Chris Perkins: Dolphins headed for mediocrity in 2025 before 2026 rebuild

[Etuoo33]

I had hope at the end of the season presser when Grier said we know we have to invest in the offensive line, we’ve learned our lesson etc, then in true Dolphins fashion only address part of the issue with the offensive line meaning by signing Daniels and drafting Jonah we addressed the starting line but we didn’t do nearly enough to address the depth. We are relying on 3 huge unknowns in basically 2 rookies with Paul and Savaii and Daniels coming off his Achilles injury, so we needed quality depth and our answer was Eich and Borom ?

Eich I even understand a bit, he had games last year where he wasn’t completely horrible, he’s cheap, he knows the system and he’s has multi positional versatility so I get him in the 7th/8th OL role…but Borom??!!! This guy was one of the worst tackles by any measure in the NFL, and the game they referenced of him at guard bs Buffalo he was actually even worse rated than he was at tackle, but after watching that take our team decides he’s a good option? There were 2 better options from his own oline that signed for a similar amount, plus Mbow was there for the taking in the 5th for quality depth this year.

That’s my other concern with McDaniel, his lack of emphasis on the oline and thinking he can scheme around having average players, hopefully he’s teamed his lesson watching the past couple o unfold, because he was pushing Grier to invest in the skill position players and trusting him scheme to overcome the investment in the offensive line. That doesn’t work, you need quality starters and depth you can rely on scheming around the better players and defenses will find a way to overcome it, and then talent always wins out in the end.

Reminds me of when Gase was here he went out with Andrew Abramson who used to be a local beat reporter and told him after a few beers that his scheme was so good he could bring in guys off the street and have a good oline. McDaniel seems much more humble and willing to learn than that pompous asshole but time will tell if he’s learned to really prioritize the OL and not rely on outsmarting everyone all the time.

There are 22 starters on O and D and another 11 on ST's. There are 5 on the OL. Bringing in 2 new starters and 3 or 4 more potential backups is a pretty good percentage of new blood for the OL. Bitch all you want about "Grier can't build an OL" But the same can be said for 20 other teams out there. We are a far cry from the jokes we fielded in 2018-19. Now we are competitive when healthy and in the same boat as most teams when starters are out. There is no quality depth in the NFL, too many teams.

 

[AgentXof12]

I just don't believe in the personnel managing this team. I wish I did, and because I don't I would begin making the preparations to transition them out of the organization entirely. That goes for McDaniel and for Grier.

The next matter is QB. I believe the best move for this team is to try and set Tua up to have a league-leading potentially MVP season. I mean really truly ball out like it's 2023. Get this man 4500 passing yards and 30+ TDs, because it sets us up for the next move in 2026. Trade him for a tractor trailer full of draft picks (if possible). Trade Tyreek. Trade Waddle. Trade anything that looks valuable. Because 2026 looks like a year of pain and growth, developing young players, and so forth.

Then there's Ewers, who I would make chief clipboard holder for at least a couple of seasons. Really try and develop him because I think the potential is very much there. You don't bet the farm on him, but you take a long look and see what kind of development can be done there. He either is hungry to play football or he's not. I've heard he might not be, but then I also see where if he is then following the Tom Brady path makes sense in terms of correcting all his flaws and really grinding to become NFL ready. It's up to him.

2027 would be the next season this team is possibly in contention with 2028 being the "all systems are go" year.

Of course, I feel like all of it is irrelevant without the right man at GM. It all starts from there and flows from there.

 

[Etuoo33]

Yeah, it’s hard to find stats on this because it’s very subjective. However, there are numerous articles talking about how the league in general needs to do better. McD isn’t “wasting” TO’s any more than his peers.

