One of Coach Sparano's expressed goals during camp w/ to prepare the team for a fast start once regular season begins...
he actually had a a study done on how teams get into the playoffs, finding that those teams win about 70% of their early-season games.
I see five formidable, unresolved problems creating major obstacles to that "quick start" in September:
1) the Offensive Line w/ our strongest unit & has become a work in progress. they set the pace & attitude of the game, as go the big guys up front, so goes the season. Ironically, I see them as our number one concern as we prepare to enter the regular season. they have played like the Flipper-Five, nothing Orca about this bunch so far...
2) Henne has to step up, make the right decisions & lead the team. w/o a Franchise QB we will not go to the SuperBowl. In the first serious dress rehearsal, the IceMan went 10 for 22 for a 123 yards & an interception. this is not good.
3) the Defensive Backfield is inexperienced & already struggling in preseason. Smith &, more importantly, Clemons are not ready to start the season. the secondary remains our Achilles heel. what to do?
4) Special Teams is being rebuilt in year three? How's that going to work? Special teams is the quiet, uncelebrated third rail of football. got to win two of the three to win: offense, defense, special teams.
5) what I'm seeing overall in the preseason that concerns most is a lack of aggressive & consistent play. the team looks disorganized and/or disinterested. we lack the intensity, brutality, the tenacity that has become, up until now, engrained into the spirit & character of the new Miami Dolphins.
don't mean to say the sky is falling w/ less than two weeks before the opener, but if we are to contend in 2010 we need the fast start in regular season.
to be or not to be: will we contend in 2010?
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i didnt see anything of clemons that made me worry so far, well sean smith is another story though
Pariah and adamprez2003 like this. -
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I"m sure the 'Big Tuna' is all over this coaching cadre like white on rice. Parcells cannot be happy w/ the team as it stands in year three.
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what to do?
1) the Offensive Line w/ our strongest unit & has become a work in progress.
2) Henne has to step up, make the right decisions & lead the team.
3) the Defensive Backfield is inexperienced & already struggling in preseason.
4) Special Teams is being rebuilt in year three?
5) what I'm seeing overall in the preseason that concerns most is a lack of aggressive & consistent play. -
Somewhat agreed... although, I think once the lineup gets more settled, we'll see more consistency. They had two good games, and one bad one. I'll chalk that up to the Atlanta DL. I don't know why, but they match up very good against us, and seem to win the battle of the LOS against our OL... which no other team really has over an entire game.
Will we contend for the Superbowl? No. We are not on the level of the Colts or the Ravens, IMHO. I hope I'm wrong... I reserve the right to change my mind after week 4... :wink2:djphinfan, PhinsRock, ToddsPhins and 3 others like this. -
I personally think Smith is our best cover corner, I'm more concerned about Davis.
Davis plays the run well, but also has trouble jamming the WR at the line, and when he whiffs at that, he gets beat, and we have seen that this preseason. -
When I look at Vonte, I see a guy with star potential. Extremely aggressive and tackles like a LB. Reads and anticipates the game very well. Sniffs out screens and can make the crucial INT as we saw last season. He has gotten burnt on occassion, but I think those instances will be fewer and far between as he gains experience.
When I look at Smith, I see a guy who seems intimidated by the speed of the NFL. Plays timid and scared and hasn't shown the ability to use his body like we thought he'd be able to. Hasn't shown any ability to make a big play and gets burnt just as often as Vonte, if not more. The concern I have with Smith is that I don't see the progression or the potential like I see in Vonte.
At this point, there's not one aspect of the game that I think Smith is better than Vonte at. That includes coverage.Ricky Williams, djphinfan, miamiron and 3 others like this. -
The OL was pretty good for two games (other than the penalties) and bad for one. Since they were pretty good last year against most every team not from Atlanta, I'm not overly concerned. I think Atlanta is just a team that gives us fits. Even Jake struggles against them. And since they're not on our schedule, I won't be overly concerned unless we're playing them in the SB.
Henne I'm also not that concerned about. I see clear improvement over last season. I think he's going to need to have an 85 or better QB rating for us to contend. I think the odds are decent that he can achieve that. I don't think it's a given though. I just see this as one of those positions you can't rush. I think he clearly has the talent to do it. So as long as he's working and I'm seeing improvement I won't complain too much, even if he falls a little short. I think we're building a team that is meant to contend for several years so I won't panic over this year.
