The next two games will tell a lot about this team's character | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

The next two games will tell a lot about this team's character

oasis

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They're down 2-4 again. They've got a relatively easy stretch of schedule coming up (like last year).

The question is do they simply fold? Are they too devastated from blowing a 21 point lead? Are they turning on one another in the lockerroom? Or are they united as a team as they were last year?

Unfortunately I don't see this team's character being as strong as it was last year. Last year there was a cause, a force greater than individual player talents that took hold of the team and made everyone play better. Play above their heads. This year, it is a bunch of talented individuals playing....as a team I suppose, but hardly united like last year, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Maybe there were too many new names. Maybe the addition of certain players destroyed the atmosphere that was created last season. Maybe players quickly tired of Sparano's philosophy, tired of the grueling camp and grueling practices.

Where is the character? Will it show up for the next two games and get these Fins back on track? Will there be a voice on defense that says, "NO!"?

This team undoubtedly has more talent than they did last year. And the second half of the schedule is just as easy as it was last year. So come week 16, I don't see why the Fins should be in any different position than they were last year...except for character. Do they rise to the challenge after the mental errors, sloppy play, and questionable coaching of earlier this season? It starts this week against the Jets.
 
it's possible - but not probable. you're right - something has been missing this year. players weren't dropping easy passes and the defense was playing with a purpose. while we definitely have more talent and experience (minus QB) this time around - they're letting the close ones get away unlike last year.

the only 4 really good offenses that are down the line are the patsies (X2), steelers, and texans. so the good part is the defense shouldn't be letting us down like they have been. if the offense continues to improve and put up points - which i don't see any reason why it wouldn't (minus injury) - we should straight handle most of the teams left on our schedule. the bad part is if the defense continues to fold we'll lose those 4 games i mentioned earlier and at best finish at 8-8. only time will tell.
 
They're down 2-4 again. They've got a relatively easy stretch of schedule coming up (like last year).

The question is do they simply fold? Are they too devastated from blowing a 21 point lead? Are they turning on one another in the lockerroom? Or are they united as a team as they were last year?

Unfortunately I don't see this team's character being as strong as it was last year. Last year there was a cause, a force greater than individual player talents that took hold of the team and made everyone play better. Play above their heads. This year, it is a bunch of talented individuals playing....as a team I suppose, but hardly united like last year, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Maybe there were too many new names. Maybe the addition of certain players destroyed the atmosphere that was created last season. Maybe players quickly tired of Sparano's philosophy, tired of the grueling camp and grueling practices.

Where is the character? Will it show up for the next two games and get these Fins back on track? Will there be a voice on defense that says, "NO!"?

This team undoubtedly has more talent than they did last year. And the second half of the schedule is just as easy as it was last year. So come week 16, I don't see why the Fins should be in any different position than they were last year...except for character. Do they rise to the challenge after the mental errors, sloppy play, and questionable coaching of earlier this season? It starts this week against the Jets.
The Jets and Pats are not easy. I am very worried about this Jets game this week. That was a crushing blow to lose to the Saints and could effect this week's preparation. If it does and they come out flat, they won't beat the Jets even without Jenkins and Washington.
 
If we get the Jet the Pats wil be even tpugher, as they have NEVER lost coming out of a bye under Bele.
 
There's not a doubt in my mind about beating the Jets, and I believe we will at least go 1-1 against the Patriots, I think the Dolphins will step up, we have a tremendous running game and we must take advantage of that, we cant give up on it like we did on sunday, our defense played with a lot of character during the first half on sundays game, I think Miami will turn this around, and become a dominant team in the NFL, I believe we will be close to making the playoffs this year, and if we make them we will make some noise, and I believe by the time we have our next super bowl in Miami there's no doubt in my mind we will destroy anyone who even thinks they will win it in our home on Super Bowl Sunday, I think Miami is very capable of becoming one of those teams who can go undefeated, not now, but if we continue to develop the way we develop we will become one of these teams very soon.
 
