Saban Building the D

[SF Dolphin Fan]

I really like the direction Saban is taking with this team and it's obvious that the Dolphins are getting bigger and more physical on both sides of the ball. I especially like the way Saban is building the defense as that is still the truest, surest way to win a championship.

We obviously don't know what we have yet in Roth, Crowder, Daniels and now Wright. But, I have a gut feeling Miami's defense will eventually rival the best of all time. That's saying a lot and, although I'm an optimist, I just think Saban understands defense like few others. I'm very impressed with the moves he's made in one offseason.

Imagine if Roth and company develop quickly while Taylor, Madison, Thomas and Carter still have something left. Two, three years down the road with more draft picks/good free agent pickups and maybe we'll be talking about the Dolphins in the same way as the 85 Bears, recent Ravens and 72 'Phins, and great Steelers teams.

 

[enigmatics]

I really like the direction Saban is taking with this team and it's obvious that the Dolphins are getting bigger and more physical on both sides of the ball. I especially like the way Saban is building the defense as that is still the truest, surest way to win a championship.

We obviously don't know what we have yet in Roth, Crowder, Daniels and now Wright. But, I have a gut feeling Miami's defense will eventually rival the best of all time. That's saying a lot and, although I'm an optimist, I just think Saban understands defense like few others. I'm very impressed with the moves he's made in one offseason.

Imagine if Roth and company develop quickly while Taylor, Madison, Thomas and Carter still have something left. Two, three years down the road with more draft picks/good free agent pickups and maybe we'll be talking about the Dolphins in the same way as the 85 Bears, recent Ravens and 72 'Phins, and great Steelers teams.

...........Greatest of all-time? Nearing the 85 Bears and 2000 Ravens? Yeeeeeeesh. Optimism is nice, trust me........but some of you guys need to be a little bit more patient and constructive in your predictions. It's beyond me how you can come to that conclusion, optimism or not.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

...........Greatest of all-time? Nearing the 85 Bears and 2000 Ravens? Yeeeeeeesh. Optimism is nice, trust me........but some of you guys need to be a little bit more patient and constructive in your predictions. It's beyond me how you can come to that conclusion, optimism or not.

Here's my thought process. A few years ago, under Wannestedt, the Dolphins defense was "close" to the Ravens. Certainly not as dominant, but not really that far off either especially when you consider Miami defense was so vanilla. Now the team brings in a defensive coach who has been compared to Bellichick in his schemes, has added quite a few young defensive players with a lot of potential and still have some quality vets. I'm not saying Miami defense will be there this year, but if Saban continues to build and bring in the same type of players he's targeted so far then I have a lot of faith that this defense could be really special. Just think if Roth, Crowder, Daniels and Wright live up to their potential -- that's a lot of talent right there and Miami is still building.

 

[Dudeman]

...........Greatest of all-time? Nearing the 85 Bears and 2000 Ravens? Yeeeeeeesh. Optimism is nice, trust me........but some of you guys need to be a little bit more patient and constructive in your predictions. It's beyond me how you can come to that conclusion, optimism or not.

really....there are so many people on here that give Saban so much more credit than he deserves at this point.

I think in the end he will end up being a great coach for this team, but to expect instant success is crazy.

I think this year, Saban will be outcoached a bunch of times, just for the simple fact that he doesn't have the experience in a top level as a HC.

the 12-4 predictions are crazy. there are completely different circumstances with the Dolphins and 2004 Chargers.

I expect this team to obviously be better than last year. I think the chemistry will improve (depending on Ricky and Randy), but the success will take time.

I wouldn't be the least bit suprised if the D gives up a lot of points this season (well, more than usual), because I see a lot of the players way out of position from time to time. Once everybody has a full year in the system, I think they'll be GREATLY improved in 2006.

I can't see this D getting 5 shutouts in any season though (2000 Ravens).

 

[jlfin]

...........Greatest of all-time? Nearing the 85 Bears and 2000 Ravens? Yeeeeeeesh. Optimism is nice, trust me........but some of you guys need to be a little bit more patient and constructive in your predictions. It's beyond me how you can come to that conclusion, optimism or not.

What was so great about the Ravens. They had Ray Lewis, Boulware, 2 good CB's (McAllister, Starks) which were not as good as Madison/ Surtain. Their DT's were 2 big fat guys who were just pluggers (Adams and Siragusa). They didn't have any elite D-linemen. I wouldn't exactly compare them to the 85 Bears or the Steel Curtain, or for that matter the Dallas Doomsday defense of the 70's

 

[Doktor Ivel]

i think saban is doing a stupendous job, and i think if our players get along they will be a playoff caliber team.

 

[jlfin]

really....there are so many people on here that give Saban so much more credit than he deserves at this point.

I think in the end he will end up being a great coach for this team, but to expect instant success is crazy.

I think this year, Saban will be outcoached a bunch of times, just for the simple fact that he doesn't have the experience in a top level as a HC.

the 12-4 predictions are crazy. there are completely different circumstances with the Dolphins and 2004 Chargers.