The secondary is also in the same boat. We have CBs who clearly have more than enough talent. As long as you're seeing them improve then I'm not overly worried. I've seen Davis improve markedly and I've seen improvement in Smith as well. People are panicking b/c they see him play outside position and allowing passes to be completed to the inside. Those completions are only coming on posts or crossing patterns. Fans are blaming him for the completions when they should be blaming the S. Now he did bite bad on his first play in last week, but he also came back and had a nice PBU. He's also been nosier in run support. I also want to include Dansby here b/c his coverage against the TEs has been a big improvement over what we had last year. I expect that once we start blitzing more and letting Wake rush more (instead of having him in coverage) our pass rush and our pass D in general will be much better than last year and better than what we had in 2008. I think that even Clemons will be able to play at the level that Hill played at in 2008. Not a ton of big plays but far fewer big plays allowed.
The STs I am worried about. I am hoping that the addition of Sapp will help. I just see to many guys getting blocked and too few guys putting themselves in position to make tackles.
My main concern in addition to the STs is the number of penalties we've had. The other stuff I believe has a pretty good chance of fixing itself. In the end, I think we'll contend for the division. I'm not sure that we'll take the step up to be a true SB contenders, but we're moving in the right direction.Bpk, Califin, Larry Little and 1 other person like this. -
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Smith was our best cover corner last year, and has been this year in preseason also (although both have struggled). I agree Davis is better in run support and is more physical. -
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GMJohnson likes this. -
Friend brandon27:
this is not a rant & certainly not meant to be taken personally.
simply stated:
I see five formidable, unresolved problems creating major obstacles to that "quick start" in September...
I hope they are all resolved by game one of the regular season.
I'm looking for the team to contend & hoping for the best.
big difference between a rant & a reasonable opinion
my opinions, however contested, can be backed up reasonably
polite discourse is the life blood of any dolphin forum
in the end, everything is decided on the playing field
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having said that...
my biggest concern is the Offensive Line. if we win the trenches, holes open & the run game is on, when you can run the ball, it opens up the pass. if the offense is on the field, the defense is rested & poised to strike when called on... my second major concern is the Defensive Backfield. somebody needs to step up big time. Another concern is Special Teams. Ultimately, Special Teams will have to sort itself out after roster cuts & much coaching.
I believe most of these problems can be resolved by the opener, but understand that they may not be resolved until 2011. we will need to work hard, avoid injury, mistakes & be lucky to attain that "quick start" in September needed to contend.
three things:
1) no more excuses, the rubber meets the road in less than two weeks
2) I refuse to ordain anyone a franchise player. they must earn the title on the playing field. competition is the elixir of success. everyone must compete & contribute, including Henne.
3) you play as you practice (in training camp and/or preseason) we lost the first of nine preseason games last time out... you always play to win; you need to be aggressive & consistent. we cannot afford to lose the competitive edge in a NFL ripe w/parity & expect to contend -
The Dolphins have gone 4-0 last 2 preseasons..and then started like ****..maybe this adversity will help them gain some intensity for week one.. a blessing in disguise possibly..the last 2 years everyone figured we were ready for week one when clearly it wasn't the case.
Bpk likes this. -
maybe & hopefully, as a matter of fact
but it doesn't bode well for 'always playing to win' & being aggressive & consistent. just hasn't looked like a Parcells team to me... got two weeks to put it together for the 'quick start' we need in 2010. the jury won't be out for long on this one. -
also he has shown flashes of better play against the run and tackling
the bashing of sean smith has been way too premature IMO. he does need to work on his pass coverage but the development process has started.
It's the blind impatient fans who don't understand what that process consists of. If you're expectations are way too high you might be let down for now.
Give it some time.GMJohnson likes this. -
djphinfan, Larry Little, adamprez2003 and 1 other person like this.
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When you are starting a rookie at guard, have two starting potential players at center fighting over a job and a questionmark at the other guard you are going to have a "work in progress" situation". If you think it is bad now, consider if Nate Garner was healthy, we'd have even more of guys moving in and out.
Last year we were shuffling guys in and out in the middle all year. What we are doing now is no different.
Chris Clemons is finding his way as well but I think he'll be competent (after a year of Wilson a potted plant is an improvement though).
I'm a LOT more concerned about our pass rush then I am about the secondary at this point. That said, my concern is lessened by the fact that it is preseason and we are not scheming at all. The test comes week 2, if we get no heat then I'll jump off a bridge.
