Yes - it hurts a lot less when you don't expect to win. I don't get so stressed out anymore - the Wanny years have taken its toll.
Before walking away, consider a few points.
Last night's game came down the final seconds with a field goal for the win. YES - the Fins lost - but it wasn't as if we were blown out.
The NFL only has a small percentage of elite teams right now - New England 11-4 (who we beat), Baltimore 12-3, Indy 11-4, San Diego 13-2, Chicago 13-2 (who we beat)....
We were in a position to win every game this year, except the last visit to Buffalo.
What's the difference between a loss and a win? Turnovers... defensive plays... special teams... continuity How can the Fins get better?
Not turning the ball over.... receivers need to catch the ball, need to go after balls, allowing continuity on offense, and helping to convert on third downs. There were a couple of third down plays last night that if converted would have made a difference in the game (Jets did a good job of converting the 3rd downs).
Defense has been strong - there's always room for improvement - but it appears to be a stronger defense than last year. The Dolphins have only eight interceptions this year. Not enough. Patriots have 20 INT's... Baltimore 26... Eight INT's should get you no where near the playoffs.
Special teams - There was nothing special about them. It has been forever since the Fins returned a kick or punt. The Dolphins have had nothing special about their special teams. Missed field goals. Average punting. Crappy returns.
LASTLY - C O N T I N U I T Y.
Let's have the same starting QB for two years in a row. The same coordinator for more than one season. An O-line that can resume the following year where they left off last year. The constant change in style and philosophy has sfifled the development of defense and offense.
The QB position has needed fixed for years. Seems like we're constantly putting a band aid on the bleeding when we need stitches to close the wound.
So as bad as it seems... it isn't that we're that far away. We are a few plays away this season from sitting at 10-5 / 11-4 right now. Bill Cowher didn't forget how to coach this year after winning the Super Bowl - Nick Saban can win too - with some continuity withing the organization and a little luck that the good teams always seem to have.
