Something feels different

The Miami Dolphins have started the season off 1-2 this year, but something feels different about this team, compared to the product we have seen put on the field over the last decade. Even though the Phins still have a losing record, and this season appears to be on course for a rough ride, there is something oddly comforting about this team.

First off all this team has a lot of heart and a no quit attitude. They just seem more willing and capable to play the entire 60 minutes. Effort has not been the problem for this team so far this year. To be honest this team imploded for the last two minutes of the 1st half against the Texans, and the first two minutes of the second half against the Jets. Unfortunately, imploded is an understatement because in those 4 minutes, they have turned the ball over 5 times and yielded 28 points. If you remove this brief but colossal mental breakdown, then there is a good chance their record would be better than 1-2.

Also, besides a couple of coaching decisions here and there, I believe that the coaching staff has done an admirable job with what we have, and have installed a sense of confidence in the players and fan base. Over the last few years when the Dolphins were actually ahead in the ball game, Sparano used to go into lock down mode and ultimately allow the other teams to climb back into the game and eventually win the game. With Joe Philbin, this has not been an issue as of yet.

This might be a bold statement, but at the moment I think the Phins have one of the best rushing attacks in the league. Between the trio of Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas, and Lamar Miller, we have enough capable running backs to pound the ball all game every game. Then throw in a a bruising FB in Jorvorskie Lane, and there is no reason why this team can’t lead the league in rushing. With such a stout rushing attack, I would like to see Mike Sherman use more play action later in the game to take advantage of when teams are crowding the box. Also a flea flicker here and there would be a welcomed addition to the conservative play calling.

The sports betting strategy is that this team is going to have a lot of ups and downs this year, concluding with a subpar record. At the moment the over/under for the Phins win total is a measly 6 1/2 games. If this team continues to play with the confidence and pride we have seen thus far, then the wise sports betting strategy is to not count the Dolphins out yet. The bottom line is, after a decade of aggravation, I feel like the tides are turning and my level of frustration while watching the Dolphins play, has greatly decreased since Philbin has taken over. Does the rest of the Phins news fans feel the same way about the direction of this team?