2016 will be made or broken at home Week 9 against the Jets.
2016 will turn in a big way for the better or worse Week 9 against the Jets.
The million dollar question Miami fans are so desperate to know the answer to: are the 2016 Dolphins legit?
A two game winning streak turned deep despair into promising hope. But, the Dolphins and their fans have been here before…many times, only to find that hope is really a pipe-dream.
So, the fans get to both sit and enjoy their teams victory a little longer with a bye week, but also must wait to find out if Miami has team turned the corner onto Relevance Avenue or will be stuck in Dead End Lane for 2016.
I for one wished I had God’s remote control to fast forward to 1PM Nov. 6th, but not even the best sportsbooks have that.
So since I don’t, I must sit and wait, and honestly admit, I don’t how it will turn out.
Last year, after Joe Philbin was fired early in the 2015 season, Dan Campbell was promoted as the interim head coach. In his first two games, he was able to get two dominant victories by a combined score of 82-36, against the Titans and Texans. However, the magic stopped dead in it’s tracks and the Dolphins finished the season 6-10.
Are we going to experience a case of déjà vu? Are the Dolphins going to fall back to their old losing habits?
Well for starters, the Dolphins bye-week allows Adam Gase to prepare and the team to heal. This will be a major help as they try to perform the feat of winning three straight games, something they have not done since the 2014 season.
I can’t believe a three game win streak is that long ago.
But, let’s forget the past for a moment and hold onto the promise of a new era lurking on the horizon.
The obvious key for Miami is to continue to get excellent play from their offensive and defensive lines. The extra week is a huge advantage in regards to health. There will be no excuses with all starting lineman on the field. Miami’s chances will at its apex.
Let me repeat: NO EXCUSES.
Also, Miami will have a chance get back DT Earl Mitchell and add CB Chris Culliver. Culliver began to practice again on Wednesday, so there is a good chance he will be ready to play next weekend against the Jets. Mitchell has a timetable of around two weeks, so there is a slight chance he may also be able to play against the Jets. These two players would be a nice boost to our defense.
Based on Miami’s recent health and a schedule that has them playing the next 7 games against teams that aren’t stellar, there’s a good chance that Miami can continue their recent success. Jay Ajayi is not going to run for 200 yards every game, but if they can get continued production from our running game, then the offense will continue to be able to put up points. If our defense can continue to pressure the opposing QB, and prevent the opposing team from running wild on them, then we should be able to limit the amount of points that are scored upon us.
Sounds easy enough. But, it’s far easier said than done. At least for previous Dolphins regimes. Maybe this time it will be different?
‘IF’ has been the key focus word of 2016. Many ‘IF’s’ seemed to be a heartbreaking ‘NO” by Week 5. Stunningly, those ‘IF’s’ made a dramatic turn around into ‘Yes’. Let’s enjoy the great feel of Relevance Avenue — even if it’s for a little while. Go Fins!!!