Frustration With Patriots - Hope on the Horizon

[Da 'Fins]

I am thoroughly frustrated at the Patriots not only stealing away players the Dolphins tried to sign, but their ability to have the cap space to sign them in spite of their continued success over the Dolphins. When was the last time the Dolphins had a better record? 2000. Even last year, the Pats were within a play or two of the SB (which they would have won just as Indy did). The Dolphins have not only made big mistakes with their salary cap, they've made blunders in free agency and simply haven't been a true contending team - even when they won 10-11 games. Now, the Pats are still able to grab more free agents and shore up their weakest positions!

Anyone who think the Pats won't win the division and certainly beat out Miami next year should have his head examined. It's also pretty humorous that so many Dolphin fans rip the Pats moves as bad ones (I guess it's a psychological ploy to buttress their own self-esteem) - when Pioli has only put together 3 SB winning teams and one last year that was one or two pass catches away from a 4th. Until they start losing, there's no basis for doubting their moves.

However, there are good signs in all this. The reason the Pats have been able to be so successful is not just having a good coach in Belichick, but having a good front office that generally makes the right personnel decisions. The greatest error that Huizenga has made is in putting his trust in one man - and a coach at that. From JJ to Whinestedt to Satan. Hopefully he is finally realizing that after 10 years of that, the model does not work in the NFL.

Randy Meuller may not be the best GM/Personnel man in the league, but he is considered a good one. And, though it is excruciatingly frustrating to see the Pats (of ALL TEAMS!) to get the very players the Dolphins wanted and needed, in the long run I like the direction we are going.

The Pats started to build through the draft - and accumulated a lot of picks over the years. Each draft brought some of the mainstays (Brady; Seymour; the OL; Bruschi; Branch; etc.) - and then they added a few key veterans along the way (e.g., Harrison). I feel good that Meuller is focused on accumulating draft picks rather than parting with them for untested 3rd rounders or for questionable veterans. I'm sure that Meuller will make some wrong decisions along the way - ones many will disagree with. And, he may fail. But, at least we finally have the right blueprint in place. Let's just hope the builders can follow it effectively.

 

[BLITZKRIEG]

Let's face it folks, as long as Pioli / Belichick / Brady are in New England, they're going to be fielding teams that will contend every year. We can't prevent that from happening, all we can do is try and keep up with them...

Personally, I think we've done a very respectable job at doing so. The Phinz are one team that the Pats always see as a threat, and it's based on the fact that we give them just as much trouble as they give us....

I certainly don't fear the Patriots, I respect them, but I will never fear them. The game is played on the field, and regardless of them winning the division year after year, we match up with them very well whenever we play them. This is a serious rivalry now, and looking at the past, we've held our own all things considered....

It's funny how we can get swept by both the Bills / Jets, and yet nobody even mentions them as a threat to us. It's the Patriots who always seem to get more respect than they deserve when going head to head. We play in a very tight division, and no one team should really be considered significantly better....

PHINZ RULE!!!!!

 

[mariocarciero]

I am thoroughly frustrated at the Patriots not only stealing away players the Dolphins tried to sign, but their ability to have the cap space to sign them in spite of their continued success over the Dolphins. When was the last time the Dolphins had a better record? 2000. Even last year, the Pats were within a play or two of the SB (which they would have won just as Indy did). The Dolphins have not only made big mistakes with their salary cap, they've made blunders in free agency and simply haven't been a true contending team - even when they won 10-11 games. Now, the Pats are still able to grab more free agents and shore up their weakest positions!

Anyone who think the Pats won't win the division and certainly beat out Miami next year should have his head examined. It's also pretty humorous that so many Dolphin fans rip the Pats moves as bad ones (I guess it's a psychological ploy to buttress their own self-esteem) - when Pioli has only put together 3 SB winning teams and one last year that was one or two pass catches away from a 4th. Until they start losing, there's no basis for doubting their moves.

However, there are good signs in all this. The reason the Pats have been able to be so successful is not just having a good coach in Belichick, but having a good front office that generally makes the right personnel decisions. The greatest error that Huizenga has made is in putting his trust in one man - and a coach at that. From JJ to Whinestedt to Satan. Hopefully he is finally realizing that after 10 years of that, the model does not work in the NFL.

