Examining the Remainder of the Miami Dolphins Regular Season Schedule

by rightchea Sat Oct 29, 2016 10:25 pm

Sutton wrote:13 of the 16 AFC teams are 3-4 or better right now. Jacksonville is 2-5. The Jets are 2-5 and in last place in the AFC East. Gosh that felt great to say, I’m going to say it again and put it in bold and all caps: THE JETS ARE 2-5 AND IN LAST PLACE IN THE AFC EAST. Cleveland is 0-7. Everybody else is in a logjam in the middle of the AFC playoff picture, with 9 of those aforementioned 13 teams being 3-4 or 4-3. The road to the Playoffs will require the Miami Dolphins do something that’s a bit out of our comfort zone: finish the season strong.

Realistically, 10-6 has to be the benchmark, so we have very little margin for error. For all you lovable, mathematically-disinclined individuals, that means we have to finish 7-2. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the rest of our schedule from a “macro” point of view:

http://www.thephinsider.com/2016/10/29/13423904/examining-the-remainder-of-the-miami-dolphins-regular-season-schedule-playoff-push-chances-2016-nfl

I disagree with what this guy is saying some of the games that he said that are toss up should be must wins and the games that are must win could be toss up. Miami has to beat team like the 49ers and Rams because these teams are having the most trouble but Miami must beat the Jets, and the Bills. Since Miami is already one up against the Bills they need to beat the Jets twice and the Pats once.

by Degarmo Sun Oct 30, 2016 12:56 am

To me, it looks like our biggest chance of losses are the Pats and Cards. Every other game we must win. Otherwise, we won't make the playoffs. If this is the case and we lose those two, we'll have to win the other two home games we have, which means a 5-game road sweep, which is a hell of a lot to ask.

by **JMP** Sun Oct 30, 2016 11:03 am

It's always tough to play the schedule game, but I can easily see another 6-7 losses on the Dolphins schedule. In fact, I'd say the only game on the schedule that should be a definite win is the 49ers.

The Phins have done a good job of hiding their warts the past 2 games, but how long can that last? I still think this defense is awful (especially in the back 7) and I don't trust the OL to stay healthy or Tannehill to win games on days when the run is stuffed.

by white1 Mon Oct 31, 2016 11:01 am

Can't sleep on the Jets, they know us well and typically play against us well.

LA has a great defense, while the Chargers have an excellent offense. Either one could kill us.

In the recent past, our team has been really inconsistent, playing well and poorly on a random basis week to week. If this team is any different, we are going to need to build on our strengths (like the running game) and continue to improve where we are weak (secondary, offensive passing game). Otherwise, we'll lose a lot of these games.

by **JMP** Mon Oct 31, 2016 11:41 am

white1 wrote:Can't sleep on the Jets, they know us well and typically play against us well.

LA has a great defense, while the Chargers have an excellent offense. Either one could kill us.

In the recent past, our team has been really inconsistent, playing well and poorly on a random basis week to week. If this team is any different, we are going to need to build on our strengths (like the running game) and continue to improve where we are weak (secondary, offensive passing game). Otherwise, we'll lose a lot of these games.

Yep, my thoughts exactly.

I just assume we'll split with the Bills and Jets - I really don't see us sweeping either, and I could even see the Jets sweeping us. I also think the Pats will beat us again, unless they are in position to rest their starters by that time.

Games against the Chargers and Cardinals are certainly winnable, but I think both of those teams are better than the Phins in key areas and I'm thinking both will be losses. And that Rams team has a serious defense. If Goff can get the offense going, that team could be dangerous. And the Ravens still have a tough team...very up and down, but that will be a tough game for the Phins IMO.

Basically, I just don't think the Phins are good enough yet to just automatically assume they'll beat any team. I still have serious concerns about the offense and defense.

by Birdmond Mon Oct 31, 2016 12:37 pm

The Chargers are MUCH better than their record indicates. I'm marking that down as a big fat L.

