The sense of doom some feel might just be a case of “premature evaluation”.
2016 is two weeks in and some see it as doomed — are they right?
The Miami Dolphins are 0-2, and many are already seeing doom in 2016 with this new regime.
I say “pump them brakes” cause you might be suffering from premature evaluation — maybe?!
The fact is we played two legitimate Super Bowl contenders on the road, and both losses were highly expected.
What was not expected was that Miami would have a chance to win both of them in the last 2 minutes of each game.
A lucky bounce here or there could have easily been the difference in the Dolphins being 2-0 instead of 0-2, and considering that Miami was able to keep it close and stay in each game right to the last second, that should be seen as a positive step in the right direction.
Of course, to be fair, it could also be a mirage — but, it will take this week to reinforce that belief, because if they screw the pooch on this one…DOOM it is and doom it shall be!!!
The fact is, the Dolphins are not a Super Bowl contender this year, and they might not even a playoff contender. So if you have had these lofty expectations, you might be suffering from the doom and gloom of a let down.
They clearly still have issues on the offensive line, and the talent at the running back position is filled with inexperienced players; and the one experienced player they do have is Foster, who he’s a porcelain doll in whirlwind. Other genuine concerns are starting Tight End Jordan Cameron, who seems to have shown his hands to Medusa over the off-season with his hands of stone…
…Then there’s defense, Miami’s thin at depth and star-talent at corner and Linebacker (especially Linebacker) — although, maybe Culliver can provide that help when he becomes healthy.
But, beyond the holes in the previously mentioned failings, this team has some talent. Also, even the most ardent detractors of Tannehill can’t blame it all on him at this point.
Yes, Tannehill hasn’t looked like an elite QB through 4Qtrs. But, game-planning, play-calling, drops and missed blocks have taken front and center Week 1 and Week 2.
Two close loses might seem like doom, but could it be “premature evaluation”?!
This all leads to the fact that 0-2 was expected by most (though my editor thought 1-1). So, it’s not something to cry about in terms of this new coaching staff not getting the job done — not yet at least.
With the sober understand that outside of some coaching miracle that the best pay per head bookie software site has the odds of 200 to 1, Miami fans shouldn’t fool themselves into believing the Dolphins are a Super Bowl contender. So, there shouldn’t be shame in losing to Super Bowl contending teams.
With this perspective, however ugly at times, the Dolphins made it a game in both contests, and at this juncture with this team, that is more than people expected.
Now, this week and next week are different stories.
This week will determine if the 2016 Dolphins are garbage and next week if they are sniffing the playoffs.
Cleveland is such a must win game that I can’t even describe the awful mess my room will become from my head exploding should we lose!!!
The Browns are a young and awful team with a third string QB starting for them. But, they can run the ball and they will make every effort to do such. Vance Joseph and his credibility will take a big hit if his “D” flops this week. The Pats saw a weakness and exposed it last week, using motion to thwart the Zone-Press. Joseph was slow to respond.
This week, Adam Gase and Joseph have the superior pieces and home field advantage — if they are out maneuvered, then it won’t be a “premature evaluation” of doom…it will be a proper one. Go Fins!!!