Here’s a good read:

NFL Clock Mismanagement Becoming a Massive Problem

NFL head coaches have had several atrocious blunders of clock management that cost or nearly cost their team a game this season. The coaches get paid for these things: think fast and efficiently against the clock. From usages of timeouts to letting timeouts go to waste, games are left hanging in...

theleadsm.com

I'm not sure I agree. I saw almost every game the last 3 years and I see time outs being used way before we get to the 4:00 minute mark in the 2nd and 4th qtrs. As for other coaches, same deal, the NFLPA has diluted practice time down to just a Showtime feature film. We don't get time to do more than just an install on the game plan. There is not much time for situational football and McClown not having a play ready quickly is just sorry. He has to analyze, then consult, then try to communicate, get the right players in.... It's just a mess, every game.

 

[Finsup1981]

There are 22 starters on O and D and another 11 on ST's. There are 5 on the OL. Bringing in 2 new starters and 3 or 4 more potential backups is a pretty good percentage of new blood for the OL. Bitch all you want about "Grier can't build an OL" But the same can be said for 20 other teams out there. We are a far cry from the jokes we fielded in 2018-19. Now we are competitive when healthy and in the same boat as most teams when starters are out. There is no quality depth in the NFL, too many teams.

My issue is them watching tape of Borom and deciding he could be quality depth, there were way better options and it makes me question their ability to recognize talent. He should have not been considered at all especially with the guys that signed for about what he did that were much better players.

 

[Etuoo33]

So they don't actually like him and he has lost the locker room but they gave him an A+ because they want to stay at club med in Miami. Got it.

And you know this how?

Word has leaked out from former MD players and disgruntled players, and media people who have a limited access to both.

 

[Etuoo33]

My issue is them watching tape of Borom and deciding he could be quality depth, there were way better options and it makes me question their ability to recognize talent. He should have not been considered at all especially with the guys that signed for about what he did that were much better players.

We see the tape and it doesn't look good. They may be thinking the if we put him in a better situation other than playing out of position(LT) or coming in as a rookie and not being ready, he might be successful? He has the size, and now has been in the NFL for a few years, the light may go on. He's just another cut and out of the league if not.

 

[danmarino7051]

I'm not sure I agree. I saw almost every game the last 3 years and I see time outs being used way before we get to the 4:00 minute mark in the 2nd and 4th qtrs. As for other coaches, same deal, the NFLPA has diluted practice time down to just a Showtime feature film. We don't get time to do more than just an install on the game plan. There is not much time for situational football and McClown not having a play ready quickly is just sorry. He has to analyze, then consult, then try to communicate, get the right players in.... It's just a mess, every game.

I’ve watched every game more than once.

One thing I’ve learned in my over 45 yrs of NFL watching and Miami Dolphins fandom is that when you have a favorite team you become overly critical. Again, I’ve seen no evidence that McD is worse at using TO’s than the league in general. It’s like the other guy who honestly believed that delay of game penalties were some major flaw in McD’s coaching. In reality, he’s gotten much better each season and he was 3rd best in the NFL last season. We watch the Dolphins and hope for perfection and when that doesn’t happen we get overly critical.

We have to also take into account that players affect the plays timing pre and post. Some of that is on McD, some of that is on having new players, some of that is on the player for not knowing the play. But again, wasted timeouts seems to be a huge issue in the NFL right now. IMO, I think the limited practicing allowed by the NFL and Player’s Union plays a huge part in that.

 

[Ryan1973]

In both cases though it would show he hasn't lost the locker room. The players like him, whether that's from soft camps, days off or they actually think he is a good coach is all just speculation. The only known fact is he got a A+ on his report.

That might be all well and good but it doesn't mean anything at the end of the day!

 

[danmarino7051]

Word has leaked out from former MD players and disgruntled players, and media people who have a limited access to both.

Can you show these leaks? I’ve honestly looked and haven’t seen any players bad mouthing McD.

 

[EasyRider]

So they don't actually like him and he has lost the locker room but they gave him an A+ because they want to stay at club med in Miami. Got it.

And you know this how?

Anyone can see it in their play
****, Hill said it best last year, exposed him
You’re a fool if you take that survey to heart
And where did I say “they didn’t like him”???
They can like the guy personally but not respect him as a coach, and that has shown in the preparation for sure
I like a lot of people, doesn’t mean I think they’re good at their jobs

 

[EasyRider]

That might be all well and good but it doesn't mean anything at the end of the day!

