In the aftermath of Super Bowl XLIV, I cannot tell you how many times I've heard this phrase: The Dolphins aren't that far off from winning a Super Bowl. They played both New Orleans and Indianapolis well and should have beaten them. So they're close.
The logic apparently follows that since the Dolphins lost to Indianapolis 27-23 the second week of the season, then lost to New Orleans 46-34 on Oct. 25th, Miami is close to being pretty good because those two teams are obviously championship caliber.
And it's not just fans seeing the Dolphins through this prism.
"I think we're close," Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown said on his Ronnie Brown radio show on 560-WQAM this week. "I think we have a lot of the right pieces to the puzzle. I think we still have a few things we need to tweak and get better at. But as a team, we're pretty close.
"We played both those teams this year and, to our credit, we were in the games and had an opportunity to win both of those games. So that says, as a team, we're close. But there are a few pieces to the puzzle we've got left."
Now, you're not going to like this so if you're not in the mood for an honest dose of reality, simply stop reading now. That way you'll go on about the rest of your day thinking your team is close to being Super Bowl-caliber because it hung tough with the two Super Bowl teams.
The rest of you, read on.
The Dolphins are nowhere near close to the Saints or the Colts.
Some facts:
NFL teams are judged by what they do through an entire season, not by what they do in one game. And during the 2009 regular season, the Colts were 14-2 while the Saints were 13-3. The Dolphins were 7-9. So Indy won twice as many games as Miami while the Saints almost accomplished the feat.
Both the Saints and Colts won their respective divisions and were No. 1 seeds in the playoffs. The Dolphins finished third in the AFC East and didn't make the playoffs
The Dolphins aren't close.
Any logic that suggests one team is comparable to another based on the outcome of one game must be uniform. So anyone saying the Dolphins are close to the Saints because they almost beat the Saints, must then have to keep a straight face as they say the Washington Redskins are close to being as good as the Saints. The Redskins, after all, lost to New Orleans by a 33-30 score on Dec. 6th. And yes, the Saints played everyone in that game and did everything they could to win.
So do you think the Redskins are close to the Saints?
Taking the argument one step further, if you think the Dolphins are close to the Super Bowl champions based on playing them close in one game, you must also believe the Tampa Bay Bucs are better than the champs. Yes, Tampa Bay beat New Orleans 20-17 on Dec. 27th.
And you cannot argue the Saints gave up in that game because Drew Brees completed 32 of 37 passes for 258 yards with 1 TD. He completed 10 more passes against Tampa than he did against Miami. But the Bucs won.
So do you think Tampa Bay fans are foolish enough to believe they're close to being as good or better than New Orleans?
The Dolphins aren't close.
Finally, of course, there's the empirical argument against the Dolphins: The Saints have better players. And more of them. The Colts have better players. And more of them. That cannot be disputed by any right-thinking NFL fan or player.
Tell me ... what player on the Dolphins offense rises to the level of a Drew Brees or Peyton Manning? Let me answer -- none.
What receiver on the Dolphins could start for the Saints or Colts? Let me answer -- none.
What defender on the Dolphins makes as many game-changing plays as either Indy's Dwight Freeney or Who Dat's Darren Sharper? Let me answer -- none.
The Saints had seven Pro Bowl players in 2009. The Colts had seven Pro Bowl players in 2009. The Dolphins had three -- Yeremiah Bell, Dan Carpenter and Jake Long.
Long didn't play because of injury. Bell got on the team because Indy's Antoine Bethea was in the Super Bowl. And Carpenter played because Nate Kaeding injured himself the first day of practice.
So both Super Bowl teams have more than twice as many Pro Bowl players as Miami, even when we all know the reason the Dolphins had three was due to extenuating circumstances.
The Dolphins aren't close.
And it pains me to hear Dolfans saying they are close to the Saints and Colts because it suggests they're not being realistic. Or just don't know what they're talking about.
[I'm off the rest of the week but if anything happens, I'll update you on twitter. So follow me.]
Not dolphins news by any means but i have heard some stuff about TO and OCHOCINCO together in Cincy... Anyone think that is a GREAT idea or will that be complete CHAOS...
Posted by: WestVaFins | February 12, 2010 at 01:48 PM
That is slightly old news WestVaFins. TO alos said he would change his name to OchoUno if he went to Cincy. Cincy followed up when the report came out on OCNN (OchoCinco News Network) a week ago at Suprebowl and said they were not going to be interested in bringing in TO. Also, they just signed Matt Jones today, so that proves even more they are not going to sign TO.
