What Am I Missing?

[SmokyFin]

Many Fin fans and most sportswriters are totally writing off Miami for the upcoming season with many predicting us to have possibly the worst team in the league.

My questions is why? Last season this team was 7-9 and without some key injuries they could have easily slipped into the playoffs again. And comparing last year's team and the upcoming team I can't see where we are so much weaker than last season. In fact, I think they're stronger. Of course there's always a ton of ifs and many questions that have to be answered but here's how I compare last year's team with this year's.

COACHING: I think most would agree that we're in much better hands this season without Gase and Burke running the show. I'm much more confident in the new staff. ADVANTAGE: '19 Team

WRs: Everyone is back minus DA and we added Williams who may end up being the best of all of them: ADVANTAGE: '19

QB: So many questions but no matter if Fitz or Rosen starts I can't imagine a big drop-off from last season if any. Potentially much better. PUSH

OL: Last year they sucked and they probably will this season too. Who knows? PUSH

TE: Gesicki and Smythe have a year's experience and Allen has been added for leadership. ADVANTAGE: '19

RB: Gore was solid but with Drake and an emerging Ballage getting the carries I definitely think there's more big play potential this season. ADVANTAGE: '19

DL: Sorry, I don't think the losses there a big deal. I miss Wake but he was a big liability against the run and past his prime. The young DTs should really come into their own this season and the addition of Wilkins will only boost them. And if the lights come on for Harris they could really surprise. I'm leaning towards '19 but will say: PUSH

LBs: Baker and McMillan will have a year's experience behind them and the addition of Eguavoen could be huge as well. ADVANTAGE: '19

DBs: Basically intact. X may be the best cover corner in the league and Fitz should make a jump in his second year. Rowe may be an improvement over last year's #2 corner. ADVANTAGE: '19

Sorry, but I don't see the big drop-off in talent from last year's team. In fact, I think we're better in pretty much every area. Where do you agree or disagree with my assessments?

 

[Dynastybuilder]

The thing you're missing is that they weren't really a 7-9 team last year, regardless of injuries. They won all of their close games. The AFC east should be vastly improved this year, meaning they're likely a 5-11 team even if they're better than last year.

 

[SmokyFin]

The thing you're missing is that they weren't really a 7-9 team last year, regardless of injuries. They won all of their close games. The AFC east should be vastly improved this year, meaning they're likely a 5-11 team even if they're better than last year.

Doesn't matter how they won them, they did. You are what your record is. They may win 4 or 5 games this season or they may win 9. No matter what their record is though I think we're a better team this season than last.

 

[Miamifinz]

Coaching, agree with you. Results will not be immediate though.

WR, I think there’s a lot of uncertainty with the major injury to Wilson and Jakeem just now getting back into the swing of things. I think that’s a push even with an emerging Williams. Especially since Wilson seems like he’ll miss some games

QB, this is where you’re really off the mark, and it’s the most crucial position in football. Comparing Tannehill to Rosen or Fitz as a push is an insult. You will see a MAJOR drop off at this position. And Tannehill wasn’t exactly a difference maker to begin with. I think we have a lot of turnovers in store.

We know what the OL will be like.

Tight end, nothing promising from any tight ends. Another push at a very weak position.

RB: We lost a HOF running back and have the same people as last year, with less viable options on short yardage situations. Disadvantage.

DL about the same. Maybe better if Wilkins plays at a high level.

LBs. maybe a little better, but again we have most of the same personnel on what was the worst defense in dolphins history.

DBs will hopefully save this defense.

But again my big issue here is I think you’re unprepared for the drop off at QB. There will be a LOT of mistakes by whoever starts the year, and they’ll be playing behind a horrible horrible OL, that will very likely not generate a good running game. This will set us up for a 17 ppg offense in 2019. I certainly hope you’re right though.

 

[SmokyFin]

Coaching, agree with you.

WR, I think there’s a lot of uncertainty with the major injury to Wilson and Jakeem just now getting back into the swing of things. I think that’s a push even with an emerging Williams. Especially since Wilson seems like he’ll miss some games

QB, this is where you’re really off the mark, and it’s the most crucial position and football. Comparing Tannehill to Rosen or Fitz as a push is an insult. You will see a MAJOR drop off at this position. And Tannehill wasn’t exactly a difference maker to begin with. I think we have a lot of turnovers in store.

We know what the OL will be like.

Tight end, nothing promising from any tight ends. Another push at a very weak position.

RB: We lost a HOF running back and have the same people as last year, with less viable options on short yardage situations. Disadvantage.

DL about the same. Maybe better if Wilkins plays at a high level.

LBs. maybe a little better, but again we have most of the same personnel on what was the worst defense in dolphins history.

DBs will hopefully save this defense.

But again my big issue here is I think you’re unprepared for the drop off at QB. There will be a LOT of mistakes by whoever starts the year, and they’ll be playing behind a horrible horrible OL, that will very likely not generate a good running game. This will set us up for a 17 ppg offense in 2019. I certainly hope you’re right though.