Randy Meuller may not be the best GM/Personnel man in the league, but he is considered a good one. And, though it is excruciatingly frustrating to see the Pats (of ALL TEAMS!) to get the very players the Dolphins wanted and needed, in the long run I like the direction we are going.

The Pats started to build through the draft - and accumulated a lot of picks over the years. Each draft brought some of the mainstays (Brady; Seymour; the OL; Bruschi; Branch; etc.) - and then they added a few key veterans along the way (e.g., Harrison). I feel good that Meuller is focused on accumulating draft picks rather than parting with them for untested 3rd rounders or for questionable veterans. I'm sure that Meuller will make some wrong decisions along the way - ones many will disagree with. And, he may fail. But, at least we finally have the right blueprint in place. Let's just hope the builders can follow it effectively.

You will not get many responses to this because everyone knows you are 100% honest and right!! This truth will hurt some fans and there will be some out to get you, but I respect your courage to post this.

Go Phins even though we have no chance this year.

 

[PYRO]

I will not argue with your logic for you are 100% correct. As much as I hate to admit it the Patriots are the Number one team in the Afc East and Probably the entire NFL. They know how to win, period, end of story. They win because they seem to know what plays to call and what players they need, as well as knowing how to use them. Would I like the Dolphins to win the division next year, you bet your bottom I do. But the Truth is we need a really pumped up team with a little luck and good play calling. We may not have all the talent we need but we have the motivation to beat great teams such as bears and shutting out Pats 21-0. It will be hard but the Pats will continue to win as long as Pioli and Bilichick are heading up the Organization.

 

[Notorious]

maybe..maybe not

I am thoroughly frustrated at the Patriots not only stealing away players the Dolphins tried to sign, but their ability to have the cap space to sign them in spite of their continued success over the Dolphins. When was the last time the Dolphins had a better record? 2000. Even last year, the Pats were within a play or two of the SB (which they would have won just as Indy did). The Dolphins have not only made big mistakes with their salary cap, they've made blunders in free agency and simply haven't been a true contending team - even when they won 10-11 games. Now, the Pats are still able to grab more free agents and shore up their weakest positions!

Anyone who think the Pats won't win the division and certainly beat out Miami next year should have his head examined. It's also pretty humorous that so many Dolphin fans rip the Pats moves as bad ones (I guess it's a psychological ploy to buttress their own self-esteem) - when Pioli has only put together 3 SB winning teams and one last year that was one or two pass catches away from a 4th. Until they start losing, there's no basis for doubting their moves.

However, there are good signs in all this. The reason the Pats have been able to be so successful is not just having a good coach in Belichick, but having a good front office that generally makes the right personnel decisions. The greatest error that Huizenga has made is in putting his trust in one man - and a coach at that. From JJ to Whinestedt to Satan. Hopefully he is finally realizing that after 10 years of that, the model does not work in the NFL.

Randy Meuller may not be the best GM/Personnel man in the league, but he is considered a good one. And, though it is excruciatingly frustrating to see the Pats (of ALL TEAMS!) to get the very players the Dolphins wanted and needed, in the long run I like the direction we are going.

The Pats started to build through the draft - and accumulated a lot of picks over the years. Each draft brought some of the mainstays (Brady; Seymour; the OL; Bruschi; Branch; etc.) - and then they added a few key veterans along the way (e.g., Harrison). I feel good that Meuller is focused on accumulating draft picks rather than parting with them for untested 3rd rounders or for questionable veterans. I'm sure that Meuller will make some wrong decisions along the way - ones many will disagree with. And, he may fail. But, at least we finally have the right blueprint in place. Let's just hope the builders can follow it effectively.

I too agree with most of what you say. See my Father is a die hard patriots fan. Ever since I was little he's kinda hated on the fact that I was a Dolphins & Marino Fan. Trying to buy me Pats gear etc. I mean even back when they sucked this guy has every patriots item that you can possibly buy from Tonka Trucks to Flags, to Dinner Plates. Now since Free Agency has began everytime I had something to brag about or a player we were going to sign.. I come home from work and he tells me NE Signed that player. Its very frustrating, however at the same time you have to be realistic in a sense.

