And Then There Was One.......... | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

And Then There Was One..........

FinFan57

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Coming into this year, as everyone knows, Nick Saban inherited a 4-12 team that was a disaster in almost all areas. An aging defense, the worst O-line in the NFL, no answers at QB or RB. Saban had his work cut out for him.

I really think Saban has whittled, prodded, added, and reworked the Dolphins to a point where I believe he is only 1 major area away from making this team into a top NFL team.

After watching 2 out 3 outstanding perfomances by the O-line this year, I believe Houck has taken this group off of life support and we can now say we have a decent O-line, not spectactular, but decent. I think our D-line and linebacker corps have been magnificent. We are one of the best run-stopping teams in the league, thanks to the play of our front 7. Our receivers have been mistake-prone and are not in synch yet, but the talent is clearly there and Linehan will shape this group up during the bye week.

We have a reliable QB who is winning games. Maybe Gus won't be nominated for the Pro Bowl, but he gives us hope and he's managing games. Our receivers need to start catching more balls also. It's not just Gus's fault.

Ronnie Brown had his coming out party and with Ricky one game away, the Double R Train will start rolling soon enough.

I think we're down to our secondary. Reggie Howard has to be dealt with. I'm sure the corners will be at the top of Saban's agenda this bye week. Sam needs a swift kick to the gonads for the ridiculous penalties he committed yesterday and Howard needs to do some pine time. I'll let the much wiser Nick Saban how to fix our lone remaining major problem.

Oh yes.....the brain farts must stop. Our penalities and mental mistakes have to be cleaned up during the bye week if we plan to compete with the big boys.
 
Anyone know if there's going to be some good FA corners next offseason?
 
FinFan57 said:
Coming into this year, as everyone knows, Nick Saban inherited a 4-12 team that was a disaster in almost all areas. An aging defense, the worst O-line in the NFL, no answers at QB or RB. Saban had his work cut out for him.

I really think Saban has whittled, prodded, added, and reworked the Dolphins to a point where I believe he is only 1 major area away from making this team into a top NFL team.

After watching 2 out 3 outstanding perfomances by the O-line this year, I believe Houck has taken this group off of life support and we can now say we have a decent O-line, not spectactular, but decent. I think our D-line and linebacker corps have been magnificent. We are one of the best run-stopping teams in the league, thanks to the play of our front 7. Our receivers have been mistake-prone and are not in synch yet, but the talent is clearly there and Linehan will shape this group up during the bye week.

We have a reliable QB who is winning games. Maybe Gus won't be nominated for the Pro Bowl, but he gives us hope and he's managing games. Our receivers need to start catching more balls also. It's not just Gus's fault.

Ronnie Brown had his coming out party and with Ricky one game away, the Double R Train will start rolling soon enough.

I think we're down to our secondary. Reggie Howard has to be dealt with. I'm sure the corners will be at the top of Saban's agenda this bye week. Sam needs a swift kick to the gonads for the ridiculous penalties he committed yesterday and Howard needs to do some pine time. I'll let the much wiser Nick Saban how to fix our lone remaining major problem.

Oh yes.....the brain farts must stop. Our penalities and mental mistakes have to be cleaned up during the bye week if we plan to compete with the big boys.
I agree 110%
 
So far I'll agree. However, still a bit early to say our oline has turned the corner. I am definitely more excited about this oline than I have been in YEARS. However, still not sold on them.

Penalties have still been the biggest sore spot for this team IMO. As bad as our secondary has been, there should never be that many penalties on a well coached team.
 
Will Poole's injury really hurt. He was basically the guy who allowed us to trade Surtain.
 
I agree also. I just hope QB does not turn into more of an issue. I think you are right about the O-line. Saban also seems to have done a really nice job of improving the atmosphere around the team. Despite last year's record, this does not seem like a "losing" team. There seems to be a lot of hope, and I believe it is justified.:cool:
 
I usually don't post much, but this keeps running through my head. When i was watching the game sunday, a stat was shown that disturbed me. Miami has the oldest defense in the NFL. I know we have a lot of young players injured, but they aren't getting the experience they need. Especially on the D line. I know saban will do something about this, but how qiuckly will it happen?

Anyway, I think with will poole coming back next year, we will again have two very good young corners in poole and daniels. I think they both beat out sam next year. Safety is where i think we will have to improve. just my opinion.
 
FinFan57 said:
After watching 2 out 3 outstanding perfomances by the O-line this year, I believe Houck has taken this group off of life support and we can now say we have a decent O-line, not spectactular, but decent. .

Somewhat agree. Our Pass blocking has been excellent,but so far, the run blocking is well below average. Not terrible like last season, but not average either. The holes just are not there like they are with other teams. Hopefully this will come in time, my fear is that it wll be back to the Richmond Webb days where run blocking never emerged. But, if Gus, Chris, Randy and Marty continue to improve, that, in itself, will improve teh run blocking situation.
 
Replacing Howard with Poole, for example, will improve the age issue. Seau and Traylor won't be starting for us forever, either. I think the team is already doing a good job of reloading on defense.

I do believe that Howard's performance is making the team hope more and more that Poole is able to play this season...I just hope they don't rush him back too quickly.

After watching Lucas play for the Panthers last week, I wish we picked HIM up in the offseason! Glad we didn't have to face him this week.
 
dafinman said:
I usually don't post much, but this keeps running through my head. When i was watching the game sunday, a stat was shown that disturbed me. Miami has the oldest defense in the NFL. I know we have a lot of young players injured, but they aren't getting the experience they need. Especially on the D line. I know saban will do something about this, but how qiuckly will it happen?

Anyway, I think with will poole coming back next year, we will again have two very good young corners in poole and daniels. I think they both beat out sam next year. Safety is where i think we will have to improve. just my opinion.

Saban will be working on this in the draft and FA. Crowder was a big pick up for us.... (Can you believe they introduced him as Spragan, then corrected it... Not good at home)
 
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