* I'm sorry but what has Tannehill done that is any more impressive than what Fitz has done? Fitz's qb rating last year was higher than any Tannehill has ever posted. And I think him and Rosen both have way more pocket presence than Tanny which will help some with the poor OL.
* Why a push when the 2 rookie TEs have a year's experience and they added a veteran in Allen?
* 2018 Gore wasn't a HOFer and Ballage brings more big play potential to add to Drake's. We also drafted a FB for short yardage and Wilkins even may do some of that also.
* And why would the LBs only maybe be a little better. Baker and McMillan have their first year out of the way and Baker really seems ready to pop and Eg may end up being the best LB on the roster. Easy advantage for '19
* And I think coaching will make a huge difference this year because it has truly sucked for so long.

 

[Miamifinz]

* I'm sorry but what has Tannehill done that is any more impressive than what Fitz has done? Fitz's qb rating last year was higher than any Tannehill has ever posted. And I think him and Rosen both have way more pocket presence than Tanny which will help some with the poor OL.
* Why a push when the 2 rookie TEs have a year's experience and they added a veteran in Allen?
* 2018 Gore wasn't a HOFer and Ballage brings more big play potential to add to Drake's. We also drafted a FB for short yardage and Wilkins even may do some of that also.
* And why would the LBs only maybe be a little better. Baker and McMillan have their first year out of the way and Baker really seems ready to pop and Eg may end up being the best LB on the roster. Easy advantage for '19
* And I think coaching will make a huge difference this year because it has truly sucked for so long.

What Tannehill has done better is win games. And his body of work is way better than Fitzpatrick, who has had 15 years to figure out how to be a starter.

Assuming two tight ends that have shown virtually nothing last year and all of camp is a fatal flaw. Does not mean they have improved. It’s a push until I see anything resembling a flash.

Gore is not in his prime but he was our leading rusher by a mile, and had the most YPC. You can’t write off that production.

Again, all of the same linebackers, and we’re depending on an UDFA? I like 49 as well but I think you need to pump the brakes there.

And I agree Flores could be a great one, but this isn’t “his team” yet. I’m anxious to see how this team looks after we get our large haul of draft picks next year and spend some dough fixing all of the holes on this team. Until then I’ll agree to disagree. The only X Factor that can elevate this team drastically is Rosen. I hope he balls out regardless of the talent level on this team.

 

[volk]

The division has improved overall, but the Dolphins have essentially remained stagnant. Coaching is the real wildcard this year. I believe the QB position to be a wash or even a bit worse, so the outcome of the season will really fall on Flores and his ability to get the most out of what talent he has while enhancing strengths and hiding weaknesses.

 

[meatpardle]

Optimism that coaching will be better is reasonable, although until we start the season that's just guesswork, but the level of talent and early performances in key areas (basically the lines) appears to be weaker.

 

[13marino13]

I guess we're gonna find out pretty soon.

 

[Teenwolf]

Many Fin fans and most sportswriters are totally writing off Miami for the upcoming season with many predicting us to have possibly the worst team in the league.

My questions is why? Last season this team was 7-9 and without some key injuries they could have easily slipped into the playoffs again. And comparing last year's team and the upcoming team I can't see where we are so much weaker than last season. In fact, I think they're stronger. Of course there's always a ton of ifs and many questions that have to be answered but here's how I compare last year's team with this year's.

COACHING: I think most would agree that we're in much better hands this season without Gase and Burke running the show. I'm much more confident in the new staff. ADVANTAGE: '19 Team

WRs: Everyone is back minus DA and we added Williams who may end up being the best of all of them: ADVANTAGE: '19

QB: So many questions but no matter if Fitz or Rosen starts I can't imagine a big drop-off from last season if any. Potentially much better. PUSH

OL: Last year they sucked and they probably will this season too. Who knows? PUSH

TE: Gesicki and Smythe have a year's experience and Allen has been added for leadership. ADVANTAGE: '19

RB: Gore was solid but with Drake and an emerging Ballage getting the carries I definitely think there's more big play potential this season. ADVANTAGE: '19

DL: Sorry, I don't think the losses there a big deal. I miss Wake but he was a big liability against the run and past his prime. The young DTs should really come into their own this season and the addition of Wilkins will only boost them. And if the lights come on for Harris they could really surprise. I'm leaning towards '19 but will say: PUSH

LBs: Baker and McMillan will have a year's experience behind them and the addition of Eguavoen could be huge as well. ADVANTAGE: '19

DBs: Basically intact. X may be the best cover corner in the league and Fitz should make a jump in his second year. Rowe may be an improvement over last year's #2 corner. ADVANTAGE: '19

Sorry, but I don't see the big drop-off in talent from last year's team. In fact, I think we're better in pretty much every area. Where do you agree or disagree with my assessments?

I am going to revisit this thread at the end of the season for a good laugh.