I know most of you would frown about signing TO, but let's hear the thoughts on the idea since nothing else is really happening that is news worthy...
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 01:53 PM
indiana
nobody likes a suck up :unless you two are ...u know ..not that there is anything wrong with that.
Posted by: truth commission | February 12, 2010 at 01:54 PM
I'm sitting here looking at Patrick Turner's college highlight reel...
Its pretty sad that he's had such a tough time making the transition to press coverage....because the guy looks GREAT running and catching balls in USC games.
I hope he's busting his ass to improve on footwork and combat skills. The rest of his game seems to be decent -- and If they can fix his downfield release then he could be dangerous.
If the guy is 'Coachable', then he could be a real force two or three years from now.
Watching a DOLPHIN'S Middle-Round Draft Pick develop into a starter would be nice for a change.
Posted by: Joey in Jersey | February 12, 2010 at 01:56 PM
jets suck
Posted by: jets suck | February 12, 2010 at 01:58 PM
"Can you say mike mamula ?? "
Actually, NJ, I tried saying it three times real fast and boy oh boy that is a lot of m's...
Oh and TNPhinFan - LMFAO - nice one at 1:30. haha
And Soiled, I like Ted Teacup Ginn! haha
Posted by: LipsinToronto | February 12, 2010 at 02:11 PM
truth commission - I care about football issues and discussions since this is a FOOTBALL BLOG, not who is sucking up to Armando or being a "rat". I mean come on dude, it's not like he is our high school teacher or principal....GROW UP!!! Do you want to be the teacher's pet and someone stepping on your stomping grounds? Why are you so worried or actually care?
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 02:17 PM
Agreed joey!
Posted by: WestVaFins | February 12, 2010 at 02:18 PM
Hiya all Fins fans,
It's a bummer Mando had to go on vacation. This thread will have a zillion posts if not changed.
Soiled, Lipsin: Wait, aren't tecups suppose to be "short and stout"? Oh wait, thats teapots...lol
Posted by: Rob in OC | February 12, 2010 at 02:22 PM
*teacups typo
Posted by: Rob in OC | February 12, 2010 at 02:22 PM
truth commission - Also, if you are going to complain about an issue like this, use your own name on the post, not a new one just so we don't know who you are or at least say who you are complaining about OR don't say anything at all...
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 02:25 PM
Truth commission is Cuban menace , he always say " not that there's anything wrong with that ". this Cuban Menace = truth commision. he him.
Posted by: chalupa | February 12, 2010 at 02:26 PM
Here is some possible good news Dolphins fans that I caught on RotoWorld.com -->
Free agent LB Karlos Dansby called the Giants, Chargers, Dolphins, and Redskins possible 2010 destinations in a Friday interview with Sirius NFL Radio.
Dansby is expected to hit the market because he's too expensive for the Cardinals to franchise tag. He would play middle linebacker in the Giants' 4-3 scheme. Otherwise, it seems Dansby would prefer to stay in a 3-4 system. Feb. 12 - 12:34 pm et
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=2663&line=167591&spln=1
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 02:28 PM
Joe in Jersey,
While I will give Turner some time to develop while working on his footwork, breaking the press, release, "combat hands", routes etc., it is awfully depressing that a 3rd rounder could not even see the field all last year.
You would think the OC would have a package of plays like jump balls, fades, possession 3rd down plays to insert for him to get on the field. The fact that he couldn't find a home special teams hurt him as they left him inactive all year.
Let's cross our fingers for development!
Posted by: Rob in OC | February 12, 2010 at 02:28 PM
Indiana , cuban menace aka aloco is truth commision. he need to grow up. he big baby. menace/aloco = truth commision
Posted by: chalupa | February 12, 2010 at 02:31 PM
Indiana Dolfan,
Let's just hope Snyder from Washington doesn't fall in love with Dansby or he will simply outbid any owner for his services i.e. 100 million for DT Albert Haynesworth.
Posted by: Rob in OC | February 12, 2010 at 02:32 PM
If we've had the 3 year patience for Ted Teacup Ginn, then we should give Turner the benefit of the doubt..
It is not like we had a stron receiving corp to begin with so in addition to his issues, we couldn't afford to give him any game time reps.. we needed the best out of our mediocre receivers..
Posted by: LipsinToronto | February 12, 2010 at 02:34 PM
Anyone that would pass up those other players to go to washington is foolish.....IMO
Posted by: WestVaFins | February 12, 2010 at 02:39 PM
places not players ....
