Are the Dolphins close to Saints, Colts? No!

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.] 

Comments

[Po White Trash]

If this does not apply to you, my apologies.

[ALoco]

po,

don't get mad , have a pop corn or a sub .

[Po White Trash]

Go Phins!

[Po White Trash]

Well said ALoco.

[carlito from golfito]

Hello people

[carlito from golfito]

When will Wilfork be tagged? Today was the first day for franchising players and no tag so far...

[bobbyd12]

Probaly working on a long term deal, what do they have two weeks to franchise tag a player???

[dolphin77]

again, when are they going to dump porter? miami didn't lose to jacksonville, they lost to houston.

[bobbyd12]

Carlito, isn't it great knowing they are shoveling snow and freezing their AS"s off up north??? I gotta laugh everytime I turn on the Weather Channel

[carlito from golfito]

Snow? What Snow? I went surfing today... lmao

[dolphin77]

ny fagssssssssssss suck. rex ryan got hungry and ate his middle finger!!!!!

[bobbyd12]

Dolphin77, some website today claimed Arizona wants Porter and might be willing to make a deal..Boldin for a third round pick and Porter, sounds ridiculous but that's what they said...

[beerphin]

?If Henne develops fast (he did start 4 yrs at Michigan)??? Get #1 receiver

[dolphin77]

we'll take it.

[HeatDolphans#1]

@bobbyd12 do you have a link?

[bobbyd12]

Nflgridirongab.com was where it was reported

[bobbyd12]

Funniest thing is this Boldin to Miami rumour has the Jets blogs buzzing...they all upset, that's a good thing LOL

[bobbyd12]

I'm out, back to start a new work week tommorrow for me so have a goodnight

[THUNDERBOLT]

Cards are a West Coast team. They play 3-4 Defense. Ken Whisenhunt has a history with Porter from the Steelers. Chiki Okeafor their main OLB pass rushing threat may retire. Stars are aligning. Please oh please!!!

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Salguero

"The Dolphins are nowhere near close to the Saints or the Colts"

We are alot closer to the Saints than the Colts and Saints won it all this year.

Unlike alot of fans that post here, I have proof in what I speak.

Sun Life Stadium - 2269 Dan Marino Boulevard Miami Gardens, FL 33056 to Lucas Oil
Stadium 500 South Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46225 is 1185.87 miles

Sun Life Stadium - 2269 Dan Marino Boulevard Miami Gardens, FL 33056 to Louisiana Superdome
1500 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70112 is 850.59 miles

So we are 335.28 miles closer to the Saints than we are to the Colts.

Just the facts

Soiled :)

[THUNDERBOLT]

wow. thanks for the uhm info soiled. go fins.

[TnFinFan]

You're right soiled. It never dawned on me

[many72]

Devone Bess could start on any NFL team and with a good QB he should be good or better than Welker.

[Derek in WPB]

I would have to see a Team official make a rumor of a trade like that... Boldin for a 3 and Porter?... Sounds like trade mill scuttlebutt...

I will have to take a look around to see what is being written, and by whom.

One thing I have done, I took a look at a whole hour worth of Dez Bryant video.... I have a feeling that young man is another Great one coming up.... I would not even flinch if Miami grabbed him, even with the "D" needs, If you have not watched the kid, take some time and have a cup of coffee while watching his video's... He can catch, is a tough one to tackle, and is really able to work inside against D-back's... Inside meaning "Up close and personal" while still coming away with the ball.

[KC Allen]

You think this post is logical? Is anything in the NFL logical? You can go from worst to first in a season. Did it make sense when the Dolphins went from worst in the NFL to the playoffs in 2008-2009?

Armando, this was an probably one of the worst written articles I've read in a long time. You are comparing apples and oranges. If you want to talk about comparisons, do you think the Saints or the Colts would have reached EVEN THE PLAYOFFS if both their starting qb's, rb's, cb's etc. were on IR? The whole point of the situation is that although we were inconsistent we showed potential. At various points of the season we dominated and at other we were dominated. That was last season and has nothing to do with this season. If you are that pessimistic and incompetent as not only an NFL analyst, but as a writer, please save us your petty attempts to fill a column.

[Ace]

Derek,

Let's see said the blind man. Will look up the video on this dude, Dez.

[Jncrdn]

Davone Bess would be another Wes welker if he had beter recievers infront of him , he would be great in just a slot reciever situation . To he honest the dolphins are only short a number 1 reciever because we got hartline that can be a be a good number 2 and bess could be out number 3 slot

[NJ PHIN FAN]

While your having that coffee and watching the video , also read how dez bryant was suspended by the NCAA and had to sit out the this past year. Also read how bryant hired agent eugene parker , the same agent who had Michael Crabtree hold out from his team right into the regular season. The seeds of diva problems have been planted. You decide.

[pound]

Hes just mad because players dont seem to do any interviews with him on here.

[KC Allen]

You think this post is logical? Is anything in the NFL logical? You can go from worst to first in a season. Did it make sense when the Dolphins went from worst in the NFL to the playoffs in 2008-2009?

Armando, this was an probably one of the worst written articles I've read in a long time. You are comparing apples and oranges. If you want to talk about comparisons, do you think the Saints or the Colts would have reached EVEN THE PLAYOFFS if both their starting qb's, rb's, cb's etc. were on IR? The whole point of the situation is that although we were inconsistent we showed potential. At various points of the season we dominated and at other we were dominated. That was last season and has nothing to do with this season. If you are that pessimistic and incompetent as not only an NFL analyst, but as a writer, please save us your petty attempts to fill a column.

