Dolphins headed back to London in 2015

[Daytona Fin]

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreer
Per NFL source, the teams going to London in '15 (Mia, NYJ, Jax, Buf, KC, Det) will get the bye. Automatic bye could be gone as soon as '16.

 

[Daytona Fin]

Why in the new world did Dolphins owner Steve Ross agree to play the first intradivisional game ever in London next season?

Before answering all that, let's understand the actual issue the team confronted once it volunteered to play a "home" game in London in 2015. Because the involved details allow a better understanding of why they'll play the Jets there in October.

Here's the deal: The league allows teams to exempt three home opponents from the London trip. Any three. It was easy for the Dolphins to cut down to four, team insiders decided: New England, Dallas and both New York teams, the Giants and Jets.

All good games. All big opponents for differing reasons. But the underlying question went beyond a simple case of strategic scheduling, the way it all worked out.

The issue was this: Is football or marketing the top priority?

Finally, there were the Jets. A top rival. A division opponent. But a team that plays here every season. And a team that sells a good number of tickets but typically doesn't sell out. The average crowd is 67,292 in the past five seasons.

This is, in part, why owners like Dallas' Jerry Jones and New England's Robert Kraft refuse to surrender a home game to play in London. In fact, 22 teams have yet to volunteer one of their games for London.

The Dolphins volunteered this time to fulfill a criteria of the Super Bowl bid, a source said. The renovations to the stadium are part of the problem as, "it's hard to build with a game every week,'' the team source said.

Let's be real, too: Many fans will pick just the way the team did in this. Getting a rare chance to watch the Cowboys and Giants in person would trump the annual visit by the Jets.


But if you're coaching the team? Joe Philbin refused to answer the question on Thursday, but common sense says he'd rather play the division opponent at home and a non-division opponent on the road.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dave-hyde-commentary-1107-20141106-column.html

 

[Dolph N.Fan]

Yeah it's obvious Robert Kraft would never give up precious home games.

 

[Daytona Fin]

If Miami is averaging 70,000 in attendance the stadium must hold 140,000..... Cause there have been several games this year where that stadium was more orange seats than the usual opposing teams fans.


That or every one through the gate is clicked twice coming through the turn style.


There was a game earlier this year and on the replays on Inside the NFL is was embarrassing how many seats were empty. But still.. Somehow magically averaging 70,000.

I will be there next Thursday night... Will be fun to see the announced attendance versus the eye test.

I'm waiting on the results of that eye test.

 

[TheWalrus]

It's actually a good time for this thread to come back, given how into the game the crowd was last night. Definitely a factor in a big game against a divisional rival.

And we just forfeited that advantage for our home game against the Jets next year. Who but the most ardent Ross knob gobbler could be anything but angry about this?

 

[roy_miami]

The Jets will probably be the worst team in the AFC East again next year, would much rather play the Bills and the Pats at home for sure if I had to choose two. I'm guessing the third exempt was the Colts game.

 

[DeathStar]

The Jets will probably be the worst team in the AFC East again next year, would much rather play the Bills and the Pats at home for sure if I had to choose two. I'm guessing the third exempt was the Colts game.

What does that have to do with anything?

The Jets/Miami home game is the best crowd experience. It's the Bills game last night x 5.

 

[roy_miami]

What does that have to do with anything?

The Jets/Miami home game is the best crowd experience. It's the Bills game last night x 5.

I'm thinking in terms of getting the win, not the crowd experience. They will likely be playing a rookie QB with a new head coach, and they'll likely suck. We shouldn't need the crowd to help us win. The crowd will help a lot more vs the Colts, which will likely be our toughest home game of the season next year, and that game could be the worth the number one seed with a first round bye in the playoffs. In other words, winning that Colts game could greatly increase our odds of winning the Super Bowl.

If we can't beat the Jets we're **** anyway.

 

[Sons Of Shula]

The Jets/Miami home game is the best crowd experience.

Ah hell no. I ****ing hate those assholes; all of them. I'm glad I won't have to deal with any dick head Jet fans next year.

In fact, I actually like this tactic because it won't give those damn invasive transplant Jet fans an opportunity to see their team next year. Those ****ing idiots can go back to NJ and stay there.

 

[phins_4_ever]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dave-hyde-commentary-1107-20141106-column.html

First of all as a season ticket holder Dallas is not a bonus. I prefer to see the Jets at home over the Cowboys anytime. Same with Giants. I already gag when those teams are constantly shoved down my throat on TV.

I really would dump any NFC team if I have to give up a home game. Division opponents and AFC rivals would always have priority as home games for me. Right now the Dolphins have only the hard core fan base purchasing season tickets. Those who are dumb enough to stick around the misery (idiots like me). And I think I speak for all of them if I say that division games should always have priority.

That BS about 67,000 is laughable. The stadium is only supposed to hold 65000 from next year on. Don't have to be a math specialist for that one.

Why not let your season ticket holders decide. Send them a letter or email:

Hi, this is Stephen 'sucking Goodell's ****' Ross.
Which of the following home opponents are you willing to give up?
----
-----
----

Your NY loving owner

PS any choice other than NY Jets will be disqualified

Seriously, why not let the most loyal fans decide what game they want to see instead of force feeding us games where I have to see a botox pumped face from Jerry Jones on the Jumbotron every 5 minutes.

 

[DeathStar]

Yeah it's obvious Robert Kraft would never give up precious home games.

Smart owner realizes there is no value in hosting a Super Bowl...Stupid Ross.

---------- Post added at 11:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:14 PM ----------

Ah hell no. I ****ing hate those assholes; all of them. I'm glad I won't have to deal with any dick head Jet fans next year.

In fact, I actually like this tactic because it won't give those damn invasive transplant Jet fans an opportunity to see their team next year. Those ****ing idiots can go back to NJ and stay there.

The crowd interaction is the best part...After a win, it's the best part walking down the concourses and into the parking lot.

 

[Sons Of Shula]

First of all as a season ticket holder Dallas is not a bonus. I prefer to see the Jets at home over the Cowboys anytime. Same with Giants. I already gag when those teams are constantly shoved down my throat on TV.

I really would dump any NFC team if I have to give up a home game. Division opponents and AFC rivals would always have priority as home games for me. Right now the Dolphins have only the hard core fan base purchasing season tickets. Those who are dumb enough to stick around the misery (idiots like me). And I think I speak for all of them if I say that division games should always have priority.

That BS about 67,000 is laughable. The stadium is only supposed to hold 65000 from next year on. Don't have to be a math specialist for that one.

Why not let your season ticket holders decide. Send them a letter or email:



Seriously, why not let the most loyal fans decide what game they want to see instead of force feeding us games where I have to see a botox pumped face from Jerry Jones on the Jumbotron every 5 minutes.

Although I fully agree with your Dallas sentiments, I gave my opinion on the matter above your post. **** the Jets and their fans. We still get 7 games and those inbred NJ transplant folk who invade South Florida because their state sucks ass do not get to see their team. I kinda like that.