The GOOD coaching factor.

[SCall13]

I posted this in another post and thought I'd get thoughts.


People aren't factoring in everything, it seems. We have made some big improvements on defense and got a great RB. Factor in MUCH MUCH better coaching and there is no reason to believe this team can't go 10-6. If you ask me, that is very realistic. This team, minus the new additions made, would go 8-8 under the new coaching staff. So you have to think the upgrades AND DRAFT PICKS would at least be worth another two wins.

 

[raving]

This is a new NFL!

I have said this before in previous posts. The NFL with the salary cap is ripe for rapid and monumental turn arounds by ANY franchise. The Chargers last year did it. More than ever the formula is to have balance in all phases of the game. You do not have to be great at all things but you must be descent at every phase and stand out in a couple.

This years team's greatest obstacle is our unbelievably difficult schedule - just playing the Pats, Jets and Bills twice is enough to make life difficult throw in the AFC West and we have what is considered the toughest schedule in football and that makes life difficult.

But this years team will hold their own and we will land a few devastating punches. NO-ONE will want to play the Dolphins as Saban has already fashioned us into a highly physical and formidable oponent.

All that said I believe in today's crazy salary cap world ANYTHING can happen. I predict we will win more than 10 games and leave many opposing QB in the hospital - Brady's cinderalla days are OVER!

 

[MallSanta]

Nice post. I have been thinking the same thing all along. I am right with you SCall13.

 

[SCall13]

I have said this before in previous posts. The NFL with the salary cap is ripe for rapid and monumental turn arounds by ANY franchise. The Chargers last year did it. More than ever the formula is to have balance in all phases of the game. You do not have to be great at all things but you must be descent at every phase and stand out in a couple.

This years team's greatest obstacle is our unbelievably difficult schedule - just playing the Pats, Jets and Bills twice is enough to make life difficult throw in the AFC West and we have what is considered the toughest schedule in football and that makes life difficult.

But this years team will hold their own and we will land a few devastating punches. NO-ONE will want to play the Dolphins as Saban has already fashioned us into a highly physical and formidable oponent.

All that said I believe in today's crazy salary cap world ANYTHING can happen. I predict we will win more than 10 games and leave many opposing QB in the hospital - Brady's cinderalla days are OVER!

Yep...even with the tough schedule, I think 11-5 is a very real possibility.

 

[BassFin]

Hudson Houck alone can cause a drastic improvment in this team. Tony Wise was worthless. This guy will get the best out of the O Linemen. And if they improve, so does the running game. And if that improves, so does the passing game.

This team is not as far off as some fans think. Last year was a Mulligan. The storms, Ricky retiring, still having Wanny as a coach.

This year will be a lot better. I guarantee it!

 

[zach13]

There is no question that we have upgraded some of our coaching staff.

I believe that Saban will prove to be an excellent coach

However, we should keep in mind that Saban is not a proven NFL coach.

Further, many more college coaches have failed in moving to the NFL than have succeeded.

 

[SCall13]

There is no question that we have upgraded some of our coaching staff.

I believe that Saban will prove to be an excellent coach

However, we should keep in mind that Saban is not a proven NFL coach.

Further, many more college coaches have failed in moving to the NFL than have succeeded.

You're right. He's not proven. But he has surrounded himself with A LOT of proven NFL veteran coaches, which will make his transition easier. He also has pastNFL experience which is a big asset as he becomes a head coach for the first time.

 

[d-day]

lots of reason for optimism - all the way around - which feels alot better than last year...

 

[Trench Knife]

Yep...even with the tough schedule, I think 11-5 is a very real possibility.

4-12 to 11-5?

That would be one of the biggest turn arounds in NFL history!

I think 8-8 or 9-7 is the best we can realistically hope for...

 

[dolphindiehard]

I would be happy with 8-8 or 9-7 this year with the next year 12-4. I just think it will take a while to get everyone on the same page with all new off. and def. systems. Iwould expect to have a good second half as everyone gets more familiar with what the coaches want.

 

[SCall13]

I stand by 10-6 or 11-5.

Two years ago, everyone was talking about how bad San Diego sucked. Last year they were 12-4. The Dolphins could easily duplicate that. Our defense is better than San Diego's and our offense will be much improved over last year.

 

[islandah]

Yeah, I'm all for optimism, but I think we're getting a little carried away. I think the change in coaching and the draft picks will be offset a lot by a very difficult schedule, not to mention the growing pains of a new coaching staff and fitting everything together. I think we have a lot of good raw material and the right people to mold it, but it will take some time. Given the schedule, Id be happy with a .500 season this year with an eye towards really excelling in the next couple years.

 

[SCall13]

Yeah, I'm all for optimism, but I think we're getting a little carried away. I think the change in coaching and the draft picks will be offset a lot by a very difficult schedule, not to mention the growing pains of a new coaching staff and fitting everything together. I think we have a lot of good raw material and the right people to mold it, but it will take some time. Given the schedule, Id be happy with a .500 season this year with an eye towards really excelling in the next couple years.

Prepare to be ecstatic then - because this team will blow by .500

 

[Oboy]

Yeah, I'm all for optimism, but I think we're getting a little carried away. I think the change in coaching and the draft picks will be offset a lot by a very difficult schedule, not to mention the growing pains of a new coaching staff and fitting everything together. I think we have a lot of good raw material and the right people to mold it, but it will take some time. Given the schedule, Id be happy with a .500 season this year with an eye towards really excelling in the next couple years.

I'm with you islandah. I am excited about the upcoming season too, but 11 or 12 wins is shooting high. I HOPE it happens, but we still do have a lot of question marks. Lets wait until a few games have been played until we start making plans for the playoffs.

 

[rkdinorl]

I stand by 10-6 or 11-5.

Two years ago, everyone was talking about how bad San Diego sucked. Last year they were 12-4. The Dolphins could easily duplicate that. Our defense is better than San Diego's and our offense will be much improved over last year.

And this should be Feeleys put up or shut up year as well. Frerotte is in the wings like Rivers was for SD last year. Lets just hope Saban sticks to putting his back up against a wall and gives him all the reps so he can fight his way through those mistakes in practice and camp this year instead of having to improve in game conditions with a bad line like last year.