Miami Dolphins News fans were very excited before the season started. It finally looked like this team was equipped with the talent to make a playoff run. Even many of the “experts” had Miami making the playoffs, and even possibly giving the Patriots a legit test for the AFC East crown. However, fast forward to the beginning of December, and the Dolphins are playing some of the worst football this franchise has seen since the Cam Cameron debacle – Quite the departure from the original expectations.
The Dolphins stand at 4-7 and have a chance to actually finish with the worst record in the league. They currently have the 7th worst record in the league, and the way that they have been playing, the best sportsbooks in the world are going to have them as an underdog each of their last 5 games. Due to this state of losing, it’s appearing more and more likely that there is going to be a new head coach, and an entire new staff. This has a started hope for losing in order to get a high draft pick among some fans.
I am not advocating tanking the rest of the season for a better draft pick. However, from a fan’s standpoint, higher drafts picks offer a better chance at acquiring good players. These interests are far different for players and coaches who must win for job security and for subsequent regimes needing tape to evaluate players. BUT, I do clearly remember when the Dolphins were in the lead for Andrew Luck, and as fans cheered, “Suck For Luck”, Miami pulled out some “unexpected” wins, and as a result Tannehill was drafted. This isn’t a knock on Tannehill, but even among Tannehill supporters, which QB would you honestly rather have, Luck or Tannehill?
In all likelihood, the Dolphins aren’t going to tank the rest of the season – an with Lazor gone I’d like to see what they can do unbridled. Most likely they will win a few of their remaining games, and as a result Miami will be stuck with another middle of the road draft pick. In reality though, the Dolphins have many holes, too many to fix in one draft. So regardless if the Dolphins have a top 5 pick or not, one player is not going to change the fortunes of this franchise.
Unfortunately, the Dolphins troubles goes beyond what pick they may or maynot get. It starts at the very top of the organization. So until Ross gets better instincts about who he hires, this trend will continue. Sadly, From the outside, it seems Ross is more worried about building a state of the art stadium, instead of building a state of the art team. If this team played even close to the Patriots level, then the stadium could be a decrepit sand lot and still be sold out each and every week. Fans want to see a team that wins and gives the hope that they can win championships. On the list of priorities, Fans have a vague care at how how comfortable the seats are. I’d spend 3 hours sitting on a splintered bench, if the Miami were a winning organization.
The Dolphins need to change the culture of this team, however that’s easier said than done. After a revolving door of head coaches and QB’s since the era of Dan Marino and Don Shula, this organization has been stuck in a 20 year rut. With this season as the AFC East whipping boy, the light at the end of the tunnel “appears” dim. Maybe there is another hidden gem 6th round QB in the next draft, or maybe they can be the home of a head coach that resurrects his career, or stumbles upon the next Bill Belichick head coach? If they can’t open one or more of these doors this offseason, then Miami could be looking at mediocrity for the foreseeable future.