Stallworth - Fast guy, but VERY inconsistent over his career. One game he will be amazing and the next you won't hear his name, not to mention his hamy is very injury prone. I think he will make a difference for them, but he will never be compared to elite recievers because he doesn't play well every game. Deff a good pickup for them and might burn our secondary but hes really a hit or miss free agent.

Wes Welker - I loved this guy. I bragged about him all last season and in fact he burned the patriots hard this year, and I was pissed because when we traded him my dad didn't even really know who the guy was. It was like he was pissed the Pats were signing a scrub or something. I think hes a great athlete and he will do a hell of a job replacing Troy Brown who seemed to have the same responsibilities I see welker taking over. However when trying to rebuild a team who would pass on a 2nd & an Additional Pick. We ened to build through the draft and hes a guy that can be replaced through the draft if we scout well. There are a lot of upcoming guys with speed & good reads. Wes works 150% on every play though and thats hard to replace but this move is questionable I mean should Miami of paid a slot/small reciever big bucks? I dont think so, if Miami would of matched the offer it would of been a bad use of cap money and left us pretty much dead after the signing.

Washington - This guy is hit or miss anywyas really. Most free agents are questionable even when they are well known big names, but this guy doesnt have much to show for him anyways. Guys dont always work out in new systems so expect atleast 2 of new englands recievers to get cut and Washington most likely will be one of them. ie. Look at branch in seattle.

Also as good as the Patriots are I expect to Split the 2 divisional games against them this year. We always play really hard against them, we ussualy step up against big teams. We have a better coaching staff this year, hopefully we have a more reliable QB situation and we appear to be building a foundation to Help Ronnie Brown out with the addition of Cory & Talks about Signing Lehr.

 

[Todd347347]

Let them spend in free agency, the more the better imo. The phins are just not in the same stage of development. the pats are there, the phins are just starting and its going to take a couple years.

 

[SabanHater]

We didn't have the money to throw around like they did. I wasn't all that impressed with the FA's this year anyway. We will be in better shape next offseason and remember that we are building from the bottom.... the Patriots are building from the top. Their foundation has been solid for many many years.

 

[PhinfanUK]

You will not get many responses to this because everyone knows you are 100% honest and right!! This truth will hurt some fans and there will be some out to get you, but I respect your courage to post this.

Go Phins even though we have no chance this year.

We will always have a chance with our Defense. Throw in Ricky and Ronnie and I think we can be contenders this year. All our success this season depends on Cam's playcalling.

 

[PhinstiGator]

...Anyone who think the Pats won't win the division and certainly beat out Miami next year should have his head examined. It's also pretty humorous that so many Dolphin fans rip the Pats moves as bad ones ....

I don't see any good reason to worship an opposing team. Face it...they screwed up by letting really good players go. It cost them. Now they are scrambling to fix the problems before Brady's arm falls off.

Bellichick is making his final run before he retires. He doesn't care much about the long-term future. The current moves could easily back-fire.

I'm certainly not giving them the division championship yet. They have to earn it. Fans can roll over all they want...but, football has to be played out one week at a time. Any such projections are foolish and emotional at this early stage in the off-season.

 

[absoluteLance]

Pats are setting themselves up for Bellichick to get another superbowl or two and then retire. With all their big signings hopefully they have a horrible cap situation in 4 years or so. We need to acquire young talent in the draft. Players every year get bigger, faster, smarter, and better.

 

[Shula Fan]

Stallworth is one blunt away from a yearlong ban. That's why I didn't want him to begin with.

 

[PhinfanUK]

I don't see any good reason to worship an opposing team. Face it...they screwed up by letting really good players go. It cost them. Now they are scrambling to fix the problems before Brady's arm falls off.

Bellichick is making his final run before he retires. He doesn't care much about the long-term future. The current moves could easily back-fire.

I'm certainly not giving them the division championship yet. They have to earn it. Fans can roll over all they want...but, football has to be played out one week at a time. Any such projections are foolish and emotional at this early stage in the off-season.

Which of their moves don't you like? Adalius Thomas was a great signing and they haven't thrown a ton of money at anyone that doesn't deserve it. I think they go into next season as the favourites to win the Superbowl.