If we simply closed out the Colts game and Saints game we'd arguably be the best team in the NFL with big wins against great teams, and two losses coming under specific circumstances, those being opening day jitters/5 turnovers (Falcons) and losing our starting QB (Chargers). But instead we sit with nearly comparable records to the Bills, Chiefs, and Raiders.
 
I will be ECSTATIC if we beat the jets and NE...but lest beat the Jets first then ill worry about NE.
 
The Saints dismantled the Jets, even, nobody can block me Vilma, said the Fins were the hardest/toughest team they have played. But you are right, the next two games will be very telling, and most likely set the tone for the rest of the season.
 
If we simply closed out the Colts game and Saints game we'd arguably be the best team in the NFL with big wins against great teams, and two losses coming under specific circumstances, those being opening day jitters/5 turnovers (Falcons) and losing our starting QB (Chargers). But instead we sit with nearly comparable records to the Bills, Chiefs, and Raiders.

Funny how the ball bounces, two winnable games against the best there is that we let slip through our fingers. That's the difference between us being a top notch team and one that's struggling to get back in the race.

I tend to believe we are an excellent football team working out some kinks and if we can gain some momentum will be a team no one wants to face.
 
who the **** cares? we see these threads every week after a loss....we lost 4 games u need another 2 weeks to see what the teams character is? wow they fight till the 3rd quarter...big **** this team sucks at S, LB, and WR. whats ur point we aren't doing jack **** this year.
 
who the **** cares? we see these threads every week after a loss....we lost 4 games u need another 2 weeks to see what the teams character is? wow they fight till the 3rd quarter...big **** this team sucks at S, LB, and WR. whats ur point we aren't doing jack **** this year.

Do I need to even point out how ridiculous this line of thinking is? I think at 2-4 last year you could have said the same thing (and probably did), and I hope you tuned out and missed the remainder of what turned out to be a very memorable season.

After 4 really tough losses, 2 of which should have been wins, yeah, I think you do get to find out more about a team's character in the upcoming games. They still have a chance to turn the season around - it's a sign of character how they respond. But I won't sit here and accept that we don't have the talent - if we didn't we would not have been a catch or two from winning either the Colts or Saints game. I suppose your line of thinking would be that they should just call it quits so we can get higher draft picks?

We also get to find out a lot about the character of the fans, lol, but that's a whole different story and one that truly nobody gives a **** about.
 
Do I need to even point out how ridiculous this line of thinking is? I think at 2-4 last year you could have said the same thing (and probably did), and I hope you tuned out and missed the remainder of what turned out to be a very memorable season.

After 4 really tough losses, 2 of which should have been wins, yeah, I think you do get to find out more about a team's character in the upcoming games. They still have a chance to turn the season around - it's a sign of character how they respond. But I won't sit here and accept that we don't have the talent - if we didn't we would not have been a catch or two from winning either the Colts or Saints game. I suppose your line of thinking would be that they should just call it quits so we can get higher draft picks?

We also get to find out a lot about the character of the fans, lol, but that's a whole different story and one that truly nobody gives a **** about.

where does a .500 record get us besides NOT in the playoffs and NOT a high pick? NO WHERE But Hey we "just" missed the playoffs.

what does an 11-5 record get you when you lack talent adn aren't elite?
a BLOW OUT in the WC and a LOW draft pick. thanks.
 
where does a .500 record get us besides NOT in the playoffs and NOT a high pick? NO WHERE But Hey we "just" missed the playoffs.

what does an 11-5 record get you when you lack talent adn aren't elite?
a BLOW OUT in the WC and a LOW draft pick. thanks.

I don't disagree that just missing the playoffs is incredibly frustrating.

But the idea that you have to be an "elite" team to make any noise in the playoffs doesn't make much sense to me.

I don't know a single Giants fan (I know a LOT of them) who thought that the 2007 Giants were elite during that season. Then they got hot at the right time, snuck into the playoffs, and you know the rest.

The Cardinals last year...again, they had plenty of holes throughout the season...then they got hot and bam, SuperBowl appearance.

Only a handful of teams have no glaring holes. The rest of the good teams find ways to win despite their shortcomings. And that's where good coaching and strong character come into the mix.
 
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