Posted by: WestVaFins | February 12, 2010 at 02:39 PM
At least we are a possible destination the he, himself has actually said. I say WE GET HIM! I also foresee if we do get him, then we are going to draft NT Williams IMO!
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 02:47 PM
Rob in OC,
YEAH....its depressing. This guy has some strong, solid game footage.
It further reinforces your "Crapshoot" observations.
I hope he puts himself through a crucible during the off season to get better.
If it were me, I would offer to drive Vincent Jackson (DUI) around during the next several months in return for the opportunity to train with him.
Cheers.
Posted by: Joey in Jersey | February 12, 2010 at 02:50 PM
Does anyone know if any of those teams he mentioned run the 4-3 defense. Dansby said he would prefer a 3-4 defense...
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 02:53 PM
Joey in Jersey,
"Watching a DOLPHIN'S Middle-Round Draft Pick develop into a starter would be nice for a change."
How about Kendall Langford, Donald Thomas, Brian Hartline?
Lets not forget Lex Hilliard and Chris Clemons who are showing alot of promise and should move into bigger roles in 2010... didn't these two at least get one start a piece in 2009... If you are going to bash Parcells and company, at least know what you are talking about...
Posted by: carlito from golfito | February 12, 2010 at 02:54 PM
Redskins run the 4-3 I believe... could be wrong though, but I'm pretty sure Haynesworth is a 4-3 DT
Posted by: carlito from golfito | February 12, 2010 at 02:56 PM
Giants run a 4-3
Posted by: carlito from golfito | February 12, 2010 at 03:01 PM
Carlito - Lex didn't get a start I don't think. I know for sure he didn't when we had Ronnie and Ricky in the lineup. I am pretty sure Ricky started every game the Ronnie was on the IR. I'm not sure why he wouldn't of started. Clemons I do believe get a start if not 2.
Clemons did start 2 games: http://www.nfl.com/players/chrisclemons/profile?id=CLE388197
Hilliard started none: http://www.nfl.com/players/lexhilliard/profile?id=HIL720361
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 03:03 PM
Indiana,
Yeah, I guess not... i could have sworn he started the Texans or Steelers game, but oh well, just making and proving a point that the Dolphins have gotten value out of the mid round the past 2 years since Tuna showed up.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | February 12, 2010 at 03:06 PM
LMAO !! Just because dansby names miami as a place he'd like to play , doesn't mean he will . Miami has to be interested and see how much money he will be asking for before they do anything. Heck everybody names miami . Why wouldn't they ?? Dansby named miami , new york , cali and washington , 4 of the biggest markets , nicest football or weather cities . Coincedence ??
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 12, 2010 at 03:08 PM
Now that NJ is back I can post again.
Yeah!!!
Posted by: Mr. Miyagi | February 12, 2010 at 03:10 PM
LOL
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 12, 2010 at 03:12 PM
NJ would you like to pick up Dansby????
Posted by: WestVaFins | February 12, 2010 at 03:13 PM
he had 1 rush in the steelers game and and only 3 in the Texans game. He only had 23 attempts all season long, which I thought he got more than that since Ronnie went down. He did have 20 receptions with 2 TD's which was more receiving touchdowns than Ted Ginn...WOW!!
On the Ted Ginn side of things....his longest reception the past 3 seasons have been 53,64 and 54. That is what he could bring if we had a true #1 receiver. He would get less attention not being the #1 recevier and I think would be more valuable. If we get rid of him, another team would use his strengths to their advantage. Miami has tried to create strengths out of him and it has not worked. I would like to see them use his strengths and not try to create them because that obviously has not worked. Then, if he still is a bum at what he does, dump him after next season...
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 03:14 PM
All of the farmers Indiana Dolphins and Westvadolphins are here talking like donkeys again. Where is farmhand waterboy?
Posted by: cobra kai | February 12, 2010 at 03:18 PM
profootballfutres.com comments on Dansby
Karlos Dansby, Arizona Cardinals (29)
Dansby has played pretty well for the Cardinals, but isn’t making the number of impact plays we’ve seen out of him in the past. Quite frankly, the linebackers as a unit have been a big problem for the defense this year. At the top of his game, Dansby is one of the better scheme-diverse linebackers in the league and will likely have a number of teams lined up ready to woo him this offseason if the Cardinals don’t make an early offer. After their exit from the postseason, Dansby said that no contract negotiations have begun and wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t playing in Arizona next season.
Posted by: Mr. Miyagi | February 12, 2010 at 03:18 PM
Cobra kai is a bigot...