I expect this team to obviously be better than last year. I think the chemistry will improve (depending on Ricky and Randy), but the success will take time.

I wouldn't be the least bit suprised if the D gives up a lot of points this season (well, more than usual), because I see a lot of the players way out of position from time to time. Once everybody has a full year in the system, I think they'll be GREATLY improved in 2006.

I can't see this D getting 5 shutouts in any season though (2000 Ravens).

The Ravens played in a pretty weak division that year. They also gave up 20 points to a pedestrian Dolphin offense.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

really....there are so many people on here that give Saban so much more credit than he deserves at this point.

I think in the end he will end up being a great coach for this team, but to expect instant success is crazy.

I think this year, Saban will be outcoached a bunch of times, just for the simple fact that he doesn't have the experience in a top level as a HC.

the 12-4 predictions are crazy. there are completely different circumstances with the Dolphins and 2004 Chargers.

I expect this team to obviously be better than last year. I think the chemistry will improve (depending on Ricky and Randy), but the success will take time.

I wouldn't be the least bit suprised if the D gives up a lot of points this season (well, more than usual), because I see a lot of the players way out of position from time to time. Once everybody has a full year in the system, I think they'll be GREATLY improved in 2006.

I can't see this D getting 5 shutouts in any season though (2000 Ravens).

My expectations this year are modest. I've gone on record saying the team will go 7-9. But, I really like the talent Saban is bringing in and, more to the point, the type of players. Clearly, Carter, Taylor, Thomas and Madison are not going to be here much more than 2-3 years down the road. But, if things jell quickly I can see the defense being special in 2006 or 2007.

Obviously, a lot would have to go right for Miami even on the offensive side. Say Feeley and Carey prove to be the real deal (a big if), then Saban can concentrate on further building the D without having to spend high picks on qb and LT.

I know I'm optimistic, but I think Saban has accomplished a lot in one offseason. And that makes me think big for the future.

 

[miabrown23]

felley im not sold about id rather us spend a high pick next year to get a qb pending a good one is avalible at our pick. i think that carey might end up being a good left tackle hudson will bring the best out of him

 

[Dolfan99]

What was so great about the Ravens. They had Ray Lewis, Boulware, 2 good CB's (McAllister, Starks) which were not as good as Madison/ Surtain. Their DT's were 2 big fat guys who were just pluggers (Adams and Siragusa). They didn't have any elite D-linemen. I wouldn't exactly compare them to the 85 Bears or the Steel Curtain, or for that matter the Dallas Doomsday defense of the 70's

Did you follow them at all that season? All they did was make huge plays.

 

[unifiedtheory]

The '85 Bears were the greatest defense I've ever seen.

That being said, here are some numbers on the Steel Curtain. After you read this tell me if you still think our defense will ever be comparable to this...

They have 4 Hall of Famers (Mel Blount, Joe Greene, Jack Ham and Jack Lambert) along with All Pro players (Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Dwight White).

In a seven year span (1973-1979) the Steeler defense led them to seven consecutive division titles, averaged 11 wins a year and won 4 World Championships.

In that same span of time (7 years) they were NEVER out of the top 5 in total defense.

In 1976 the Steeler defense had 5 shutouts. In a season ending 9 game winning streak they allowed 28 TOTAL points. 28 POINTS ALLOWED IN 9 GAMES! They sent 8 defensive players to the Pro Bowl in 1976.

I'm sorry but that is a pretty high standard to compare our defense or ANY defense to. Lets see this team hit the field before comparing them to the rediculous standards that the great defenses of the past have set.

P.S....28 points allowed in 9 games....that is just freaking sick.

 

[finsgonewild]

yep saban is building us a great defense. I cant wait till we see them play this season. This could be one of our best defenses we have had the past few years. Not having pat surtain could really hurt us though.

 

[BlueFin]

.

I think this year, Saban will be outcoached a bunch of times, just for the simple fact that he doesn't have the experience in a top level as a HC.

Dude, you had somewhat of a point about some people getting carried away, but you lost it here............he might get outcoached once or twice, but it won't be a bunch of times. The primary reason for most of this seasons losses will still be personnel...or lack thereof.

 

[finsnchips]

I like to think that in Wright, Roth, Crowder, Daniels and Poole that we have a solid core of young defenders that will shape the future of our D.

 

[inFINSible]

I really like the direction Saban is taking with this team and it's obvious that the Dolphins are getting bigger and more physical on both sides of the ball. I especially like the way Saban is building the defense as that is still the truest, surest way to win a championship.

We obviously don't know what we have yet in Roth, Crowder, Daniels and now Wright. But, I have a gut feeling Miami's defense will eventually rival the best of all time. That's saying a lot and, although I'm an optimist, I just think Saban understands defense like few others. I'm very impressed with the moves he's made in one offseason.

Imagine if Roth and company develop quickly while Taylor, Madison, Thomas and Carter still have something left. Two, three years down the road with more draft picks/good free agent pickups and maybe we'll be talking about the Dolphins in the same way as the 85 Bears, recent Ravens and 72 'Phins, and great Steelers teams.

Just thought that needed to be made clear. :)