The expectations of a “good” Miami season likely differs from fan to fan.
It’s been awhile since fans felt they had a “good” Miami season.
All Fin Fans want the Dolphins to be successful, but what is a “good” Miami season?
First, the operative word “good” is subjective.
Some Fin Fans saw the Perfect Season. So, for them, a “good” season might be a Super Bowl win.
Some have had maybe one or two playoff appearances – ever, and not even a single post-season win. So, for them, starved for post-season play, a “good” season might be “playoffs or bust”.
Some, like me, saw a couple of Super Bowl losses and the Dolphins being an AFCE powerhouse for most of their early fandom. So, a “good” season might be a return to respectability and to be a perennial factor in the league.
I get all perspectives and expectations. But, there is only one avenue where all Fin Fans hopes can be met, whether that be sooner or later: competent management, top to bottom.
As an example, last year, simply changing coaches allowed Suh to go from average effectiveness to top 5 at his position. Same player, different leaders.
This is why I don’t go to crazy over win counts (within reason of course) and even players being here or getting let go. Because if Miami builds it right in it’s coaching and front office, they ( a “good” Miami season) will come.
It might not be this year or next, but it will come with the right leaders.
Adam Gase’s and Co’s performance will be THE key to the Fins having a “good” Miami season.
Tannehill might show he is the man, or he might not. The offensive line might round into shape this year, or not. Reshad Jones might hold out, or he might not. Ajayi might turn into an epic late round steal, or he might not…and on and on it goes.
But, if Gase and Co, and Tannenbaum and Co are for real, then Fin Fans will be in business.
This to me is why the “tough” 2016 schedule is a good thing – especially since it’s hard early.
Carroll and Bellichick in the first two weeks will be the perfect litmus test for Gase to show what he is made of and what the long term prognosis of this regime will be.
Gase’s performance against two of the top coaches in the NFL will be even more important than the win or loss – although a “W” would be a nice cherry on top! Cheap wins and flukes come, drops happen, and bad calls have wrecked many a comeback, but if leadership is cool, makes adjustments, plays smart situational football, has the demeanor of the team aggressive, and comes to play for 4Qts…then, Miami will eventually get the “W’s” they need to return to glory.
I think this year we will see Hickey’s 2015 draft begin to blossom, so the Fins have done fairly well recently with their drafting. Tannenbaum must of course continue (and hopefully improve) on that trend. But, it’s at the coaching level, specifically at the highest levels of Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and Defensive Coordinator that Miami has been held back the most with queasy H.C.’s, timid D.C.’s, and an O.C. that spoon fed franchise QB’s. Year after year, it would be a tough bet by even the best sportsbooks that Miami would even have one competent coach.
I remember Tom Olivadotti and how his coaching killed Miami every year by screwing up just one phase of the game. His ineptitude dragged down the whole team which was led by the greats of Marino and Shula. That’s why it must been 3 out of 3. And despite the Meatloaf song, 2 out of 3 will be bad.
But, Fin Fans if we get that magic 3 out of 3, whether it’s post season or not, we will have our expectations met. Go Fins!!!