Long time now, that I've been lurking Finheaven, feeding on the knowledge of some, and smiling at the passion of most. At one point, I considered leaving, as the board became all but a mirror image of this team we love so much. People were divided, senseless arguments were being fought, we as fans were lost. Then something magical happened, and the Dolphins started winning again, pulling improbable win after improbable win against highly regarded opponents, extracting victory from the grasp of defeat against opponents to be of a lesser caliber. This leads us to today, with the Fins standing tall at 6 wins and 4 losses, on the brink of a game with tremendous playoff implication against the hated Belicheck and his mighty Patriots. This four game winning streak has appeased the masses, and created tremendous expecations for this young team.
As pleased as I am to see the rapid progress made by this group, as excited I am to see the potential offered by superior coaching and talent evaluation, I can't help myself to fear it's only smoke and mirrors. Can you blame me ? I remember my excitement when we got the greatest football coach on the planet (So we thought) as a Christmas present. I remember the promise of a 9-7 season, the satisfaction of finally snatching the franchise Quarterback we so sorely needed. And then I watched disgusted, my dreams of national prominence crumble with every DC sack, one humiliating defeat after the other. I welcomed Cam Cameron sure he would fix an anemic offense, and bring with him the winning culture of the San Diego Chargers. Once again, I saw it all go it fumes, during probably the most disgusting display of american football I had ever witnessed. I watched guys like AJ feely, Cleo Lemon trying to be successors to the great Dan Marino.
I watched the Parcells hire thinking this was yet another desperate move to salvage this franchise. Too late, I thought... But here we are Dolphin nation, on the verge of the biggest game since forever, pumped up, ready to seize what was once ours, the AFC East. You must however understand fellow dolfans, that this game means so little in the grand scheme of things. This team still has many glaring weaknesses, and is still rebuilding. God knows I would hate to lose this game, but if we do, choose to see the positives and not the negatives. Don't start throwing around posts labeling Jake Long as a bust, don't start clamoring for Henne, get off the secondary's back for these guys are finally playing with passion, and true professionals that they are. They are playing like a TEAM, they are prepared, they execute, and most of all they are learning to win.
This team will get even better next year, with another infusion of young talent, and key free-agents. I hear some people dreaming of a big time receiver with an early pick, but I know Parcells and Ireland will produce another heavy defensive draft. Next year's draft is loaded with Linebackers, and we all know BP loves Linebackers. Don't think it's an area of need ? What happens if Crowder goes down ? What about putting a real force opposite of Porter ? We all saw what happened when ferguson went down, so expect more DLine help. But most important of all, watch the secondary being remodeled, as young physical corners are added. This is why I'm excited, not because of the unexpected wins, but because of the direction I see this team going to. I see a plan, and I like it. In three years time, this team will be a powerhouse, will have depht, and will be built for the battles of January.
As sure as I am that this team is not "there" yet, I am sure that they will indeed get "there". In the mean time, enjoy the ride and the wins, and if you get pissed off after a heartbreaking loss, just think of Cam Cam and Cleo, and how far away this team is from these clowns today.
Let's go kick some Patsie butt on sunday...
Speedo
As pleased as I am to see the rapid progress made by this group, as excited I am to see the potential offered by superior coaching and talent evaluation, I can't help myself to fear it's only smoke and mirrors. Can you blame me ? I remember my excitement when we got the greatest football coach on the planet (So we thought) as a Christmas present. I remember the promise of a 9-7 season, the satisfaction of finally snatching the franchise Quarterback we so sorely needed. And then I watched disgusted, my dreams of national prominence crumble with every DC sack, one humiliating defeat after the other. I welcomed Cam Cameron sure he would fix an anemic offense, and bring with him the winning culture of the San Diego Chargers. Once again, I saw it all go it fumes, during probably the most disgusting display of american football I had ever witnessed. I watched guys like AJ feely, Cleo Lemon trying to be successors to the great Dan Marino.
I watched the Parcells hire thinking this was yet another desperate move to salvage this franchise. Too late, I thought... But here we are Dolphin nation, on the verge of the biggest game since forever, pumped up, ready to seize what was once ours, the AFC East. You must however understand fellow dolfans, that this game means so little in the grand scheme of things. This team still has many glaring weaknesses, and is still rebuilding. God knows I would hate to lose this game, but if we do, choose to see the positives and not the negatives. Don't start throwing around posts labeling Jake Long as a bust, don't start clamoring for Henne, get off the secondary's back for these guys are finally playing with passion, and true professionals that they are. They are playing like a TEAM, they are prepared, they execute, and most of all they are learning to win.
This team will get even better next year, with another infusion of young talent, and key free-agents. I hear some people dreaming of a big time receiver with an early pick, but I know Parcells and Ireland will produce another heavy defensive draft. Next year's draft is loaded with Linebackers, and we all know BP loves Linebackers. Don't think it's an area of need ? What happens if Crowder goes down ? What about putting a real force opposite of Porter ? We all saw what happened when ferguson went down, so expect more DLine help. But most important of all, watch the secondary being remodeled, as young physical corners are added. This is why I'm excited, not because of the unexpected wins, but because of the direction I see this team going to. I see a plan, and I like it. In three years time, this team will be a powerhouse, will have depht, and will be built for the battles of January.
As sure as I am that this team is not "there" yet, I am sure that they will indeed get "there". In the mean time, enjoy the ride and the wins, and if you get pissed off after a heartbreaking loss, just think of Cam Cam and Cleo, and how far away this team is from these clowns today.
Let's go kick some Patsie butt on sunday...
Speedo