Spot on
Great!!! They like me!!!! Why can’t I get these guys to play for me? lol

 

[clownfish]

I just don't believe in the personnel managing this team. I wish I did, and because I don't I would begin making the preparations to transition them out of the organization entirely. That goes for McDaniel and for Grier.

The next matter is QB. I believe the best move for this team is to try and set Tua up to have a league-leading potentially MVP season. I mean really truly ball out like it's 2023. Get this man 4500 passing yards and 30+ TDs, because it sets us up for the next move in 2026. Trade him for a tractor trailer full of draft picks (if possible). Trade Tyreek. Trade Waddle. Trade anything that looks valuable. Because 2026 looks like a year of pain and growth, developing young players, and so forth.

Then there's Ewers, who I would make chief clipboard holder for at least a couple of seasons. Really try and develop him because I think the potential is very much there. You don't bet the farm on him, but you take a long look and see what kind of development can be done there. He either is hungry to play football or he's not. I've heard he might not be, but then I also see where if he is then following the Tom Brady path makes sense in terms of correcting all his flaws and really grinding to become NFL ready. It's up to him.

2027 would be the next season this team is possibly in contention with 2028 being the "all systems are go" year.

Of course, I feel like all of it is irrelevant without the right man at GM. It all starts from there and flows from there.

So your plan is to trade the best QB we’ve had since Marino and hope that a 7th round QB develops into a better starter? Wow. Terrible take. Ewers is NOT it.

 

[clownfish]

Can you show these leaks? I’ve honestly looked and haven’t seen any players bad mouthing McD.

There are no leaks. It’s made up to fit an agenda. Just like claiming to watch the tape on Borom. All these posters claiming that Borom is terrible based on fvcking PFF rankings can bounce. They’re just regurgitating what the media tells them.

 

[Scotty_P]

The writer must have consulted the oracle at Delphi.

No one knows what will happen. Wild guesswork is all this writer is doing.

Like many who post on this site.

Couldn't agree more. Im not as down as this writer is. We added two Guards to keep Tua clean and a beast RB to help with the short game. Our D-line is scary (pending everyone is healthy). Our secondary is scary too though, but not in a good way.

Yes were in a mini rebuild, but lets wait and see what happens. Thinking our Superbowl chances are gone when just becasue Ramsey is leaving is just silly.

 

[PhinFan1968]

That is disingenuous.

That isn't the bar. You know that.

The quote you're referencing is part of a back-and-forth aimed at a poster's lazy take who wants to act like he wasn't totally onboard in '22 and '23 when things were good.

Fact is, he was, just like everybody was and then a ridiculous series of (unpredictable) injuries hit and we didn't get what we want.

The real men just grow up and choose to accept that, learn what lessons can be learned and move on in a new direction doing the smartest and most responsible things possible. Being an adult isn't that interesting.

Posting reactionary stuff on the internet that contradicts what optimism you had 2-3 years ago doesn't require being responsible. People can act like they weren't fans and didn't buy in. They can claim they saw it all coming and that the people in charge are just too stupid....at least not as smart as they are.

What sucks is that the lousy woah-is-me attitude of lazy posters here ends up being the problem of those who accept reality for what it is and have to spend their time reminding those lazy posters that there was a narrative to all that.

Pounding the table acting like you're smarter than people who 'have no excuse for failure' is just lazy. It's not analysis or actual fandom. It's reactionary nonsense.

Disingenuous my ass...there are plenty posters on this forum who are perfectly happy with one-and-done in the playoffs.

You can blame it on injuries all you want. Reality says there are tons of injuries in the league every year, and there's no reason to expect otherwise...its the norm.

And yes, I was optimistic a couple years ago, and I came to the realization in real-time, for the first time, that this team is fraudulent. It didn't take for the current HC or GM to be gone for it to sink in that they weren't what the team needed.

You can call mine or other posters' posts nonsense all you want, I call what the Miami Dolphins organization has become nonsense. Is it lazy? I dunno...how much "work" do you put in to being a fan of a sports team?