Phins Get to 6-3, But There’s Room to Improve
Close only matters in horseshoes & hand grenades, BUT…
The Miami Dolphins notched another road shootout victory on their resume against the Chicago Bears and lightening fast Justin Fields. Getting the win is always the most important result, however Miami wants to make the playoffs and win some playoff games, then we need to play better. But, it’s hard to complain about this kind of success when this franchise has been a doormat for the NFL for decades. Still, just a little more from this Dolphins team could make for a special season.
Bears have less talent than Miami
The Dolphins are clearly the better team than the Bears, but not emphatically putting the game out of reach and let them hang around deep in the fourth quarte is a recipe for future disasters. Miami was lucky not to get a pass interference call on the last drive because it would have put Chicago on the 20 yard line with a chip shot to tie or a chance to score the go ahead touchdown. Miami prevailed the same way in the Steelers game, too. But, counting on our defense to hold on the last drive of the game has been nerve wrecking this season because the defense hasn’t been great this year.
Sure, the defense came through with the stop at the end of both games, but all it takes is just one lucky play or penalty to spoil a game…
… and maybe more than that if it happens in a critical game at the end of the season or the postseason.
It’s great that we have won three shootouts this year, but we need a better long-term winning formula. It doesn’t take a best football software to know the teams that make it the furthest are the ones that are the most well rounded on both offense and defense.
Phins are so close to great things!!!
Sure, it’s crazy to nitpick a victory, but the Dolphins are finally getting some respect in terms of odds on games and have risen to +2500 to win the Super Bowl. While the Phins have one of the best records in the league, overnight the AFC East has turned into arguably the best division in football and Miami is currently in third place. They are currently in the 6th spot in the AFC, which would be good for the playoffs if they started today.
Phins are at once so close and so far from the postseason, this is why the little things are so critical.
Miami must continue to stack up wins for a chance to win the division or make it as a wild card. The great news is that the talent is definitely there on both sides of the ball. So, if we can just get both sides to play to their potential, this team can really beat anyone in this league.
Byron Jones is key to get this defense on track
It will be interesting to see if Byron Jones ever gets healthy enough to play this year. Without him our defense can’t blitz as its designed. Last year, when we ripped off 7 straight victories towards the end of the season, it was because of stellar defensive play. If the Dolphins can find a way to play like that on defense for the rest of the season, then this team can truly be special.
What’s so exciting about this team is that without playing our best football Miami has a 6-3 record! If they can put it all together Miami will be downright scary!
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans thoughts about how we can improve and continue to win football games?
What is the projected return of Byron Jones? If we are going to contain good running QB’s like Fields and Jackson, we need more speed and range at the MLB! I think our 2nd round pick should be an MLB, followed by the 3rd round pick for a Center. Your thoughts Jimmy & MJ?
What a game, Stephen!!! Most complete game yet… except for special teams! Hard to say because we don’t know who is available. We need a starter… not a long developer. Does Tindall develop…then maybe we don’t need a MLB… we need one because I think the future of this defense is not zero coverage… but, rather zone coverage and organic pass rush with 4… Hard to say… need to see how the pieces play out for this season. Does Jackson develop? We need more OL help… maybe a development player there in the third… MLB is something we’ve needed for a long time… the kid in Kc drafted a couple of years ago was my pick… doing pretty good.
Hello Jimmy
I have been with the Miami Dolphins since about 1982. In the eighties they were allot of fun to watch but still never got it together to win a Super Bowl. In the 2000’s we led the league in disfunction, but the Dolphins were still in my blood, having to put up with the jokes by my friends and co-workers. This year 2022 with a new coach, etc. Steve Ross hands off etc. I applaud Chris Greir for bringing in the new Head coach who has implemented the Chemistry that will allow Tua to perform/compute plays better than any quarterback in the league this season. Tua and the Dolphins have earned it.
The team has always been there! Jimmy! You quoted If they could put it all together Miami will be downright scary! Very True This Miami Team I don’t see anyone outscoring them. Must tighten up on the Defense/ have a stronger Run Game cannot be like Dan Marino Prime years ago.
Sorry for the late reply… I’m juggling a ton and trying trying find balance, Steve. The run game we should against the Browns brings so much hope… if we can rush the football…we will be very, very tough to beat. We’ve always been a imbalanced team except for the early 70’s… something was always very poor… this could be the first year where not one aspect is terrible… this could finally bring us hope!!! And more than that a ring… stillplenty of time to see this thing shake out, but it’s not pipe dreams this time… there is actual substance. Again, sorry for the late reply, Steve.
BTW: How are you feeling? How are you doing with your health?
Admin good to hear from you!
One day at a time for me! This season I know very few players on the Dolphins team. This maybe a good thing?
This 2022 team is special! They are capable of playing any team and out score them. Having a Balance offense; a stop, take away defense. We are on our way.
Glad you are doing well… One day at a time… I’m not in the same boat as you, but I’m swimming in the water… learning the hard truth youth isn’t forever… and neither is good health. So glad to hear from you. This season and much of last season has been tough to write with this other thing I’m doing… with such a huge 6 game streatch coming, I’m going to drive myself to get back into writing here… Jimmy has been light too… I hope it plays out well… so many need the good will in these hard times… stay strong and keep fighting and write here when you can to let me know you are well… if you can. Losing Terron yest hurts though… hope he is back soon!!!! Be Well.
Jimmy,
Good and accurate article. Yes, because of the injuries to the defensive secondary, not able to play as agressively with our front seven. The type of defense we play necessitates strength at the corners and back-end. Not having Byron Jones and Brian Jones effects this. However, it is my hope that Chubb will allow us to be more agressive again since this guy is a beast, and offenses will most certainly need to account for him! I hope we can get Byron Jones back for at least the December run? With our 2nd round pick we need to draft a stud MLB who can play side-line to side-line, and is excellent against run & pass. Need anohter Zach Thomoas to complete the puzzle Round 3 I say go for a top 3 center.
Looks like Branden Shell and Rob Jones at LG have been playing well. We don’t want to see anyone get hurt, but Rob Jones could be an upgrade to Eichenberg. OL playing better. Like getting Wilson from SF. I heard we tried during the off-season to get him, but could not reach a deal with SF. Edmunds struggled in our system.
Your thoughts and MJ on the Browns game? Some people are saying the Chubb makes Dolphins Superbowl contenders? Do you agree?