What must happen for the Dolphins to be Super Bowl good?

The NFL season ends today with the crowning of the Super Bowl 47 champion.

Tomorrow we begin a new season. As I write here many fans and even some teams will study the Ravens and 49ers to see if they can find clues or reasons both those teams are Super and everyone else, well, isn't.

So I gave you my opinion. What's your's?

What must happen for the Dolphins to become a Super Bowl team? No, I don't believe the distance between them and the playoffs is that great. Three or four more wins and the Dolphins are a playoff team. But a Super Bowl team?

That gulf is wide, in my opinion.

Still, can the Dolphins bridge that gap in a couple of years, as the 49ers went from 6-10 in 2010 to the NFC championship game in 2011 and the Super Bowl today?

What must happen for that to happen?

Comments

[ericatl]

Tannehill will have to improve 75% or better. Then we have to solidify the secondary linebackers and Oline has to come together. That does not include Long. We must get a RT that is not injury proned. We also have to get a BEAST TE. BEAST TEs are selected in the top 10 picks. Dnt see a top 10 TE this year.

[DarrylDunphy]

..Delani Walker is going to be a bigger factor then Vernon Davis. Boy I nailed that one??? I am as hung over as I have been in a while. I barely remember the game after the power outage. I did win a nice sized wager last night. The most I have ever bet on a gamme in my life..Feels better then my head this morning!

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

I HATE THAT SOME OF YOU HATE ROSS.

I LOVE THIS GUY.

HE SAID HE WAS A FIN FAN.

HE WANTS TO WIN AS MUCH AS WE DO AND HE PROVED THAT TO ME BY FLYING TO GET HARBAUGH.

ALL WE CAN DO IS ASK HIM TO DO HIS BEST AND HE HAS.

YOU ARE A BUNCH OF HATERS.

SOME OF YOU HATE JUST TO HATE.

SOME OF YOU SAY YOU WANT TO WIN BUT IS OK WITH KEEPING BUMS ON THE TEAM LIKE HARTLINE.

JEFF IRELAND HAS DONE AN OK JOB NOT GREAT BUT FAR FROM BAD.

IF HE WAS TRYING TO GET TO THIS POINT THAT's COOL.

THE HEAT HAD TO MAKE ROOM TO GET BRON BRON AND BOSH.

KNICKS DID THE SAME TO MAKE ROOM TO GET MELLO AMARI.

I AGREE WE MADE SOME BAD CHOICES IN THE PAST AND I DON't KNOW HOW MUCH IT WAS JEFF OR BP.

IF JEFF RESIGNS HARTLINE OUR SEASON IS DONE ALREADY.

HARTLINE MUST GO.
HARTLINE MUST GO.
HARTLINE MUST GO.

[Craig M]

FYI,

Thanks for the kind words, bud.....but I don't see someone TELLING me whether someone is 'elite' or not. I'll make my own mind up. It's an opinion and I'm as welcome to mine as you are to yours....

Thanks for coming out.

[DC Dolfan]

Craig/Mark,

Maybe Mark hit on the better nuanced answer to the puzzle (of keys to win today). Defensive playmaking (turnovers, timely sacks, 3-and-outs, etc.) IN CONJUNCTION WITH scoring is key.

Also, Craig, Detroit is NOT a good example. Their QB did not make plays when it mattered. He was good in basically one quarter (4th). But by then they were usually so far behind they didn't have time to catch up. Also, he made a lot of mistakes. Add to that their defense was porous, and you have the makings of a 4-12 team.

Also, please point out where I said you win ONLY with offense. That's a straw man you put up. What I said was defense isn't as important as it used to be. Doesn't mean it isn't important, means that offense has become more important. When you could win a SB 17-14, offense wasn't all that important. And the reason is the evolution of the pass game. Actually, no team in history ran the ball as well as SF did last night and lost the SB. Again, the game has evolved. More passing, more scoring (just as the NFL wanted by changing the rules by the way). Teams need to adapt.

[DuH]

IT'S THE QB STUPID.

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

HARTLINE BESS AND FASANO WOULDN't EVEN SEE THE FIELD ON THESE TWO TEAMS.

THEY MIGHT NOT EVEN HAVE MADE THE ROSTERS.

WE NEED TO GET RID OF ALL THREE.

[Kris]

Mark...