 

[tdrogers]

Many Fin fans and most sportswriters are totally writing off Miami for the upcoming season with many predicting us to have possibly the worst team in the league.

My questions is why? Last season this team was 7-9 and without some key injuries they could have easily slipped into the playoffs again. And comparing last year's team and the upcoming team I can't see where we are so much weaker than last season. In fact, I think they're stronger. Of course there's always a ton of ifs and many questions that have to be answered but here's how I compare last year's team with this year's.

COACHING: I think most would agree that we're in much better hands this season without Gase and Burke running the show. I'm much more confident in the new staff. ADVANTAGE: '19 Team

WRs: Everyone is back minus DA and we added Williams who may end up being the best of all of them: ADVANTAGE: '19

QB: So many questions but no matter if Fitz or Rosen starts I can't imagine a big drop-off from last season if any. Potentially much better. PUSH

OL: Last year they sucked and they probably will this season too. Who knows? PUSH

TE: Gesicki and Smythe have a year's experience and Allen has been added for leadership. ADVANTAGE: '19

RB: Gore was solid but with Drake and an emerging Ballage getting the carries I definitely think there's more big play potential this season. ADVANTAGE: '19

DL: Sorry, I don't think the losses there a big deal. I miss Wake but he was a big liability against the run and past his prime. The young DTs should really come into their own this season and the addition of Wilkins will only boost them. And if the lights come on for Harris they could really surprise. I'm leaning towards '19 but will say: PUSH

LBs: Baker and McMillan will have a year's experience behind them and the addition of Eguavoen could be huge as well. ADVANTAGE: '19

DBs: Basically intact. X may be the best cover corner in the league and Fitz should make a jump in his second year. Rowe may be an improvement over last year's #2 corner. ADVANTAGE: '19

Sorry, but I don't see the big drop-off in talent from last year's team. In fact, I think we're better in pretty much every area. Where do you agree or disagree with my assessments?

I agree 100%. You sound like me at work because I had the same exact points at work under the smoke tree here in Jacksonville and everyone laughs.

 

[tzjombie]

Many Fin fans and most sportswriters are totally writing off Miami for the upcoming season with many predicting us to have possibly the worst team in the league.

My questions is why? Last season this team was 7-9 and without some key injuries they could have easily slipped into the playoffs again. And comparing last year's team and the upcoming team I can't see where we are so much weaker than last season. In fact, I think they're stronger. Of course there's always a ton of ifs and many questions that have to be answered but here's how I compare last year's team with this year's.

COACHING: I think most would agree that we're in much better hands this season without Gase and Burke running the show. I'm much more confident in the new staff. ADVANTAGE: '19 Team

WRs: Everyone is back minus DA and we added Williams who may end up being the best of all of them: ADVANTAGE: '19

QB: So many questions but no matter if Fitz or Rosen starts I can't imagine a big drop-off from last season if any. Potentially much better. PUSH

OL: Last year they sucked and they probably will this season too. Who knows? PUSH

TE: Gesicki and Smythe have a year's experience and Allen has been added for leadership. ADVANTAGE: '19

RB: Gore was solid but with Drake and an emerging Ballage getting the carries I definitely think there's more big play potential this season. ADVANTAGE: '19

DL: Sorry, I don't think the losses there a big deal. I miss Wake but he was a big liability against the run and past his prime. The young DTs should really come into their own this season and the addition of Wilkins will only boost them. And if the lights come on for Harris they could really surprise. I'm leaning towards '19 but will say: PUSH

LBs: Baker and McMillan will have a year's experience behind them and the addition of Eguavoen could be huge as well. ADVANTAGE: '19

DBs: Basically intact. X may be the best cover corner in the league and Fitz should make a jump in his second year. Rowe may be an improvement over last year's #2 corner. ADVANTAGE: '19

Sorry, but I don't see the big drop-off in talent from last year's team. In fact, I think we're better in pretty much every area. Where do you agree or disagree with my assessments?

I agree with you, this team has more talent than people give them credit for and baring a lot of injuries I believe they will surprise many. Coaching will make a big difference alone.

 

[ChuckyG]

Good writeup and you are right to have optimism. Better to live life this way.

 

[jazz015]

Adam gase had some of the best luckwhen it came to winning those one score games. Missed kicks, once in million times plays and short throws the man lived on the thread of defeat. The media does not admit it but he got putcoached in a majority of the big games he coached in. Look at what happened after the miracle, the Vikings, Jags and Bills. We got smoked by them in must win scenarios. Don't get me started on the Colts fiasco (got hot at the right time my ***). We were not good and he jumped ship like a coward because he knew the team quit on him.

 

[CoryMatthews]

People want Tua so they keep ignoring facts and say that we are tanking. They also ignore that Fitzpatrick is leaps and bounds better than Tannehill. The young defense is going to be much better this year and they are actually going to be coached up. Gase is one of the worst coaches in the league so there will definitely be an upgrade there.