SI's Michael Lombardi "If I were any team playing the Miami Dolphins"

[burghPhinFan]

• If I were any team playing the Miami Dolphins late in the year, I would be worried. The Dolphins will be a fundamental team, sound in their technique and less scheme driven. Teams driven by fundamentals improve week in and week out in the NFL and are the most difficult to play in November and December. Remember, Miami lost six games by three points or fewer in 2007.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/michael_lombardi/07/24/frankly.football/1.html

 

[NorFlaFin]

Even fundamental teams need talent at key positions. As soon as the QB position is settled then good things wil happen.

 

[BROWN 23]

all we need to do is run the ball

 

[ASCII]

all we need to do is run the ball

I think people forget this key point. Assuming Ronnie and Ricky both stay healthy, and the oline does an average job at best, the offense will move. At this point the only offensive issue that concerns me is the line. If the line gels and is atleast par, we'll be okay. The defense will determine how this team goes this year. No matter who is QB, the defense will determine this year. IMO.

 

[nyjunc]

I think Miami will be alot better and will be a much tougher team to beat(obviously) but Lombardi proves he didn't watch them or doesn't follow trends inj the league by using the lost 6 games by 3 points or less excuse. That's what bad teams do, the Jets lost a ton of close games as well and some of the scores were misleading.

 

[DolfanISS]

I think Miami will be alot better and will be a much tougher team to beat(obviously) but Lombardi proves he didn't watch them or doesn't follow trends inj the league by using the lost 6 games by 3 points or less excuse. That's what bad teams do, the Jets lost a ton of close games as well and some of the scores were misleading.

Agreed, I can only honestly think of one they should have won and another which was realistically in their reach. They should have beaten the Bills at home and cold have beaten Washington week 1. Also should have attempted the long game winning field goal in Houston. But again, bad teams find a way to lose games while good ones find a way to win. The flip side is that bad teams are often exaggerated by fans and especially the media. A bad team doesn't necessarily lose 55 - 0 every week but sometimes that's how the media and fans act.

 

[DuderinoN703]

No prob, we'll still go 3-13.

Can't wait

 

[maverick50]

I think people forget this key point. Assuming Ronnie and Ricky both stay healthy, and the oline does an average job at best, the offense will move. At this point the only offensive issue that concerns me is the line. If the line gels and is atleast par, we'll be okay. The defense will determine how this team goes this year. No matter who is QB, the defense will determine this year. IMO.

i could agre with this statement , yet I would say the secondary and the wr coep will be our weakest links.

 

[ASCII]

i could agre with this statement , yet I would say the secondary and the wr coep will be our weakest links.

I have no doubt that the WR corp is weak. However, what better way to help them out then with a strong running game. In turn this will keep the defense off the field as well. Maybe's it's just me, but I truly believe the running game will tell the story of the 2008 Dolphins.

 

[juniorseau55]

Let's see, our coach made so many boneheaded mistakes, so that is why our record was so horrible. We should have won at least 7 games last season, for our talent was not as horrible as the 2007-2008 record demostrates.

 

[Bofin]

i'm really hoping that somehow parcells/sparano get the best out of ricky williams. he was an enormous talent. if he can run at 90% of his effectiveness in 2004 then this will be a fun season to watch for me. who knows he could be better,,,, then again he could be out of the league tomorrow. if we truely are fundamentally sound, we could win some games. this is an exciting time of the season for us fans.

 

[SCLSU Mud Dogs]

I think Miami will be alot better and will be a much tougher team to beat(obviously) but Lombardi proves he didn't watch them or doesn't follow trends inj the league by using the lost 6 games by 3 points or less excuse. That's what bad teams do, the Jets lost a ton of close games as well and some of the scores were misleading.

God, your jets team scares me this year. hopefully theres some more inner division competition instead of the pats running over everybody. The AFC East is on the rise again.

 

[jlfin]

i could agre with this statement , yet I would say the secondary and the wr coep will be our weakest links.

Secondary isn't as bad as most people think
The WR's are young, but there is talent.
With good O-line play, strong running game and decent QB play the WR's should be able to be decent.
Parcell's Giants had Baker and Ingram. Neither of whom were dominant WR's.
In terms of TE's, I think Fasano will surprise people. He looked good in OTA's and he looked good in the 1st practice. I suspect he will turn out to be the best veteran pickup this offseason

 

[moonman]

Wow, someone who did a little research before spouting off about the 1-15 Dolphins. Who woulda thunk it?

 

[Akronfinfan36]

I think people forget this key point. Assuming Ronnie and Ricky both stay healthy, and the oline does an average job at best, the offense will move. At this point the only offensive issue that concerns me is the line. If the line gels and is atleast par, we'll be okay. The defense will determine how this team goes this year. No matter who is QB, the defense will determine this year. IMO.

The O line is actually the least of my worries on this team...with the exception of QB, of course. What really scares me is 3rd and long.