What game were you watching...Flacco's balls were on the money....even the "diificult" (if you want to call it that) 3rd down conversion to Boldin was a routine back shoulder throw....Boldin just ATTACKED the ball with a vengence....but the throw was routine....

[cocoajoe]

Mando, you make a good point about the lack of talent on our team. Which brings up the question, why is that?

Football isn't all that hard. And despite this or that trend, some things never change. You have to control the line of scrimage on both sides of the ball. To win consistantly, you need a balanced attack, run and pass. The D has to get off the field. And you have to have people to get it done. None of these things are new but they're necessary.

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

HARTLINE MUST GO.
HARTLINE MUST GO.
HARTLINE MUST GO.

[2 watt]

28-0.
do u think this cast of bums that defecate at camp davie can compete w/ the ravens,9er's.gb etc.?
get the f'k outta here.
lol

[A]

The Dolphins need a QB that can throw the ball... Until they have that they are just spinning their wheels. No drafting a WR Coach at #8 in last years draft does not count.

[Craig M]

DC,

I don't think we're ever going to see eye to eye on this. You came on this morning and said 'another high scoring game. Tell me again how defences win Championships'. I'm saying the Ravens did a GREAT job shutting the Niners down FOUR times from the FIVE.

Your answer to beating the Pats is simply to outscore them. Is that how the Cards beat them this year? Is that how the Ravens beat them in the playoffs? Was it bombs away? I don't think it was. Flacco and the offence stepped up....no question. But when you've help Brady to THIRTEEN points in a game, you've done SOMETHING right on defence.

[2 watt]

tannehenne is childs play compared to flaco.
lol

[2 watt]

2013 = 6-10,maybe
lol

[Craig M]

DC,

Hopefully to bring an end ot this argument TODAY....

I'm agreeing that offence wins in todays NFL. We need to GREATLY upgrade our offence to get better in this league. You're not going to win a Championship scoring 18ppg.

So no argument from me there. I'm also saying, you'd better not have a defence like the Saints or Lions this year or you'll have no chance.

[Mark in Toronto]

bobby, exactly. Many, many times, i saw both boldin and smith go up and get balls the defense had as much opportunity to get as the offense. Nobody was taking either of these wr's lunch money. We don't have ONE receiver that can do that. baltimore has two. PLus strong TE's. Smith is also more than just a deep threat - he's also very, very physical. Steal in round 2 just two years ago.

[DarrylDunphy]

..You do not need a defense that is dominant if you have an efficient offense. What is clear is that your defense can be pourous, give up points and yards. If that same defense can create turnovers..Who cares. Seriously. Turnovers are the great equalizer.

We had a good defense statisticaly. The issue is that the unit was poor at creating turnovers. The games we did...Suprise!!!! I. think the Ravens forced 10 turnovers in 4 games...There is your championship

[Kris]

Craig M....

I didn't know Flacco hadn't been to a pro-bowl....I think it speaks to the level of respect he gets around he league...although...that will soon change....

last week...I was listening to 106.7 the FAN on my drive home...former Redsking great Lavar Arrington has a radio show ( i hate it)...but he's on while I drive home....

Long story short...he also thought Flacco was a bi-product of a great team....obviously I disagree....I lookforward to hearing Mr. Arrington's thoughts on Flacco today....

Look for Flacco to start his Pro-bowl runs in 2014...

[Craig M]

'Beast TEs are selected in the top 10 picks'.....

They are? Can you name ONE?....

[LOL]

Eli's deep sideline pass to Manningham last year was also routine. QB's throw 4 or 5 of those every game.

It was still a GREAT MONEY throw in a big spot. As was Flacco's. What makes flacco's more impressive is that he checked off a run to make the call to throw that pass.

So, Manning's throw last year was spectacular & things of legends but, Flacco's was simply routine?

Gimme a break!

[Mark in Toronto]

Wow, Kris, we really just need to agree to disagree because with Flacco I see as erratic a thrower as you can win with (whatever that means? _ i guess I just really question his accuracy). he depends a ton on his receivers. Of course there is really no way to disprove this but it's jsut what I see. understand that I'm not totally discounting Flacco. he is not Mark Sanchez (btw, Baltimore would be a nice landing spot for him as a backup) but he is not all world. If there was a league wide draft (for one season), there are at least 8 qbs I take ahead of the guy. he's good ... but I wouldn't buy if I had options.

