This feels so much like the start of 2016, the difference is the record is 3-2, not 1-4 (so we're starting on better footing).
Games 4 and 5 in 2016 saw:
- a 22-7 loss, away to Cin, where apart from a busted coverage TD on the 2nd play of the game, Miami's O didn't show up
- a horrific home loss where we took the lead thanks to a Jakeem Grant punt return and then watched a stagnant offense let the other team Bury us. Final score 30-17.
Even some of the stats in those 2 games are very similar to the last 2 games of this season.
After those 2 games a switch flicked for Gase and Miami went on the well documented run to the playoffs.
I think the switch somewhat flicked for Gase after Sunday. The question is whether he can actually make the changes and turn things around.
My take...
Everything for Miami starts on the ground. We have had our most success over the last 2 years when we have run the ball well. Our O-line plays better when we manage to run the ball. Our QB plays better when we manage to run the ball.
Looking at the Cin personnel, 3 backs, Nick O'Leary, I think Gase has started to realise WE NEED TO RUN. However habits are hard to break and giving up on your vision of an uptempo, high flying, pass happy offense is also a hard thing to do.
We proved we have a good D and it will only get better as people return from injury.
Frank Gore and Kenyan Drake are a great 1-2 punch. Hell, even RT17 is a threat on the ground, as are Wilson and Grant.
The key to us turning this thing round for the rest of the season is somehow embracing the run and making it all about a creative, productive running game that opens up everything else.
As stubborn as Gase is, he's proven once that he is smart enough not to bang his head against a brick wall. Will he be able to do the same again and swallow his pride and will he be able to make the changes to make the offense click?
That in my mind is what will determine the rest of the season. What does everyone else think?
(On a complete side note, how awesome would it be for Gore if he were to have a 1k season back in his home town)
Games 4 and 5 in 2016 saw:
- a 22-7 loss, away to Cin, where apart from a busted coverage TD on the 2nd play of the game, Miami's O didn't show up
- a horrific home loss where we took the lead thanks to a Jakeem Grant punt return and then watched a stagnant offense let the other team Bury us. Final score 30-17.
Even some of the stats in those 2 games are very similar to the last 2 games of this season.
After those 2 games a switch flicked for Gase and Miami went on the well documented run to the playoffs.
I think the switch somewhat flicked for Gase after Sunday. The question is whether he can actually make the changes and turn things around.
My take...
Everything for Miami starts on the ground. We have had our most success over the last 2 years when we have run the ball well. Our O-line plays better when we manage to run the ball. Our QB plays better when we manage to run the ball.
Looking at the Cin personnel, 3 backs, Nick O'Leary, I think Gase has started to realise WE NEED TO RUN. However habits are hard to break and giving up on your vision of an uptempo, high flying, pass happy offense is also a hard thing to do.
We proved we have a good D and it will only get better as people return from injury.
Frank Gore and Kenyan Drake are a great 1-2 punch. Hell, even RT17 is a threat on the ground, as are Wilson and Grant.
The key to us turning this thing round for the rest of the season is somehow embracing the run and making it all about a creative, productive running game that opens up everything else.
As stubborn as Gase is, he's proven once that he is smart enough not to bang his head against a brick wall. Will he be able to do the same again and swallow his pride and will he be able to make the changes to make the offense click?
That in my mind is what will determine the rest of the season. What does everyone else think?
(On a complete side note, how awesome would it be for Gore if he were to have a 1k season back in his home town)
