Phins Continue to Turn the Page

Did the Phins turn the page on New England’s history of dominance?

Fellow Phins fans: After the win yesterday, we have a very nice trend forming with the Dolphins / Patriots rivalry. Data point #1: last season in Foxborough, the Dolphins knocked the Patriots out of a 1st Round Bye with a shocking win… with Tom Brady, so no excuses, ‘patsy’ fans. Data point #2: This year, Miami beat the Patriots to hand them their 1st losing season in near two decades and to stay ahead in their own playoff race. Miami played beaten to a pulp with injuries and a rookie QB, so no excuses there either ‘chowderhead’ fans. Both victories were clear and untainted wins over the Patriots. Tasty, huh? While we’ve played the spoiler on a few occasions over the Pats’ long run, it was very atypical to win when it means a positive for us. After Sunday’s win, it sure does appear that the Miami Dolphins have turned the page on two ugly decades to a very bright future.

Baby steps must come before running

Now, it takes three data points to make a trend and every season brings so much change that we can’t gauge future games based on this year’s teams. But, even though we only have two data points, it’s looking really good that we won’t be bullied by the Patriots anytime soon. No?!

Once thing that is pretty clear, given all we have witnessed from last season and this one, is we’ve turned the page on being a dysfunctional, laughing stock of a franchise!

Ladies and germs-drum roll, please. The Miami Dolphins ARE now a competent franchise!

You might say, M.J. that’s nothing to celebrate! Under normal circumstances, I’d agree, but given the complete incompetency over the last 20 years, even average is a huge improvement. While greatness is the goal, every step on the journey determines if the goal actually becomes a reality. And, these first few steps have been exceptional considering where they started Week 1 of the 2020 Season.

Are fans truly grasping what is being built?

Now, I’m not going to say this regime is going to be a dynasty or have the Perfect Season 2.0. I will say though that this will be a competitive team for years to come… with the potential for much more. Two and a half generations of Phins fans couldn’t honestly say that. So, we’ve come a long, long way, Phindom

Consider ALL that we have at this early stage:

1. Brian Flores is a Head Coach who is a true specialist on defense, has elite charisma with players, can coach up on a dime, and who obviously has an eye for talent.
2. Chan Gailey is an excellent offensive coordinator who isn’t looking for an HC job due to his age. This means we’ll have continuity with our young quarterback and his OC. Gailey is creative, experienced, and flexible.
3. Tons of draft picks and a scouting department that can find talents in the deepest niches of the talent market.
4. Team chemistry that is more than a ‘quant football sound bit from the coach’. This team has that ‘it factor’ you can’t put your finger on.
5. A young and talented quarterback in Tua. We don’t know the height of his talent yet, but it’s clear at the very least the kid’s pretty good.
6. A young offensive line and a defensive line that’s getting better and better with each passing week.
7. A secondary that has youth, talent, experience, the best ballhawk in the game.
8. A receiving and tight end group that is deep, young, and talented.

I’m sure I’ve missed some ‘goodies’ in the above list

I’ve likely missed some good points about this regime and team. But, that’s a good thing because it just means there is some much good going on I can’t hit it all. Give me some reminders on what I’ve missed. I’ll be very glad to be corrected.

I don’t think Miami is a great bet with the pay per head bookie sites to go to Buffalo in December and win…

… But, I wouldn’t dismiss it either.

I do think we take the Raiders out and go 10-6! If we make the playoffs or not after that, this has been one helluva’ fun ride either way. It feels so darn great to be a fan of a good team again! Go Phins!!!