[Marchcool]

Salguero, the answer to you question is so simple, you don't see it because you're blind: fire Ireland and change of owner. That is what the Dolphins need to be in the SB.

[Craig M]

Mark,

I'll say Flacco has come up in my estimations based on his run this year. He's been excellent in this playoffs. I had him around 13-15 and now I think he's more than likely top ten for me.

I'm just curious who you've have ahead of him. the big ones are obvious but where do guys like RGIII, Wilson and Luck fit on that list?

[Mark in Toronto]

Exactly, DD, exactly!!

Top ten teams in turnover ratio in the NFL had a combined record of 109-50-1 (.686 win %). It's no accident.

9 of the 10 made the playoffs (haha, brandon marshall!!) and all four conference finalists are also in that group. It's what the game is all about. have a defense that creates turnovers and an offense taht scores points and keeps their turnovers down. Doesn't matter how many yards your defense gives up. That's the game right there.

[FYI]

Bunch of meat heads here.

Every1 considered Marino to be elite.

Flacco, in just this 1 offseason, had as many big time, memorable passes than Marino had in almost his entire playoff career.

Yea, Flacco hasn't become elite. What a laugher this blog is.

[Craig M]

Btw,

I thought a lot of the SF were suspect in the game yesterday. Davis dropped one near the end he should have had, Crabtree would likely like to have a few back, Walker wasn't great and Moss looked like he wasn't even trying.

I'm not reading too many 'we should have signed Moss' comments this morning.

[FYI]

Meant to say playoffs, not offseason

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

WATT:

HARTLINE AND BESS COMBINED IS NOT IN THE SAME GALAXY AS BOLDIN BY HIMSELF.

[DarrylDunphy]

...Watching the halftime show. WOW!!! I hate pop music, I couldn't tell you the name of any of those tunes. But WOW. Beyonce was smokin' I think I will watch that again.

[Dolfan Rick]

I really don't get on the negative post on Tannehill. Now obviuosly our FO should have figured out the QB thing a long time ago, but you can't blame it on the kid yet.

He's had one season. One! He didn't really have any play making recievers and the whole offense was learning a new fairly complex system which led to too many sacks and poor route running.

Last night one the analyst commented on how John Harbaugh really pushed Flacco to add the back shoulder sideline throw to their offence. They were commenting on how well Flacco made that throw and not many QB's can make it.

Hartline had a 200 yd game I believe against Arizona with Tanny threading the needle on that same sideline back shoulder throw.

Tanny has a strong arm, he's acurate, he's pretty intelligent and picking up reading defenses well. He also has excellent speed which is something a Dolphin QB has never had.

I think he's gonna be fine.

[MiamiD20]

Curious question bloggers: other than Brees, Brady, Manning x2, Rodgers. Which QB(s) do you put ahead of Flacco at this point?

Stafford? Ryan? Shaub? Rivers? Romo? Roethlisburger?

My answer: none if the above.

[KillerFin]

2 BEAST WR'S, SOME SECONDARY THAT CAN COVER & PASS RUSH HELP IS WHAT IS NEEDED TO GET THIS TEAM BACK ON TOP!!!

[Craig M]

DD,

Sounds like you're still hungover....LOL.

Yeah I don't get the attraction the music but a GREAT looking lady!

[M is for Moron]

I'm not reading too many 'we should have signed Moss' comments this morning.

Posted by: Craig M | February 04, 2013 at 11:17 AM

We should have signed Moss. Is that good enough or do you need a show of hands also?

[Kris]

I didn't get you're sarcasm until the VERY end of yu're post LOL...so thans for adding the "gimme a break" part...

short answer....

YES...the throw was ROUTINE...have you watched more than a season of football....if anything was SPECTATULAR about the throw....it was the CATCH....Boldin made it look difficult....and a difficult catch subtracts fom the throw....woudn't you agree....

I mean...I don't even know what you're disagreeing with....

I'm not sure you know either....I have been defending and praising Flacco ALL MORNING...and well before that...

You seem like you are just looking for someone to argue with....

You will have to find someone else...cause we both seem to be on te side of Flacco...and i'm not gonna debate the catch with you...seems silly...