Anyway I'm starting to think 10-6 won't be good enough for a playoff berth this year. So I'm not even considering the possibility of the Dolphins making the playoffs. I'm already thinking free agency and the draft.

by rightchea Mon Oct 31, 2016 12:57 pm

Even if Miami goes 10-6. that shows that Miami is now becoming a contender.The AFC is always a hard division and for that fact that there are so many teams that can going for the wild card spot is going to be crazy. I hoping if Miami goes 10-6 they beat the Jets twice, the Bills twice and the Pats at least once.

by Birdmond Mon Oct 31, 2016 1:12 pm

rightchea wrote:Even if Miami goes 10-6. that shows that Miami is now becoming a contender.The AFC is always a hard division and for that fact that there are so many teams that can going for the wild card spot is going to be crazy. I hoping if Miami goes 10-6 they beat the Jets twice, the Bills twice and the Pats at least once.

I'd take that. It's also very possible if both Jets and Bills are eliminated and NE sits starters.

by **JMP** Mon Oct 31, 2016 1:17 pm

10-6 would be a huge success for the Phins, absolutely. I don't see any way it happens, but that would definitely be a step in the right direction. But - one game at a time. Let's see what happens on Sunday against the Jets.

That Chargers team could and should have at least 6 wins right now. If they can ever learn how to finish a game - look out.

by Umix10 Mon Oct 31, 2016 4:07 pm

this is nothing but trouble. the media is giving miami a sense of false hope based on the other teams. We still have issues to fix...we don't start fast, no chance of stopping the run, and a very very suspect secondary. None of the other teams matter. We had 2 good games this year so far......same as last year and look how that turned out.

Keeping an opportunistic mind set is only letting you down....Not to be a debbie downer but i prefer just look at one day at a time.

by **JMP** Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:46 pm

Absolutely right, umix. Happens every time the Phins have some success...win a couple of games, and everyone goes overboard with playoff predictions. Not this guy...I've seen this movie too many times and the ending is always the same! I'll believe it when I see it.

by rightchea Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:59 pm

I hate that the local media does that as well. They need to watch NFL network or ESPN they never talk about the Dolphins.

by DolFan 316 Mon Oct 31, 2016 9:46 pm

JMP wrote:Absolutely right, umix. Happens every time the Phins have some success...win a couple of games, and everyone goes overboard with playoff predictions. Not this guy...I've seen this movie too many times and the ending is always the same! I'll believe it when I see it.

Fins haven't won more than 3 in a row since '08. So yeah.

by Birdmond Tue Nov 01, 2016 7:43 am

The new "ain't nobodies bitch" attitude gives me hope.

by **JMP** Tue Nov 01, 2016 9:08 am

Birdmond wrote:The new "ain't nobodies bitch" attitude gives me hope.

I saw that attitude in Dan Campbell's first two games, too. It's a good start, but how long will it last this time?

by mercury22nathan Tue Nov 01, 2016 9:22 am

JMP wrote:Happens every time the Phins have some success...win a couple of games, and everyone goes overboard with playoff predictions.

agree - but its not a problem when the media and fans do this, but when the team starts to believe their own hype, they change their whole approach to building the team...

Had the course of this Miami Dolphins season not turned two weeks ago, today’s NFL trade deadline might be different.

Had things not changed ...

Mario Williams would have been trade bait.

Byron Maxwell would have been trade bait.

Andre Branch might have been trade bait.

Possibly Cameron Wake.

The Dolphins would have been trying to sell. I was told to not be surprised by anything that was about to happen.

But something happened on the way to the fire sale: The Dolphins not only started winning -- they beat Pittsburgh and Buffalo back to back -- but they seemed to find their identity in the process. They seemed to unearth a formula that might actually have some sustainability the remainder of the season, barring significant injuries.