It is PRESEASON. It's a time to get in and get out healthy and find the final roster. I'm not worried about lack of aggression. Scheming in preseason is just plain dumb. -
You talk about the OL, but even as is, its one of the top 5 units in the league.
Henne has played well for most of the preseason. He's made a few bonehead throws in the red zone, he still throws an occasional rocket ball, and he wasn't sliding his protections properly early in the game vs Atlanta. But for the most part, he's been on time and on target, though it's tough to get a real feel for things b/c of the vanilla nature of the offense and lack of game planning.
The secondary could be an issue this year, especially if Will Allen can't come back at/near full strength. But don't be fooled by what you've seen so far. Our DBs have been left on islands for the most part in the preseason. That's a good way to get them acclimated to game speed, but it's also going to lead to some not so shiny moments, which we've seen. Matt Ryan was so shocked that we actually played a Cover 2, he threw the ball right to Y Bell on Friday. That should give you an idea of how vanilla we were up to that point.
The lack of intensity you allude to, I mean it's preseason, you basically answered your own question. Personally, I'm satisfied with the PS. Lots of reps for our main players, without any injuries. The coaches now have just enough bad tape to keep the players focused for the opening of the season, and our opponents have seen nothing useful to go on as far as game planning for us. That's a successful preseason in my book. Not that the PS matters...brandon27 likes this. -
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If you want to view the negative side of things, and forget that this is preseason, when we aren't opening up the playbook at all, not being aggressive, and we're testing out players to see if they can potentially make this team or not, I don't see the need to panic yet.
Personally, I like your original post, its done alot to stir conversation, I agree with some of your areas of concern, I just don't agree with your assessment and your specifics of them.
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He is not alone in worrying about Henne. He has not sold me on anything yet. The excuses are really getting old. Its preseason?? SO what. ITs preseason for the other QBs that are doing fine.
Our ST will be better, its only Preseason. Well, the other team is playing in the preseason too, AND THEY ARE TAKING KICKOFFS BACK TO THE 40 MORE THAN SELDOM. IF......we are to contend.....we should be up to par with the competition.......unless its only preseason, I guess.
The sky isnt falling...........but I am not about to say I dont see plenty to worry about.
Every year we have a problem settling on our OL. Why? Name the five and go with it so they can get some cohesion.
Our STs have struggled for years.....Why? Every team churns the bottom of the roster. Why cant they fix this. How do you win, when your Defense has to start from the 40. The other team is in field goal position if they only gain 25 yards.
nothing but excuses........which might be part of the reason we have started slow the last few years. Its time for them to PUT UP....the 23rd likes this. -
Just because we shuffle our line around, doesn't mean we have a bad line. Our line is going to be fine, just like last season.
My only problem is the ST unit, but I'm not that worried about it. I think we'll be good enough there. -
Friend Killerphins:
the Franchise is built on these douche bags...
wouldn't be too quick to call into question
the loyalty, intelligence or support of these
:no: 'impatient douchebags' :no:
scattered throughout Dolfandom posting & following
their team through all seasons in hope
that we might contend or even play in a SuperBowl
poor choice of words, inappropriate & demeaning
Yes, I know you weren't referring to me but to all the other impatient douchebags posting the Forum & I understand your frustration.
I simply see five formidable, unresolved problems creating major obstacles to that "quick start" we need in September to contend this year & everyone of them is my gift to you to dispute or elaborate on harmlessly within the brotherhood of this forum. -
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Now to start off, I am not comparing the situations in the 2 places or the players themselves, BUT........ Since I live in the Atl. area, I was able to observe the whole Vick QBed teams when he was here. It amazes me still that when Vick was throwing passes to his recievers, they would regularly drop passes, including White, but since they have a new REAL QB, it seems, White has become a REAL threat to a defense. Did White just grow up? I dont think so. They drafted him to do what he is doing now, play big. They have a QB that can put the ball in the right places, with the right amount of velocity, making it more.........catchable. Would I bet my life on this, ..........NOPE. But it sure seems to be the case. Is Henne to blame for all the drops here? I doubt it. But I WOULD bet its more his fault that most are thinking. They dont have that same problem with Penny in the game. Henne might work out to be a capable QB. ITs only preseason, and its SOOOoooooo vanilla, they say...........Why does Schaub look so good against Dallas? HE was a 2nd rounder also. I have to go back to Sparanos quote. Something about........if they are gonna bite, they will bite early. Henne has NOT BIT........yet, and I wont give it to him until I SEE IT.....FOR A FEW GAMES IN A ROW. I expect this year to be up and down, week to week, until he BITES.