Posted by: WestVaFins | February 12, 2010 at 03:19 PM
This not true westva. I like all type of people. Whats wrong with be farmer? Sounds like you the bigot.
Posted by: cobra kai | February 12, 2010 at 03:23 PM
LMAO !! Just because dansby names miami as a place he'd like to play , doesn't mean he will . Miami has to be interested and see how much money he will be asking for before they do anything.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 12, 2010 at 03:08 PM
NO kidding NJ. But LB is a need of ours and he is a darn good LB who is a FA, not restricted or unrestricted, so if he wants to play here it is a good thing. It is beeter that he mentions Miami and does not include them out. Yeah most players want to play in the big market, but honestly I don't think Miami is that "big" of a market in the football world.
I was just posting information I found. Thanks for pointing out the obvious that Miami has to be interested also.
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 03:23 PM
**If you don't want to look a long post about potential draft picks stop reading now!**
After much more review of game tape vids I these are my thoughts...
I would bet dollars to doughnuts these players will not be there @12...
The 2 DTs Suh, McKoy of course
S E. Berry: Will be long gone drafted top 5. Ed Reed type skills. Should be an NFL star.
DE Morgan: Nice size and skillset. I think he's gone before #12.
Of the players that may be there @#12 I have this order by talent as a football player.
RB CJ Spiller: Adds too much speed and versatility not to be taken top 15. Can and will do damage from 4 positions RB, WR, PR, KR.
DE Brandon Graham: This guy gets what football is all about. Always pressures QB and contains outside runs the best I have seen. If he was 2 inches taller and 10-15lbs heavier he would go top 5. If the Fins can't trade back and don't draft Spiller I would have no problems with BG at #12. Some would say this is a reach but I believe he will make a lot of plays in the NFL. He's a tad light and has shorter arms but he has an uncanny swat technique that keeps linemans arms off his chest. I would 1st try him at OLB. I feel he could tandem with Cam Wake in Joey's old spot and we would have mass heat on QB's and MUCH better outside run contain. (at least to Graham's side).
With these next players I would try like heck to trade back and gain a draft pick or two. I feel these players are 1st round worthy but not @#12.
DT D. Williams: Big guy that is active. Could end up being a Warren Sapp type player with his penetration. May be strong & heavy enough to play pure NT. True NT is tricky as Solai has girth and size and we are still trying to upgrade. Only certain individuals can excel at it.
LB S. Weatherspoon: Hyper active with lots of intangibles. Pumps up the troops ala JP. Has range and will locate the ball carrier.
DE/OLB Pierre Paul: Long and lean. Hustles and does disrupt plays. Is very raw and played against lower level talent. Hustles and will redirect when he gets stymied with 1st move.
Players that will go in the 1st round that I am simply just leary of...
S Taylor Mays: His size and athleticism is off the charts. He will typically go for the bone jarring hit. I feel he will go 16 - 32 1st round due to his physical numbers and big school pedigree. Had a pick in the Senior Bowl which helps vs his lack of Int's knock. Has lots of upside or could be a guy that gets schooled too often by the shifty types. For a team looking for box run support moreso than coverage he is a specimin.
ILB R. McClain: A large man with great size /speed ratio. Looks the part. Has some wheels to run down plays when motivated. Will likely go in top 15 1st round. This guy scares me the most. He is highly rated by most websites and I am just NOT seeing it. He drags guys down without striking through the ball carrier. He was on a Nat. Champ Alambama squad that funneled him plays and still everything I see of him is average. Jumping on the pile when others already have most of the tackle made. I see no bend and explosion in his tackling. I know tons of pundits, "experts", Fin's fans etc like him but I will seriously cringe if the Fins take him. I will pray I am wrong if they do draft him but I would rather let another franchise select him to find out.
Whelp, thats my take. I know you all have your own and I would love to hear year versions. I am looking at this as what I would do and not as what BP & Co will do. Yes, FA's will sort of shape what we end up getting but even if we landed Dansby I would go this route.
Cheers,
Posted by: Rob in OC | February 12, 2010 at 03:23 PM
Carlito:
I'm not bashing Parcells. He's the only guy since Shula with the right combonation of Wisdom and a BLUEPRINT.
I'm Bashing Yimseeee Yonnson, Wanneee, Nick Saben, and Scam Cameron. (Mostly Wannstat because he never should have coached or evaluated talent at this level.)
Believe me --if the Dolphins don't succeed it'll be because of their clueless 'Orange Carpet', 'Silly
Soundtrack', 'Lets find 15 ways to distract the team'...Owner.