And so now it is hard to think of the Dolphins as sellers. It’s much more logical to consider them buyers.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article111744192.html

the Phins are now apparently content to ship away what precious few draft picks they have to obtain other team's castoffs for the hope of short term benefit this season versus using those picks next May to build for the future. more of Tannenbaum's desire to build an all-star FA team that can't win more than half their games.

by DolFan 316 Tue Nov 01, 2016 10:01 am

JMP wrote:
Birdmond wrote:The new "ain't nobodies bitch" attitude gives me hope.

I saw that attitude in Dan Campbell's first two games, too. It's a good start, but how long will it last this time?

HA!!! PREACH AWN, BRUTHA!!! TESTIFY!!! cheers

Seriously, this is the EXACT SAME THING we JUST SAW at this SAME POINT LAST SEASON. And despite myself I actually fell for it Mad

My shame in doing so truly knows no bounds Embarassed

by **JMP** Tue Nov 01, 2016 11:07 am

mercury22nathan wrote:
the Phins are now apparently content to ship away what precious few draft picks they have to obtain other team's castoffs for the hope of short term benefit this season versus using those picks next May to build for the future. more of Tannenbaum's desire to build an all-star FA team that can't win more than half their games.

That sucks. This could have been a rare opportunity to add at least one (possibly multiple) draft pick - something we desperately need. But now that we are once again "close" (ha!), we're standing pat.

With all the roster turnover that will occur in the coming offseason, draft picks are a premium - we should be trying to get as many as we can. But, as we know, that's not the Tannenbaum way. I can already see this offseason becoming another Tannenbaum free agent frenzy. Rolling Eyes

by Degarmo Tue Nov 01, 2016 11:45 am

DolFan 316 wrote:

Seriously, this is the EXACT SAME THING we JUST SAW at this SAME POINT LAST SEASON. And despite myself I actually fell for it My shame in doing so truly knows no bounds

In all our defense though, we did have a change of head coach and finally had someone who was an anti-Philbin, so, for the moment, it was wonderful. I still think Campbell will be an excellent coach someday, but he's got a bunch of things to learn about game day coaching. He's a hell of a motivator though, and that can carry you a long way.

by Birdmond Tue Nov 01, 2016 12:32 pm

JMP wrote:
Birdmond wrote:The new "ain't nobodies bitch" attitude gives me hope.

I saw that attitude in Dan Campbell's first two games, too. It's a good start, but how long will it last this time?

Until Albert and Pouncey get hurt again. I'd say mid November.

by **JMP** Tue Nov 01, 2016 2:17 pm

Birdmond wrote:
JMP wrote:
Birdmond wrote:The new "ain't nobodies bitch" attitude gives me hope.

I saw that attitude in Dan Campbell's first two games, too. It's a good start, but how long will it last this time?

Until Albert and Pouncey get hurt again. I'd say mid November.

LOL You are probably right!

by rightchea Tue Nov 01, 2016 3:42 pm

Birdmond wrote:
JMP wrote:
Birdmond wrote:The new "ain't nobodies bitch" attitude gives me hope.

I saw that attitude in Dan Campbell's first two games, too. It's a good start, but how long will it last this time?

Until Albert and Pouncey get hurt again. I'd say mid November.

I have to agree. Miami OL health issue is always a problem especially when they are doing good.

by Birdmond Tue Nov 01, 2016 4:40 pm

The record with Albert , Pouncey and James in the line up is pretty amazing. Is it 9-1 now?

by rightchea Tue Nov 01, 2016 4:54 pm

That crazy but that doesn't help if they can't stay healthy. Miami needs to get rid of Albert and trade away Pouncey for a 2nd or 3rd round pick and get some cheaper/better players from FA and the draft.

by Birdmond Wed Nov 02, 2016 6:24 am

rightchea wrote:That crazy but that doesn't help if they can't stay healthy. Miami needs to get rid of Albert and trade away Pouncey for a 2nd or 3rd round pick and get some cheaper/better players from FA and the draft.

In theory I agree , especially from a salary cap stand point but with all the other needs I don't see Albert or Pouncey going anywhere.

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