While I agree our line will more than likely be just fine, could the lack of settling on the starting 5 until AFTER THE LAST PRESEASON game, be a reason for the slow starts? I think it might.
NOW, for you to not be worried about the special teams.......that aint nuthin but Kool-aid drinkin, there has been NO EVIDENCE that it will be alright.....for 2 straight years. Ginn only had 1 really good game, against the Jets. We cant even get a good runback without the returner dodging guys inside the 20. That might be a little exaggeration, but not by much. I am VERY worried about the ST. They give me NO reason to see it otherwise.
I highly doubt that our camp is that much harder than most, so I cant buy the theory that they are already worn out.
I used to see it like you do, but I cant live with it anymore. I have to see the evidence before I can speak it.
enjoy the season my fellow FINS FAN.the 23rd likes this. -
1) not a problem Friend Killerphins, posts are often like that...
2) once again I am in agreement w/you Friend ATLFINFAN & like your grit! well thought out & posted. it is what it is & no more excuses
I've been saying the same thing since the day Bill Parcells became KingFish in Dolfandom:
We will Contend in 2010!
time to get this operation on the road :yes: got less than two weeks before the openerATLFINFAN likes this. -
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Come on folks, it's football, we've got problems, other teams have problems, this regime has the franchise on the right track, look at the level of talent vs. 3 years ago and tell me honestly you aren't happy with where we are headed?
We are not going to win the SB this season, not quite ready for that, but we are one more off season of solid drafting and FA acquisitions from being ready, and whether we come out strong and win our division or not, we are going to have a LOT of fun watching these youngsters develop this season. Next year, look out NFL, this team will be ready to go to the SB and win it! :up:Bpk, Anonymous, ATLFINFAN and 1 other person like this. -
carry on......I am done.:knucks:RalphX19X likes this. -
Of course we have holes. The only team that doesn't is the All Pro team, and we don't play them this year. Let's try to have some perspective before we start writing obituaries for the season.
The Bills- They suck. Their starting WOLB was Reggie Torbor, until he got hurt. Their starting SOLB just retired. Lynch and Jackson are banged up. Their OL only has two players who would even make our team. Evans is their only WR, they have two back up QBs and Arena League guy. Their pass rush is a joke.
The Vikes- They have 0 OL who'd start for us aka thier OL sucks. Rice is out, Harvin has headaches. Favre is old as dirt, and rusty too. Madiueu Williams is even worse than Gibril Wilson, Tyrell Johnson isn't much better. Winfield is a gray beard, Griffin is still out with an ACL, Henderson's a ? with his broken leg.
The Jets- Sanchez still sucks. Revis is still holding out. Holmes is out for 4 games, Pace is out for 5-6 weeks. Their only good RB is fumble and injury prone. They have no OL, DL or ILB depth, they'll be asking JT to play major snaps until Pace is back. Their LG sucks too, by the way.
I wont go thru the whole schedule, but suffice to say we aren't the only team with roster concerns. So to make thread after thread (not talking to anyone specifically) about our deficiencies lacks perspective, overstates the obvious, and frankly, is kind of annoying.PhinsRock likes this. -
I've seen the passes thrown by Henne. A majority of them were on the money and beautifully thrown touch passes. The receivers just dropped them. There were a few that I remember where Henne would try to gun it when he didn't have to, but I assure you it's the receivers who are at fault, not Henne.
As for him not biting, I think he bit last season. Did you forget the Jets game on MNF?
The Special teams wasn't very bad last season. If I remember correctly, Padre posted a stat where we improved ten spots, from 22 to 12, or something like that. This pre season, the Special Team is bad, but remember it's made up of players who more than likely will not be Dolphins come September. We just have to trust our FO on this one. -
GMJohnson likes this.
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We are definite playoff contenders. Super Bowl is a no right now, I would not put money on it. anything can happen though once the season goes on and once you get in the playoffs. Giants in 2007, Cardinals in 2008, and even though we hate it the Jets took that momentum the Colts gave them and carried it to the AFC Championship game when the Colts kicked them out. Even great teams that seem to rise out of nowhere, like the Seahawks went from 9-7 to the #1 seed in one season.
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to be or not to be...