testtubetimmy
Supreme Lord Emperor
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2004
- Messages
- 504
- Reaction score
- 28
- Age
- 40
At this present moment, the AFC East is in shambles. Emerging from the firey ruins that once was known as the Patriots Reign of Terror are the Miami Dolphins. Headed by Nick Saban, appointed savior for all fans wishing to reclaim the glory Don Shula once bestowed upon this organization, the Dolphins look to be the favorite up and comer in the league.
But what could possibly be waiting for us in the wings, ready to strike as the draft nears closer?
My fears:
#1- The Patriots. Say what you will, but these guys know how to win. No, they aren't superbowl quality anymore, as last year proved. But they also had that horrendous year after their first SB, which led to two more SB wins in two more years. Yes, they've lost a TON of talent. But lets not forget, Belichick is one of the most intelligent coaches out there. Its going to be a battle of wits and talent, and depending on the difficulty of both of our schedules, it could be a close one to win the AFC East.
#2- The Jets. Yes, laugh at me. But there is a good chance these guys trade up and pick up Leinart. Sure, he's a rookie QB, but so was Roethlisberger. If the jets can manage their games and squeek out a few more wins then anyone gives them credit for, with Leinart at the helm, they may become problematic. Maybe not this year, but if they draft him, theyre going to be a thorn in years to come.
#3- The Bills. DEPENDING ON WHO THEY DRAFT. The bills, despite what any bills fan will tell you, desperatly need help at QB. Unless Losman can pull a Carson Palmer or Drew Brees and get his act together, his days are limited. And if the Bills pick up Jay Cutler, or Vince Young...well, I'm not sure I'd want to face either of them twice a year. Their coaching staff right now is a joke, so I'm not really worried too much about them as a team. But the draft can be a dangerous place, and who knows what one player can do for a team. These guys are pretty low on my list.
Now, some of the biggest threats to an organization do not neccesarily come from the outside. For example:
Inside Threat #1: Culpepper re-injured
Its not that rare to have a player re-injur themselves and have them out for a year. At this point, I can't imagine a bigger threat of derailing a great season then losing this guy. If we still had frerotte, I'd say we'd have a good chance of getting to the playoffs. But in our CURRENT situation, we'd be boned. This could change in the next week, or in the next month, depending on who we pick up in FA or the Draft. But I'd honestly say our best bet of getting deep in the playoffs is either picking up Tommy Maddox or Kerry Collins as a backup. Theyre experienced, they've both seen the playoffs, and pretty deep into them as well. We need a guy who knows what the post season feels like and can manage a game with the talent around them, not some kid who will make a mistake to lose a game (Harrington and his interceptions)
Inside Threat #2: Depth at Secondary
Sure, we can pick up DBs to start this season. But we all remember what happened to the Patriots in the beginning of last season. The injuries really hurt them bad, and our secondary doesn't have enough depth to insure that if Will Poole goes down again, we can stop the deep threats. I know we're working on it, and the draft will probably be a big help to us there, but its still a concern (if minor).
I know you will all say that injuries can derail ANY team and are ALWAYS a threat, so I will focus on other concerns.
Inside Threat #3: Ricky Williams
Say what you want, but this guy is something special. When he's happy, hes productive. And when he's productive, we win. If this appeal doesn't go through, he's gone. And we have Ronnie carrying the team with Minor helping him. With Cupepper as QB, I doubt Ronnie will be bogged down to much with trench running, but if Ricky is there, thats a one-two punch that can really pound the nail into the coffin. I don't want to see Ricky go, and supported him even when he left the team for the year. (that was the year I secretly rooted AGAINST the dolphins, praying that Wannstedt would step down. Maybe that makes me a bad fan, but I understand the benefits of the long term, and having a losing season to achieve a dynasty seems well worth it) Ricky could be a big, productive part to a winning season, and I'd hate to see him go for what could be an herbal substitute that isn't actually a drug.
So thats what I feel could be the biggest possible threats to our winning season next year, or in the years to come after. Anyone have others? I'd be interested in hearing them. Thanks.
But what could possibly be waiting for us in the wings, ready to strike as the draft nears closer?
My fears:
#1- The Patriots. Say what you will, but these guys know how to win. No, they aren't superbowl quality anymore, as last year proved. But they also had that horrendous year after their first SB, which led to two more SB wins in two more years. Yes, they've lost a TON of talent. But lets not forget, Belichick is one of the most intelligent coaches out there. Its going to be a battle of wits and talent, and depending on the difficulty of both of our schedules, it could be a close one to win the AFC East.
#2- The Jets. Yes, laugh at me. But there is a good chance these guys trade up and pick up Leinart. Sure, he's a rookie QB, but so was Roethlisberger. If the jets can manage their games and squeek out a few more wins then anyone gives them credit for, with Leinart at the helm, they may become problematic. Maybe not this year, but if they draft him, theyre going to be a thorn in years to come.
#3- The Bills. DEPENDING ON WHO THEY DRAFT. The bills, despite what any bills fan will tell you, desperatly need help at QB. Unless Losman can pull a Carson Palmer or Drew Brees and get his act together, his days are limited. And if the Bills pick up Jay Cutler, or Vince Young...well, I'm not sure I'd want to face either of them twice a year. Their coaching staff right now is a joke, so I'm not really worried too much about them as a team. But the draft can be a dangerous place, and who knows what one player can do for a team. These guys are pretty low on my list.
Now, some of the biggest threats to an organization do not neccesarily come from the outside. For example:
Inside Threat #1: Culpepper re-injured
Its not that rare to have a player re-injur themselves and have them out for a year. At this point, I can't imagine a bigger threat of derailing a great season then losing this guy. If we still had frerotte, I'd say we'd have a good chance of getting to the playoffs. But in our CURRENT situation, we'd be boned. This could change in the next week, or in the next month, depending on who we pick up in FA or the Draft. But I'd honestly say our best bet of getting deep in the playoffs is either picking up Tommy Maddox or Kerry Collins as a backup. Theyre experienced, they've both seen the playoffs, and pretty deep into them as well. We need a guy who knows what the post season feels like and can manage a game with the talent around them, not some kid who will make a mistake to lose a game (Harrington and his interceptions)
Inside Threat #2: Depth at Secondary
Sure, we can pick up DBs to start this season. But we all remember what happened to the Patriots in the beginning of last season. The injuries really hurt them bad, and our secondary doesn't have enough depth to insure that if Will Poole goes down again, we can stop the deep threats. I know we're working on it, and the draft will probably be a big help to us there, but its still a concern (if minor).
I know you will all say that injuries can derail ANY team and are ALWAYS a threat, so I will focus on other concerns.
Inside Threat #3: Ricky Williams
Say what you want, but this guy is something special. When he's happy, hes productive. And when he's productive, we win. If this appeal doesn't go through, he's gone. And we have Ronnie carrying the team with Minor helping him. With Cupepper as QB, I doubt Ronnie will be bogged down to much with trench running, but if Ricky is there, thats a one-two punch that can really pound the nail into the coffin. I don't want to see Ricky go, and supported him even when he left the team for the year. (that was the year I secretly rooted AGAINST the dolphins, praying that Wannstedt would step down. Maybe that makes me a bad fan, but I understand the benefits of the long term, and having a losing season to achieve a dynasty seems well worth it) Ricky could be a big, productive part to a winning season, and I'd hate to see him go for what could be an herbal substitute that isn't actually a drug.
So thats what I feel could be the biggest possible threats to our winning season next year, or in the years to come after. Anyone have others? I'd be interested in hearing them. Thanks.