I KNOW that the current coaching staff is committed to developing players...
My POINT was that the onus is probably more on Turner (at this point) to go above and beyond,...do some unsupervised work...and put the knowledge that he's been given to good use.
Posted by: Joey in Jersey | February 12, 2010 at 03:24 PM
Why do you not talk football in here??? You make fun of people online because you would get handled if you tried it in person is that it? You sleep better that way??? All i ask is that you talk football in here and you can call me a farmer all you like if you do that....
Posted by: WestVaFins | February 12, 2010 at 03:26 PM
Joey in Jersey,
Gotcha... maybe that horrible Jimmy Buffet song will be gone in 2010 since its not Landshark stadium anymore and we can all get back to being normal people...
Posted by: carlito from golfito | February 12, 2010 at 03:28 PM
Hey, Ronnie Brown wants to stay in Miami long term, but for him to do so Miami has to want him to be in Miami or he will not play here after next season.
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 03:28 PM
Joey in Jersey @2:50,
You nailed it. The guy Turner most reminds me of is WR Vincent Jackson body type and all. I hope he can start playing like him, if even a poor mans version.
Posted by: Rob in OC | February 12, 2010 at 03:29 PM
NJ - Washington and New York good football weather, really? He did not mention Cali, he said San Diego. He didn't include San Fran and Oakland on that list did he?
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 03:29 PM
cobra kai - Last time I checked I did not know there were a lot of farmers in Indianapolis...GET A LIFE dude!!
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 03:30 PM
indiana , read tnfinfan's post on dansby. He's a scheme LB who isn't that great. He 's not worth the money he will be asking for. You also was asking about antinio pierce. Who do you want , everybody that becomes available ?? LMAO !! I mentioned miami as " OR " a city with nice weather ,
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 12, 2010 at 03:31 PM
Westvadolphins I talk football in here all the time. Remember I tell you when players can be traded and you and farmhand waterboy do not believe me when I am right? I save my football talk for smart football mind like NJ Phins Carlitos Cuban Menace and Rob in OC not donkey and goatfarmer with 4 teeth and 5 moonshines. You even ready for give teacup teddy more chances to drop catch.
Posted by: cobra kai | February 12, 2010 at 03:32 PM
what do you all think about the guy from Illinois???????
Posted by: WestVaFins | February 12, 2010 at 03:32 PM
WestVA they are just stirring the pot. do not acknowledge their comments and enable them. That's what they want to do is stir you up. Sometimes it is fun though.
Posted by: Mr. Miyagi | February 12, 2010 at 03:32 PM
NJ - I was not implying that I wanted Pierce or Dansby. All I was doing was posting information and asking people's thoughts about the particular player. Football conversation is all...
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 03:32 PM
Last time I went to Indianapolis it was overflow with donkey farmer
Posted by: cobra kai | February 12, 2010 at 03:33 PM
By the way dansby is a unrestricted FA . LOL !! Like i told you yesterday.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 12, 2010 at 03:34 PM
Cobra please retype that in perfect English and no missing words so we might understand that with you... And just because someone asks a question in here does not mean they do not know about football maybe they are tryign to spark conversation...
Posted by: WestVaFins | February 12, 2010 at 03:35 PM
cobra kai - I have not seen you say anything football related this entire week. Not sure where you get the farmer crap for someone who lives in the hear t of a city where no fields are anywhere...
Posted by: Indiana Dolfan | February 12, 2010 at 03:35 PM
NJ I am TN PHIN Fan not fin fan. There are 2 of us. I am going to change my blue name to Mouth of the South.
Posted by: Mr. Miyagi | February 12, 2010 at 03:35 PM
NJ can please you give us a good bwahahahahahahaha about something or someone?
Posted by: cobra kai | February 12, 2010 at 03:35 PM
?
Posted by: ? | February 12, 2010 at 03:37 PM
WOW , rob in oc, some of your takes on these players are off the wall and inaccurate. I really don't know how you came up with some of these evaluations on some of these players. i don't know what you've been watching . and that novel post was murder. cheers.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | February 12, 2010 at 03:37 PM
number one industry in indianapolis is donkey farm because it is home of the most famous donkey farmer in whole world Mr. Indiana Dolphins
Posted by: cobra kai | February 12, 2010 at 03:37 PM
NJ PHIN,
which takes are so off? What are your takes on the guys in question?
Cheers,
(yippee! short post...lol)
Posted by: Rob in OC | February 12, 2010 at 03:39 PM