Miami is 2-4 and I could not be happier with Nick Saban and the future of the Miami Dolphins.
His theories are sound.
His dedication is obvious.
His intelligence is impressive.
Unlike his predecessor, and many coaches in this league, he understands the big picture. He has a vision. A vision that will require this team to take some lumps early on.
Look at it this way:
These are the only "Saban" players on the Miami Dolphins. These are the only guys that were either drafted or secured long term by Saban. Everyone else on the roster is either a hold over or a temporary fill in:
1. Ronnie Brown - Anyone who still doubts Ronnie Brown is showing their limited understanding of the running back position. Ronnie has a unique blend of acceleration and power to go with good speed, and agility. Not only that, he is an impressive blocker and receiver. And by the way, he is just scratching the surface. Good job Nick.
2. Matt Roth - I know there are many who are ready to give up on Roth. But, keep in mind that very few defensive ends blow out of the gates as big time play makers. Keep in mind that JT had 5 sacks his rookie year and 2.5 his third year. Roth has a big motor and is a team guy. His role will continue to expand.
3. Channing Crowder - Crowder has played like a rookie. He has made rookie mistakes. But the talent and upside is obvious.
4. Travis Daniels - This guy has been treated unfairly by Miami Dolphin fans. This guy is a rookie fourth round pick starting for a team that can't get any pressure on the quarterback. How often do you see him getting beat? How often do you see him miss tackles? Not often. I think he has played extremely well and shown excellent upside.
5. Anthony Alibi - The people who say he will never be a starter because of his lack of bulk need to keep something in mind. You can gain weight and muscle very easily. What you can't improve, and what he has, is athleticism and intelligence. I look forward to his development over the next few years.
6. Kevin Vickerson - He was making strides before the injury. He is big, strong and athletic. Had he not suffered the injury there is a chance that he would be in the line rotation right now.
7. Manual Wright - If Saban can motivate this 21 year old kid we will have acquired a Top Ten defensive tackle in the fifth round. Thats a risk worth taking.
8. Randy McMichael - Randy is the lone non 05' draft player who is now a Saban guy. I don't have to elaborate on how hard Randy plays. He is a playmaker for this team.
This is an impressive core of players. The bottom line is that Nick is doing this the right way. He has a plan that requires patience. Something that us fans don't posses. He sees the big picture. That picture requires us to take our lumps for a few years while we build depth and talent through the draft.
In order for this team to be a Super Bowl contender from 07' and beyond, we have to do it the right way. Saban understands this.
We can be above average now and above average later OR we can be bad now and special later. Saban has chosen the later. For these reasons giving up on Saban is illogical.
His theories are sound.
His dedication is obvious.
His intelligence is impressive.
Unlike his predecessor, and many coaches in this league, he understands the big picture. He has a vision. A vision that will require this team to take some lumps early on.
Look at it this way:
These are the only "Saban" players on the Miami Dolphins. These are the only guys that were either drafted or secured long term by Saban. Everyone else on the roster is either a hold over or a temporary fill in:
1. Ronnie Brown - Anyone who still doubts Ronnie Brown is showing their limited understanding of the running back position. Ronnie has a unique blend of acceleration and power to go with good speed, and agility. Not only that, he is an impressive blocker and receiver. And by the way, he is just scratching the surface. Good job Nick.
2. Matt Roth - I know there are many who are ready to give up on Roth. But, keep in mind that very few defensive ends blow out of the gates as big time play makers. Keep in mind that JT had 5 sacks his rookie year and 2.5 his third year. Roth has a big motor and is a team guy. His role will continue to expand.
3. Channing Crowder - Crowder has played like a rookie. He has made rookie mistakes. But the talent and upside is obvious.
4. Travis Daniels - This guy has been treated unfairly by Miami Dolphin fans. This guy is a rookie fourth round pick starting for a team that can't get any pressure on the quarterback. How often do you see him getting beat? How often do you see him miss tackles? Not often. I think he has played extremely well and shown excellent upside.
5. Anthony Alibi - The people who say he will never be a starter because of his lack of bulk need to keep something in mind. You can gain weight and muscle very easily. What you can't improve, and what he has, is athleticism and intelligence. I look forward to his development over the next few years.
6. Kevin Vickerson - He was making strides before the injury. He is big, strong and athletic. Had he not suffered the injury there is a chance that he would be in the line rotation right now.
7. Manual Wright - If Saban can motivate this 21 year old kid we will have acquired a Top Ten defensive tackle in the fifth round. Thats a risk worth taking.
8. Randy McMichael - Randy is the lone non 05' draft player who is now a Saban guy. I don't have to elaborate on how hard Randy plays. He is a playmaker for this team.
This is an impressive core of players. The bottom line is that Nick is doing this the right way. He has a plan that requires patience. Something that us fans don't posses. He sees the big picture. That picture requires us to take our lumps for a few years while we build depth and talent through the draft.
In order for this team to be a Super Bowl contender from 07' and beyond, we have to do it the right way. Saban understands this.
We can be above average now and above average later OR we can be bad now and special later. Saban has chosen the later. For these reasons giving up on Saban is illogical.
