I’ve been meaning to do this for awhile so here goes. I’m not going to go out on a limb, or put my house up for collateral, and I’ll probably get bashed by the so-called “realists,” but anyone who sleeps on Flo and this team are making a big mistake. We obviously have to beat the teams we’re supposed to beat, like the Pats this weekend, but if we can get through the early part of our schedule the rest is set up for a playoff run.
I think the D will be better and deeper than last year, and except for a couple of indispensable key players like X, Ogbah and Baker we can overcome an injury. Our secondary is elite. Our D line is very deep and should be able to get pressure without all the blitzing. If Jaelan Phillips lives up to his potential this year, teams won’t be able to double Ogbah and Wilkins and Phillips will be a nightmare to opposing QBs.
I think we have an elite Special Teams unit and they will be the difference in many close games this year. We have an All Pro kicker, an All Pro returner and a punter who should be a huge improvement over last year. IMO huge advantage for this young team.
Offensively it’s a more complicated. It’s definitely Tua-time. Obviously I’m unabashedly a Tua supporter and I really believe he takes a huge leap in his play and decision-making and shows all of us why he is the generational prospect many thought he was before the injuries. The kid is a great leader, great example and a flat out winner— underestimate him at your own peril. His WR CORPS (not CORE), if they can stay healthy, is one of the best and deepest in the league. We have elite size, speed and quickness all over the field and also an elite receiving TE.
The glaringly obvious complication arises on the oline where we have shuffled around four returnees and a newbee at OC. Nowhere is chemistry more apparent than the oline—it’s more important than talent. We saw glimpses in the preseason that they were coming together, and If they can gel that answers a huge question. We will know how much they’ve progressed in game one vs a stout D. The other complication is our RBs. I think we have some talent there, but no matter how good they are they cannot run through holes that aren’t there. See the oline.
So basically my take is that everything hinges on the oline. I am not a “realist,” I’m a “pragmatist.” I don’t use emotion to determine what I believe. I use data and experience to formulate my beliefs. I am also a student of the game, and especially the Miami Dolphins. I’ve been a fan of this team for FIFTY-FIVE years, from game one in the OB to now, and I have literally seen it all—in person. For that reason I feel that I’m uniquely qualified to say that I know a good team when I see one. I feel the oline will gel just enough and be able to protect Tua and open up just enough holes to keep defenses honest. I think Flo is the best coach we’ve had since 1984, when JJ walked the sidelines, and maybe even better—dare I say since Shula? I also think we will make the playoffs as a WC and Flo will be in the running for COY. It all starts Sunday afternoon at 4:00 pm. Just my two cents. Let’s go Miami!!!
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Winning fixes everything.
