in a loss. But they play these games for a reason. Could be worse, we could have the Jets offense.

 

I think we'll know something about Tannehill after game 1. A couple of big scoring drives and we'll know he's a gamer. If he has a rough game won't mean anything definitively though.

 

I think this game will definately tell us some things. Was the preseason what we are or not. Does this staff gameplan correctly? Are there formations, plays, and wrinkles in the offense not seen yet? Same with Defense. Can this staff make half time adjustments which has been not happen much from previous regimes. Game management, fire, desire, and urgency in the players. But as for the definate future of specific players, staff. Probably not.
I think if most of the previously mention items have a postive answer we could very well pull the upset!!!

 

Nothing Definitive.

Remember last years game, when Henne put up 400+ yards and looked as good as Brady, while our defense played badly?

 

I didn't vote. I think an extreme performance either way could show something about the future. But, that isn't an absolute and most likely we won't see that. Neither option really worked for me.

 

With this game we will see what Philbin truely brings to the table. When we are battling for the win in the 4th quarter you will be saying i sure am glad we got this coach. Who says we dont have any superstars? If this is a honest day of work i am buying in

 

Option B

Only because it's the start of a new era against IMO the best team in the AFC. Will the Dolphins fold after adversity? How well does Tannehill deal with an exceptional D with a fantastic DC. It's the best team I think we face all year, and while a win is not likely certain aspects will give a decent idea of things to come IMO.

 

it will tell us that Houston is a better football team right now and we are rebuilding/retooling with a new coaching staff and scheme. win or lose

 

I think every game will be definitive. Not 'the end of the world', but each is an important step.

 

...go on.

 

If we can atleast play Houston tough it should tell us that we can give any team a run for their money. If Houston just blows us out 35-0 i'm probably going to deflate my hopes for a day or two.

I can only base this Texans team off of last season. They don' t have Mario Williams anymore (not that they ever did with injuries) but their defense was near elite last year and I don't see why it wont be again. Kareem Jackson is their weak link on defense in my opinion and hopefully Tannehill can expose him. I think going up against this defense will tell us how ready Tannehill really is. Keep in mind that we may see a different Ryan Tannehill by week 8 so it's hard to really say.

I think this game will also tell us if our defense is on the same page yet. Seemed like it took a few games before our defense started to work together last year. Once it did our defense was top 5 talent in my opinion. Speaking of our defense Sean Smith and Richard Marshall will face a big obstacle in Andre Johnson. Is Smith really improved? Was Marshall the right addition? I think we will atleast be able to put an early grade on those questions as well after Sundays game.

I'm trying to answer the question as best as I can but I think it would probably be better to reserve judgement until week 5. That is usually the point where the players seperate themselves from the pretenders. Right now there isn't an expert out there that can tell you what teams are good and bad. I know right now we are getting a bottom of the tier grade around the world, hopefully that changes and we can win some games.

 

If the Dolphins are within a TD halfway through the 4th Quarter it will tell me something definitely positive about Philbin and staff. Just think about the quality of coaching this roster with a rookie QB will need to stay close against one of the AFC's superbowl favorites.

I think that's the only way I can draw a definitive based on this game.

No matter what kind of performance Tannehill shows (good or bad), I won't jump to any conclusions yet.

 

I disagree, I think it's entirely possible that it could show something. I'm just not going to make a declarative statement.

 

Tannehill comes out and throws 6 TDs and he's a Dolphin for the next 4 years.

 

I chose B. I`ll be looking for the possibility of sloppy play, costly turnovers, undisciplined penalties...that sort of thing. If we show up and play hard have a decent game plan and show an effective use of the clock and timeouts then i`ll be satisfied. Of course its only the first week but at least we`ll have something to be positive about. Even if/when we lose it will be important for Tannehill to at least show promise and that he belongs in this league. I`m not talking about a monster game from him but at least an effective one.

 

Will tell me 1/16th of what the season tells me.

 

I want to see passion. If the team comes out flat, regardless of talent level, it'll be disappointing.

 

I voted one, although if we win it may tell us something more about this team.

 

Nope, Matt Flynn wasn't a 1st round rookie starting his first game for the Dolphins. He was a late round pick playing for the best QB in the league with an expiring contract.

 

Tells us what our real expectations can be this season, and how close we are to building a playoff team.

 

Well, I could start out by laying some things on the table that we already know about this football team. They are starting a rookie at QB. They have a rookie head coach. They don't have the most talent in the league. They don't have a real 'go-to' guy at WR. They are thin in the secondary.

Understanding those things... what should I expect? What 'definitive' things should I be looking for?

Will the Dolphins make the playoffs? Is Tannehill finally the answer at QB? Will Philbin be a great head coach?

I doubt anyone will get a 'definitive' answer for those questions. However...

Do the Dolphins have the character to not lay down against a better football team? Will they play timid? Will the Dolphins fold when they make mistakes, or are they a team that is capable of correcting mistakes? Will this be a team that exemplifies the character the coaches were trying to encourage by trading an egomanic at WR, a lazy player at CB, and by releasing another much-needed WR that lacked focus and integrity? Do the Dolphins coaches have the wisdom and ability to get the best out of the players on the field? Will the coaches come up with a good gameplan?

I believe those things will be answered. And, it will set the tone for game two.

 

I dont think it shows us anything definitive. Reason being, I dont think everything will be on the table in this first game. They are BUILDING something. Tanny will have to grow in this league with what he can and cant do. I think I read that we wont use the hurry up O to start with. This is an example of everything not being used. I am PLANNING...........on taking this season off as far as winning expectations. HOPING to just enjoy the ride.

 

Sure, you can learn things in a game, win or lose, but you can't take anything you learn as gospel about a player, coach, system or GM... Players will ebb and flo in their development, particularly young players... The way this poll is worded, you'd expect that if we lose that Philbin, Ireland, Tanny and every other player should lose their jobs... That simply won't be the case...Even if we blow the Texans out, it won't be a definitive answer to the direction this team is going...

 

Unfortunately, I think the Texans game will only prove that the Dolphins still have a long way to go before they can be competitive against the better teams in the NFL, especially on the road.

 

I don't think it will tell us anything major that we don't already know or at least have a hint about.

 

Then he'd have to play better the rest of the season to keep his starting gig. He is young and hope springs eternal, so that wouldn't be his death knell. For much the same reason if he shows that now he's going to get a lot of extra chances in the future.

 

Im looking for the team to come out with a smart plan, and use their players in the manner that best allows them to suceed. Give Tannehill a chance to make plays in the short to mid range passing game, and dont force him to throw deep all that often. Run the ball. Get the ball in space to Reggie Bush. No stupid trick plays. Limit penalties. Double cover Andre Johnson.

If we do all that and lose, it will at least have been losing while playing smart.