 

[PhinstiGator]

Stallworth is one blunt away from a yearlong ban. That's why I didn't want him to begin with.

Sammie Morris needs some more ROIDS. Kelly Washington's hammy hurts.

 

[rick32883]

I am thoroughly frustrated at the Patriots not only stealing away players the Dolphins tried to sign, but their ability to have the cap space to sign them in spite of their continued success over the Dolphins. When was the last time the Dolphins had a better record? 2000. Even last year, the Pats were within a play or two of the SB (which they would have won just as Indy did). The Dolphins have not only made big mistakes with their salary cap, they've made blunders in free agency and simply haven't been a true contending team - even when they won 10-11 games. Now, the Pats are still able to grab more free agents and shore up their weakest positions!

Anyone who think the Pats won't win the division and certainly beat out Miami next year should have his head examined. It's also pretty humorous that so many Dolphin fans rip the Pats moves as bad ones (I guess it's a psychological ploy to buttress their own self-esteem) - when Pioli has only put together 3 SB winning teams and one last year that was one or two pass catches away from a 4th. Until they start losing, there's no basis for doubting their moves.

However, there are good signs in all this. The reason the Pats have been able to be so successful is not just having a good coach in Belichick, but having a good front office that generally makes the right personnel decisions. The greatest error that Huizenga has made is in putting his trust in one man - and a coach at that. From JJ to Whinestedt to Satan. Hopefully he is finally realizing that after 10 years of that, the model does not work in the NFL.

Randy Meuller may not be the best GM/Personnel man in the league, but he is considered a good one. And, though it is excruciatingly frustrating to see the Pats (of ALL TEAMS!) to get the very players the Dolphins wanted and needed, in the long run I like the direction we are going.

The Pats started to build through the draft - and accumulated a lot of picks over the years. Each draft brought some of the mainstays (Brady; Seymour; the OL; Bruschi; Branch; etc.) - and then they added a few key veterans along the way (e.g., Harrison). I feel good that Meuller is focused on accumulating draft picks rather than parting with them for untested 3rd rounders or for questionable veterans. I'm sure that Meuller will make some wrong decisions along the way - ones many will disagree with. And, he may fail. But, at least we finally have the right blueprint in place. Let's just hope the builders can follow it effectively.

1.) they have so much cap room and can sign so many people because they've been picking up nobodies for sos long .. so basically they prepared themself if they ever fell short like last season

2.) the only reason they patriots are so dominant is that very attitude you just displayed .. too many teams think they stand no chance and basically give up on a less then stellar team .. the patriots are NOTHING SpeCIAL ..i'll admit they've put together an impressive run .. but i refuse to think they'll run away with the division based on the offseason without seeing a single game being played .. for a while last season the jets (THE FRIGGEN JETS) gave them a run for the division .. they struggle with the dolphins every year because the dolphins usually have nothing left to play for but repect so they go 110 percent and give them trouble .. too bad more teams dont .. you may hear me say they've got a good chance at winning the division .. you will not hear me say that no one in the division stands a chance at de-throning them ... heck how many "championship pieces" have the yankees added the past few years and fell short .. i think the AFC EAST will however be a tough division again finally .. with the exception of the BILLS :sidelol: :sidelol: :sidelol:

 

[BAMAPHIN 22]

I will not argue with your logic for you are 100% correct. As much as I hate to admit it the Patriots are the Number one team in the Afc East and Probably the entire NFL. They know how to win, period, end of story. They win because they seem to know what plays to call and what players they need, as well as knowing how to use them. Would I like the Dolphins to win the division next year, you bet your bottom I do. But the Truth is we need a really pumped up team with a little luck and good play calling. We may not have all the talent we need but we have the motivation to beat great teams such as bears and shutting out Pats 21-0. It will be hard but the Pats will continue to win as long as Pioli and Bilichick are heading up the Organization.

I totally agree...

"With a little luck now and then maybe the phins will be successful."

I can't believe I would ever have made a comment like that about the Dolphins... I guess it is the signs of the time. With the dominance from this organization in the early 70's through mid 80's and 90's. it is hard to believe that this franchise is now mediocre at best. The teams in the AFC East back then we pratically owned them with the exception of the JETS. I'm hoping that the pendulum is swaying back to our glory days...