I pride myself on being objective when it comes to the Miami Dolphins, but this week was tough to keep a level head..
Since the start of this off season I have watched Miami put into action some philosophies and modes of operation that were the correct ones, but would take great acumen by by Tannenbaum to make successful.
I had hoped that Miami was beginning to turn the corner…that hope has taken a big hit this week because events have made me realize that Miami’s challenges are manifold. Here lies the problem, even if they succeed at running things right, will it ever reach the level of the Patriots?
C.J. Anderson heading back to Denver was the first wave.
Lack of money spent on the O-Line was the second.
Pats playing the league like a fiddle was the third and a real wake-up call.
Say what you want about Belichick, but he has this game, in nearly all facets, down to a science.
They picked up a good young Guard in trade to counter Suh and Darius as well as a second round pick for Chandler Jones who was in the last year of his rookie contract – all of this was on the heels of getting four compensatory picks, one of which being a third rounder. Today they just buffered the loss of Chandler by acquiring Chris Long for a song and a dance.
It goes deeper than that.
Last year New England drafted two DE’s in the middle round to cover for a loss they knew was coming – they were operating a year ahead because they knew Chandler would be too expensive. They didn’t let talent leave without getting zero in return for it, unlike…ahem, Vernon or Miller here in Miami.
So, Pats have 4 picks in the top 100 in the deepest draft, some say ever in the mid rounds.
What does Miami have – holes and question marks.
Miami has let all their top FA’s go with nothing to show for it. They have yet to address the most serious deficit that they have in the Offensive Line. They have watched Pats position themselves for a huge leap forward if they draft well, while they themselves inch forward “IF” they provide the proper development, coaching and get some luck as icing on the cake. Not even the best football gamblers would bet that it’s a sure thing that this bodes well for a good long term prognosis.
I am not saying it’s hopeless as their is plenty of time. I am not Tannenbaum has failed because it will take a few years to get this ship in order. I am not saying the Patriots have it sown up as they have screwed up drafts in the past. What I am saying is not only do the Fins have to have game, but that game needs to rise above the cream of the crop in order to make any significant headway – and this week’s turn of events has me troubled. Go Fins!!!