[Jncrdn]

Yeah you never know what you will get from a guy who sat out all last year . If you played football you would see the difference between being in good physical shape and being in football shape

[salsita]

NJ's a dick but he's right about one thing: 10 wins is about it.
Posted by: cocoajoe | February 11, 2010 at 05:31 PM

You see you have to be a dick to be right.

[salchicha]

patrick davenport us a f'kin puusy...right Po White Trash

[guante]

NJ hires migrant workers to staff his restuarants. That f*king b@stard

[NJ PHIN FAN]

guante, you want a job ??

[Kilndry]

NJ What is the name of your two restaurants?

[gallina]

Klindry, the fake NJ is out there.

[the freedom in your mind is what they want]

dont you see all of this is just a mirage to keep the sheep in line.

[NJ PHIN FAN]

The winner for Tonight is KC ALLEN. Nite all .

[Bootang25]

Pete Prisco of CBS sports has an article up naming 5 potential teams who could make the leap NO made last year, and we are one of the named teams. He says he really likes Henne a lot. A good read.

[Inimounts]

I don't want davone bess as a wes welker because he'll never be. I want hartline as a welker.bess fumbles, and doesn't show the promise hartline does. But we need a one and two. Harline is a three.

[Standley23]

Just wondering Mando, will you do a follow up blog to this debate after the draft and FA? Wouldn't it be fair to ask this question after those two things happen and then revaluate this team? TY

[kris]

Good info bootang25,

The blog on that sight actually seems to consist of REAL people not one jass--- posting as 6-10 differnt dudes asking himself stuiped questions and then answering himself. and if it wasn't him asking those questions then the guys fascinated with his life and the weather and the "restuarant" and the "inside football knowledge" and the rest of the infatuation has me ready to say peace to this blog....so peace....have fun talking to yourself NJ....maybe i will stop back when the season gets close. Mando you need to clean this SHt up this blog looks pre-school compared to others i have been checking out.

[WestVaFins]

Everyone will miss kris :(

[Monkey]

nj had a gym then now a restuarant .the only thing he has is a ( soup kitchen ).

[thyink]

To all you nimrods who think Ginn would be an offensive weapon on another team. Do you watch Dolphin games? It doen't matter if Manning is the QB if Ginn can't catch!!! He also has no heart whatsover. he runs out of bounds with a yard to go for the first. On kickoffs he gets the ball and heads straight to the sidelines. That's not an offensive weapon.

[TnFinFan]

Interesting read bootang25

[WestVaFins]

MONKEY WHO CARES!!!

[WestVaFins]

Football talk anybody got anything good?

[carlito from golfito]

Oh no! What will we ever do without Kris?????? Talk football maybe?

Don't let the invisible blog cyber door hit you in the ass on the way out

[carlito from golfito]

Thyink is right... The former Dolphins had it right too when they called him a coward and a disgrace to the Dolphins uniform

[Kevin11c]

I guess I can't argue with anything Armando says in this post. I will, however, point out that Armando himself is among the MOST GUILTY of perpetuating the myth that the Dolphins are close. Doesn't anyone remember his post about how we are a team on the way up and the Pats, the Bills, and the Jets, are teams headed in the opposite direction?
Doesn't anyone remember his post where he touted our "number 1 rated offense" and the idea that we were only a top play maker away?
I think that Armando is suffering from a bit of post-partum depression, now that football has finished the season, and (like a fan) is singing the post post season blues. Whatever. Armando, enjoy your week off. You need it.
You earned it, but you need it.

[WestVaFins]

Does anyone give Ginn a chance to be taught not to be scared. If the right wr comes in to help him. One that is not scared to get hit and works with him on that aspect of his game we could have a good player. And i would say most of you know the WR i am referring to even though i was originally not sold on him i think i am changing my opinion.

[bobbyd12]

Carlito, laughed for a long time with ur post...funny as it gets thks !!!

[carlito from golfito]

Westva,

I was on Ted Ginn's side before this season, but it is painfully obvious after 2009 that he is just never going to be that guy. Can't catch, scared to get hit, falls down as soon as he gets the ball, gets depressed when people say he sucks...

He even refused help and advice from Mark Duper and others... the kid is a lost cause

[carlito from golfito]

no prob bob

[WestVaFins]

Could be but i am holding out hope for one more year...

[bobbyd12]

The only way to get over the fear of getting hit is to get hit and realize it isn't as terrible as u think...it's like ur first fight, once u realize you can take a punch you lose that fear and once you lose that fear you become tougher and less scared

[Indiana Dolfan]

I am going to give the guy 1 more year to prove himself, but I do believe he will never be a #1 guy, but with a #1 guy on the team I think he can be a good #2 guy. He has never had any veteran help either.

Marvin Harrison always went down early or got out of bounds. Some of that is being smart and prolongs careers. I am not putting Ted Ginn in that category, but he just needs to learn a little more when he can and cannot just get out of bounds or fall down to avoid a hit. Sometimes that is the right move, but other times it is not a good move. He has to learn that still, but like I said a solid veteran could teach him that. Ted Ginn is only 25ish years old.

[Indiana Dolfan]

So what are everyone's thoughts about Antonio Pierce? He could be a good veteran (better than Joey) to pair with Jason Taylor and teach the younger guys. Channing Crowder and Cameron Wake could learn a lot as well as any rookie guys we get in draft. Pierce and Taylor could always benefit Davis and Smith as well.

Thoughts everyone?