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

I KNOW ALL OF YOU HAVE BEEN PROGRAMED TO THINK HOW YOU DO BUT IT's WRONG.

THE QBs JOB IS THE GET RID OF THE BALL. THAT's IT.

BOLDIN MADE A GREAT CATCH TO KEEP THAT DRIVE GOING.

JONES MADE A GREAT CATCH WHEN FLACCO UNDER THREW HIM BY 10 YARDS.

HE GOT UP MADE A MOVE TO GET IN THE ENDZONE.

CRABTREE AND DAVIS DROPPED BALLS THAT HIT THEM IN THE HANDS.

ANY QUESTIONS.

[LOL]

Curious question bloggers: other than Brees, Brady, Manning x2, Rodgers. Which QB(s) do you put ahead of Flacco at this point?

Stafford? Ryan? Shaub? Rivers? Romo? Roethlisburger?

My answer: none if the above.

Posted by: MiamiD20 | February 04, 2013 at 11:18 AM

Rapistburger without a doubt.

[Craig M]

MiamiD20,

Big Ben would be ahead of him on my list. I also think you can begin to make a case for Luck or RGIII or Wilson. Not saying they are there yet but I like the future of all of those guys.

No to Romo and no to Schaub and Ryan is close. It's an interesting conversation.

The true test for me as far as Flacco's concerned is how good he'll play if Boldin moves on. He helps Flacco an AWFUL lot. Literally goes up there and steals the ball away from defenders. We don't have anybody like that on this team.

[DC Dolfan]

Craig,

@11:02, can't argue with that (we greatly need to improve our offense, and we can't have a bogus defense if we want to not be a mediocre team). Nothing to debate there.

[John in Springs]

It's not just players, to get to the SB takes an attitude that you are not going to lose, it takes an attitude that you are going to find a way to make a play regardless of the circumstances, it takes an attitude that you will not quit, you will prevail, that "not good enough" is not a part of the makeup of your team members.

It's a mindset that winners have and also-rans, don't.

Of course you have to have the people that can do the required feats of strength and skill, but at this level the margin of better/worse players is very slim, and you'll find that the team with the attitude or mind-set to win is the team that does win it all.

[DC Dolfan]

FYI, I tend to agree, the "elite" argument is getting a little old (and I was one who brought it up a lot). What matters is winning the game. What matters is showing up when the team is counting on you. What matter is making the necessary plays.

In order to rank "elite" QBs, we need to come to an agreement on what elite even means (everyone has their own definition). And everyone can't be elite or else it losing the meaning of the word.

[Craig M]

I think Boldin just made himself some more money with his post season. Not exactly a star but certainly a guy who can make his QB look better than he is. Possibly a guy who could help Tannehill. Not sure he fits if we sign Jennings but there will be a team out there who'll chase this guy if the Ravens chop him for cap reasons. I just hope to God he doesn't end up in NYJ or NE. This guy is a beast and I want no part of our team playing him twice a year.

I also think Carey Williams could be an interesting option for the 'Phins. I watched him fall down last night and get up and still almost pick the ball off. We don't see enough effort like that from our CBs. Sean Smith would have given up on the play.

[DarrylDunphy]

..Craig M..lol. Yeah, I would be lying if I said I was anywhere near ok right now. It got wierd last night.

[Mark in Toronto]

Craig, definitely can't put RG3 ahead of him because he's broken - automatically disqualified in this case - I'd def take Flacco. I'd also take Flacco ahead of Wilson still but I think Wilson with another year can beat him out. I definitely buy and hold Russel Wilson stock. I think he has the potential to be as good as there is in the league at some point in his career. I take him right now ahead of Kaep and RG3 and Cam Newton as fas as the 1st/2nd year guys go. Ahead of Dalton too. On par with Luck as far as career potential.

But otherwise Flacco still trails brady, Manning, Manning, Brees, Rothlisberger, Rodgers. otherwise I slide him in right behind. I also think he's eclipsed Matt Ryan. Ryan has a similar cast (probably even better) around him and can't get it right as often as Flacco has. So I guess Flacco is the leader of the 2nd tier in my book. 7th best.

[Craig M]

DC,

I don't understand this word 'elite' either. Not sure who made it up but I'm uncomfortable with it. Flacco and his team won the Super Bowl yesterday. He deserves all the accolades that come with it. Thjis 'elite' crap means nothing to me. I think it means different things to different people. He's a good QB with a championship ring. After that, I have no idea.

