The Official "Reality" Thread

[72TributeBike]

Last year, Miami had me jumping up in a sports bar exclaiming (after the Oakland game) "YEA!!!! We don't suck anymore!!!"

After one game, what will be the reality of this 2009 season? Will Miami come back strong like they did in 2008, or will it be different and in what ways?

Here are the factors at play:

1) Miami has the toughest schedule based on the final 2008 team standings.
2) Miami can still be considered a "rebuilding" team.
3) Miami plays in one of the most competitive divisions in the league (year end and year out.)
4) No one in the media expects much out of Miami this year.

I expect Miami to get it together and win some games. How many games is serious conjecture, but 7-8 games is a possibility. Can they win more than that? I have my doubts...

I also expect Miami to continue rebuilding through the draft and free agency...although I now have a question as to how really good the FO is when it comes to picking in Round 1.

Miami needs a franchise QB and does not have one.
Miami still needs a solid secondary.
Miami still needs a run-blocking O-line (effective blocking on just one play won't cut it.)

What "really" happens in future games is still to be determined...but after one "telling" game, it is very easy to foresee a reality that consists of the following:

1) For the most part, Miami gets carved up in the secondary.
2) For the most part, Miami's running attack and Wildcat get shut down.
3) For the most part, Miami's air attack lacks a deep threat.

and 4) Miami only wins 7 games this season.

 

[NJPhinFan21]

right now i'm mad at myself....want to know why??????

BECAUSE I KEEP READING YOUR POSTS. GET A CLUE

 

[CW_McGraw]

I'm not much of a genius at football and wasn't really watching the game like a coach or anything. Could someone explain how we shut down Michael Turner? Was our dominance against the run at the expense of our pass defense?

 

[NJPhinFan21]

I'm not much of a genius at football and wasn't really watching the game like a coach or anything. Could someone explain how we shut down Michael Turner? Was our dominance against the run at the expense of our pass defense?

our front 7 are damn good.

 

[72TributeBike]

Our run defense is top drawer! But it is almost impossible to win games with solid play in just one area.

Dan Marino was the exception. We won games many games with him when our defense was weak and our running game nearly non-existent.

A focus on Turner in Week 1 was imperative for the defensive plan against Atlanta. But Ryan was ready to play and BANG!

 

[NY8123]

Our run defense is top drawer! But it is almost impossible to win games with solid play in just one area.

Dan Marino was the exception. We won games many games with him when our defense was weak and our running game nearly non-existent.

A focus on Turner in Week 1 was imperative for the defensive plan against Atlanta. But Ryan was ready to play and BANG!

Ray Leiws might have something to say about that also.

One game does not a season make.

 

[jlfin]

Last year, Miami had me jumping up in a sports bar exclaiming (after the Oakland game) "YEA!!!! We don't suck anymore!!!"

After one game, what will be the reality of this 2009 season? Will Miami come back strong like they did in 2008, or will it be different and in what ways?

Here are the factors at play:

1) Miami has the toughest schedule based on the final 2008 team standings.
2) Miami can still be considered a "rebuilding" team.
3) Miami plays in one of the most competitive divisions in the league (year end and year out.)
4) No one in the media expects much out of Miami this year.

I expect Miami to get it together and win some games. How many games is serious conjecture, but 7-8 games is a possibility. Can they win more than that? I have my doubts...

I also expect Miami to continue rebuilding through the draft and free agency...although I now have a question as to how really good the FO is when it comes to picking in Round 1.

Miami needs a franchise QB and does not have one.
Miami still needs a solid secondary.
Miami still needs a run-blocking O-line (effective blocking on just one play won't cut it.)

What "really" happens in future games is still to be determined...but after one "telling" game, it is very easy to foresee a reality that consists of the following:

1) For the most part, Miami gets carved up in the secondary.
2) For the most part, Miami's running attack and Wildcat get shut down.
3) For the most part, Miami's air attack lacks a deep threat.

and 4) Miami only wins 7 games this season.

I think a little perspective is in order. Football is an emotional game and much of the game is mental. It's clear that the Falcons were jacked up for their home opener and the Phins were just not able to match that intensity. I don't want to over analyze this game.
I recall opening home games against some playoff caliber Broncos and Panthers teams a few years back where we completely dominated both lines of scrimmage against arguably better teams.
I'll give the Falcons their due because they are a solid team, but they didn't have to do much seeing as the Phins looked they just laid an egg yesterday.