Kelly: Dolphins have shown progress under Gase, but need to finish season with winning record

OMar Kelly wrote:If anything, this Miami Dolphins season has shown us that tough times don't last forever.
Despite Sunday's disheartening 38-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which reminded fans how far this year's Dolphins are from being a championship contender, we've been provided plenty of evidence that shows Miami is headed in the right direction.
While losing three of the team's final four games and failing to produce the franchise's first winning season since 2008 should be viewed as unacceptable, there have been plenty of encouraging signs.
Despite quarterback Ryan Tannehill's struggles against the Ravens (three interceptions, one touchdown, 63.1 passer rating), there has been noticeable improvement in his play this season.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-kelly-column-1207-20161206-story.html

Good read. Watch the video and watch Gase face. it funny

I'm in agreement with Omar but the problem is the enormous hole Jeff Ireland put this team from horrible drafting and bad luck. (Pouncey)

Now we need 3 LB's , 2 DE's, 1 DT, Center, Guard and at least 1 CB.

But I am pleased with Tannehill, Ajai, Parker, Landry and Tunsil on O. I think it's a solid foundation. So yeah I'm pretty pleased.

Too bad that Miami doesn't have that many draft picks. But to be really honest if Miami does draft well this year and yeah we all hoping that they do. Miami needs to pick up at least a OG, OC, 2LB and a DB. Miami will have to find an one DE in free Agency and also find proabably another OG. Miami depth is horrible

JMP wrote:Also, keep in mind that it's not always easy to go from "good" to "great".  Look at the Jets...last season 10 wins with a rookie head coach, this season one of the worst records in the league.

Teams that finish with a winning record but don't make the playoffs actually tend to get worse the next season, not better. '04 Bills, '07 Browns and of course the '05 Fins come to mind right off the top of my head.

Either make the playoffs or finish with 7-8 wins. Winning 9-10 games and NOT being in the playoffs is the worst of all worlds. I'm not sure why it's so important to have a winning season if it doesn't include the postseason, what's the point of that?

From what's left, I feel every game is winnable, and I'm being serious.

That said, each game, other than the Jets, will be a major uphill battle. I think the Jets are in serious disarray right now, and normally I'd just call that a win, IF it weren't a Jets/Dolphins prime time match-up. We will need to score a minimum of 28 points a game against all the remaining teams, but without Pouncey it's going to be tough.

I said before the San Francisco game here on the boards somewhere that we'd win the SF game, and then lose out. It wouldn't surprise me, but I think they'll win at least one. This week, they should get to Palmer, and should be able to win this game, but they will need points. If Vance Joseph can figure out ways to get the LBs into pressure looks, disguise some blitzes, and stay out of zone, we may have a legit chance.

Brady will light us up, UNLESS we bring pressure on him. Then, again, we have a chance. If we sit back in zone, we'll give up 30 points a game for the remainder of the year.

I'm with Bird, I'm pretty pleased right now, but talent is such a huge gaping Ire-hole. Gase showed adaptability and actually corrected a lot of his own mistakes relatively quickly. I'm hopeful he's actually smart enough to be a long-term head coach.