[Mark in Toronto]

But the gulf from 7th to 6th is pretty freaking large in my book.

[MiamiD20]

Roethlisburger is the closest of all of them I believe, multi-SB champ and a great QB overall. That argument can go either way without a definitive answer

But 11-0 TD/INT this postseason and 2 drops away from reaching the SB the past 2 years is a pretty good résumé.

Craig, you can argue for the 3 rookies and, over time, at least one of them will be better, but I want to see them in year two. I want to see how defenses play the running/passing duel-threat of Wilson, RGIII, Kaepernick next season with an entire off season of tape to review. If any of the rookie QBs have a shot it's Luck in my opinion. But as of right now the argument is between Roethlisburger and Flacco for that 6th spot

[Craig M]

OK Mark @11:31am,

Can't argue with anything you've said there. So just to clarify your point, there are likely SIX QBs you'd take ahead of Flacco at this point? Is that right?

I think that's about where I'd have him too. Might change in a year or two depending on what happens with RGIII, Wilson and Luck. Sounds like you're close on this one.

[Philip Love]

The number one concern for the dolphins is they need play makers, when you talk dolphins football it isn't enough to just bring up Wake and thats it. Aside from Wake and maybe Pouncy on the O-line the dolphins just do not have the key items to have a super bowl like team. This stems from a mediocre running game (though I do see promise in Miller), no threat at wide receiver, and a sub par secondary at best, with the exception of Rashad Jones who I also see a lot of promise in. Miami needs to let go of Bush and Smith with out even questioning it, and you could easily make a argument for Starks as well, There number one concern must be finding a top receiver wether it be Bowe, Jennings, or Wallace they simply need one. Other than that they need help at the corner position wether this comes from free agency or a high draft pick. With those two main concerns taken care of I could see Miami only getting better in the future

[Mark in Toronto]

PPS, I think I would be near orgasmic if we had the 7th best QB in the NFL. ...

[Kris]

It looks to me like the Ravens have given the League a good starting point on how to defend the Pistol....

If the black-out hadn't happened....this could have gotten ugly....

[Kris]

Jeff Irelands initial statement on Parcells HOF selection.....
-----------------------------------------------------

Miami general manager Jeff Ireland, who was an understudy of Parcells', also weighed in.

“I want to congratulate Bill on being selected to the NFL's highest honor ... the Hall of Fame,” Ireland said. “His contributions to the game and to people in the game are countless. Having worked with him, I saw firsthand the philosophy and culture he espoused that made him so successful, and like so many others before me, I continue to use many of those principles to build a winning team. I learned a great deal from him, and it has been a true pleasure working alongside such an iconic and legendary man.”
----------------------------------------------

Were screwed.....

[Kris]

http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/55032/dolphins-react-to-bill-parcells-hall-of-fame

[Mark in Toronto]

Is there really much difference on how people figured out the pistol and the wildcat? Just stay in your lanes, don't overpursue. Don't know why it took this long.

[Vontae's Grandma]

Simple Questions. Draft playmakers. Dont spend so much draft picks on backup type players like the dolphins typically do.

[shula71]

Did anyone else think a Frisco fan payed a JU JU man to change the outcome of the game. Doritos almost right on with their Chair Curse and Montana Chip Jersey.

Thought the Curse of Cleveland had finally caught up to them in baltimore. Browns fans know what I mean.

[Rdubs]

What do you guys think of this. I was listening to ESPN and they were talking about the Giants were more concerned with re-signing Hakeen Nicks, even though Victor cruz is an RFA. I think Cruz will be traded and I think Miami would be his ideal landing spot. he would be huge with S. Florida's Hispanic population, which would make Mr.Ross very happy due to increased ticket sales. Cruz is young and can catch the long ball and short routes. We really want a WR in the first round? Cruz would be better than all rookies and the Free Agents that will be available this year. What do you guys think?

[Ireland's Republican Army]

I hope we can all agree that it is not the fault of Jeff Ireland that the Dolphins are not "Super Bowl good."

[Mark in Toronto]

Rdubs, trading a first for Cruz? I'd rather sign Wallace for teh same money and keep the first pick. But he's a fantastic player, no doubt.