For decades the fans have been ‘smarter’ than Phins leadership
Since Jimmy Johnson quit the Miami Dolphins in 1999, mostly, Phins fans have been ‘smarter’ than those running the show in South Florida. This long lack of trust in the Dolphins leadership has much of the fan base never knowing what it’s like to have a Head Coach and a staff that knows better than they do.
For those of us who were fans during Don Shula’s run, we’ve experienced that ‘goodness’ of being bested by Dolphins leadership.
Now I’m not saying Shula was always right. He wasn’t… especially over the last couple of years… and I’ll add an extra exclamation for his stubbornness on sticking with Defensive Coordinator Tom Olivadotti. But through most of Shula’s run, he nailed it far more than the fans… and even those who considered themselves ‘smart fans’ accepted this.
The same can’t be said of even Jimmy Johnson or any coach since.
I’m also not saying that Brian Flores and Chris Grier deserves this trust. They don’t because they’ve proved nothing yet. Yes, so far they have been a slier regime than years past, But it will take 2-3 season from them to show their mettle… or lack thereof.
What I am saying is that a good staff has so much more data at their disposal versus what a fan has from a few clips from practices and even valuable game tape. When a coach sees how a player prepares and practices day in and day and who they are as a person, they have the trump card for evaluation in their hand. The problem is most coaches aren’t talented, perceptive, and wise enough to draw the right conclusions consistently with that data.
To make matter worse, for Phins Fans is since the last century those in charge haven’t used this data at even a competent level. Whether those in charge of the Dolphins were social idiots, incompetent, or succumbed to the immense pressure—or all three, the beat writers and fans have had a higher success rate. And through this, many have forgotten that the acumen of a regime can elevate or disintegrate a team.
Examples of good evaluations made without little to no game film
- Tom Brady: Drew Bledsoe had a decent season in 2000, but his career was in decline. The Patriots drafted Brady in the 6th Round in 2000 and only had some token live snap. Based on this they passed on making a move for Drew Brees in 2001. While they didn’t know Brady would be a HOFer, they were confident he could be a quality starter.
- Patrick Mahomes: Alex Smith came off a tremendous year, but the Chief traded Smith in favor of Mahomes. Yes, he was a 1st RD pick and expected to start eventually, but the move was highly questioned and could have proved disastrous.
- Aaron Rodgers: Little thought of draft pick who fell to late in the 1st Round, Rodgers replaced Brett Favre based on 3 seasons of practice and 35 live passes.
Conversely, examples of bad Phins evaluations based on plenty of game tape
- Jay Fiedler: Dolphins had plenty of tape on Fiedler and went with Jamar Fletcher over Drew Bress.
- Ryan Tannehill: There’s a ton of context to this, but Miami passed on Derek Carr, Kirk Cousins, Andy Dalton, and Russell Wilson in favor of Tannehill… despite tons of game tape.
- Jay Cutler: Gase had extensive knowledge of Cutler and brought him in by or by crook, anyway.
The key personnel question for the 2019 Season is out if Rosen is the future
Dolphins sportswriters and fans have taken a stand on every angle of what’s best for Miami at quarterback: Fitzpatrick should and shouldn’t start; Josh Rosen must be the starter in Week 1… or not; Neither current quarterback is good enough and the tank must happen for there to be hope… etc.
Every position has an element of veracity and could prove a smart bet with the best bookie software.
Reality is this Dolphins staff will have all the data necessary to make the right decision on Rosen and Fitzpatrick… even if it’s based on just practice and preparation. Will they have the acumen to analyze that data and make the right move? I don’t know. But I do know that a high-quality staff will nail this challenge… and a poor one won’t. Go Phins!!!