When I look back at the Ravens game, there were really three turns of events that led to the end of the Dolphins season. Yes, there was an 18 point final margin of victory, and depending on what you read, people will tell you that the Dolphins got killed, but these three moments really changed the complexion of the entire contest. The Dolphins would have needed some breaks to win Sunday, but they didn't get them, so credit the Ravens for a brilliant defensive performance. We got a lot of breaks all year long, so you really can't be too bitter about this one.
Sequence #1: Settling for a field goal early
The Dolphins got off to a great start against the Ravens, forcing an early turnover and driving down the field quickly. They earned themselves a 2nd and goal opportunity from the one yard line, and against a rookie quarterback, an early lead could have been huge. Just look at how big the interception return to go up by seven was for the Ravens; I believe an early touchdown by the Fins could have been equally catastrophic for Baltimore.
On 2nd down, I thought the Dolphins made a great call on the bootleg. I believe that if you are going to try to pass, 2nd down is the time to do it down there, and the receiver (Martin, I believe) was open. Unfortunately, the execution was not there, and the Dolphins had nobody to blame but themselves. Ike Ndukwe missed his block, pulling out too wide and neglecting to clean up inside out, and Pennington had to throw the ball away.
On 3rd down, it was the coaches' turn to make a mistake, and they did by choosing to run right behind the tight ends. Why you would choose to run, in such a big spot, behind Ndukwe, Carey, Fasano, and Martin, matched up against the bulk of the Baltimore defense, instead of Long and Alleman is beyond me. Also, not handing the ball to short yardage specialist Polite is questionable. The result was a stuff.
Finally, on 4th down, the Dolphins decided to kick, which I thought was also a troubling decision. I understand momentum in a big game is vital, but even if you get stuffed, you still have the home crowd in Flacco's ear in his own end zone. I understand the argument that three points against the Ravens is huge, but the fact is that you are on the one yard line and your strategy should remain consistent. Billick lost a game and was later fired last year after he kicked a field goal from the Dolphins' one; the opportunity for six is far too great to kick from that range.
Ultimately, the game proved that three points weren't so important, and also that the Ravens offense had a lot of trouble getting anything on their own. Even if the Dolphins had been stuffed, going for the touchdown would have been the right call. The Dolphins blew an opportunity to put the Ravens into a very difficult situation, and instead they found themselves in a hole because of a sequence at the end of the first half.
Sequence #2: Interception return for touchdown leads to 13-3 halftime deficit
After an even first half dominated by defense, the score reflected the 3-3 stalemate. The Ravens had been doing a lot of the same as in the first meeting between the two teams, and the Dolphins had equal parts success (passing into the flat well, stuffing the run, goal line stand on defense) and trouble (couldn't get after Flacco or protect Pennington very well). With about three minutes left, the Dolphins were backed up with third and long, needing to just play it safe, punt the ball, and take the tie into the half.
Unfortunately, Ed Reed must have read my pregame post about how big an interception for a touchdown can be. Ginn had the corner beat, but was tripped up a bit on what was called incidental contact, and Pennington's throw was way too far towards the middle of the field. Reed made a play, and the rest was history. To make matters worse, the Ravens managed another field goal before the half.
13-3 versus 3-3 completely changed the complexion of the game, and it was because of a poor call (vertical passing was not working), a poor throw (put it to the sideline, away from Ed Reed), poor luck (Ginn got tripped), and a great play by Reed. It was a bad break, but one that the Ravens earned. Baltimore played even more aggressively from this point forward, and they were even free to sit on their pedestrian running game to milk their lead in the second half. Without ever really moving the ball they took the lead and control of the game, thanks to one huge play made by a great player. It completely changed the dynamics of the matchup.
Sequence #3: The botched end around dooms the comeback
With all the mistakes that the Dolphins made, they still had a chance to come back in the second half. The defense had continued to play great, not allowing the Ravens running game to get anywhere, and the offense was playing inspired trying to get a rally going. Ronnie Brown converted a beautiful touchdown to bring the Dolphins within 20-9, but unfortunately, there were more mistakes - a turnover in Ravens territory and a missed extra point - which prevented the Dolphins from moving within 7.
Regardless, the Dolphins were again moving down the field, and a touchdown would've put some real pressure on the Ravens. As they moved into field goal range, it was the perfect time for some Miami magic, and Dan Henning dialed up the end around to Ted Ginn Jr.
It was the perfect call. The Ravens came on a blitz up the middle, and if Ginn had grasped the ball cleanly, it was an easy touchdown. There was nobody on the Ravens that would have even had a chance at stopping him, but credit Baltimore because it was them who made the play. They managed enough pressure to force a rushed exchange between Pennington and Ginn, the ball was fumbled, and after a huge loss, the Dolphins chances of scoring and winning were all but gone.
Moreover, even after all the horrors at the end of the first half, and the Ravens quick score to start the second, the Dolphins could easily have won this game. Make a routine extra point, kick a field goal instead of throwing that red zone interception, and exchange a handoff cleanly, and the score would have been tied. Unfortunately, that wasn't the way things went for the Dolphins, and after a year where we got all those breaks, you really can't complain. The Ravens came out and played a great game defensively, and they deserved every bit of their 27-9 victory.
These are the breaks, but hey...the Miami Dolphins are still 2008 AFC East Champions.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Ravens 27 - Dolphins 9
The Miami Dolphins are 2008 AFC East Champions. That will not change, and that remains the bottom line. Regardless, a game like this does put into perspective that more changes will have to be made to take the next step next year, a sad reality considering just how meaningful this team and season was. Chad will be back, but he will not always be perfect. Real decisions on likable guys will be made. Leadership, age, salary, and productivity will all be a part of the decision making process.
As far as Sunday's effort, it takes nothing away from the season. Though I was upset that we got beat at our own game again, very similarly to the first Raven matchup, I was proud of the fight that this team showed in the 2nd half. They wanted it and are hungry for more next year. Unfortunately, though, it just wasn't our day; breaks that we got the whole season just weren't there for us. As the clock was winding down, it was very difficult to confront the reality that this magical year had to end. The 2008 Miami Dolphins really deserve an ovation, and I will remember this season forever. Even though it is over, it will always remain a part of all of us who bleed aqua and orange.
Cam Cameron might have been victorious, but no thanks to him. Despite the point total, our defense was great. It just wasn't our day. Kudos to the Ravens D, who I could easily see making a Super Bowl run, for knocking Chad and the Fins O off their game. Ricky, Ronnie, Patrick, Teddy, Devone, Jake, Chad - everybody fought, but it was too little too late.
As far as Sunday's effort, it takes nothing away from the season. Though I was upset that we got beat at our own game again, very similarly to the first Raven matchup, I was proud of the fight that this team showed in the 2nd half. They wanted it and are hungry for more next year. Unfortunately, though, it just wasn't our day; breaks that we got the whole season just weren't there for us. As the clock was winding down, it was very difficult to confront the reality that this magical year had to end. The 2008 Miami Dolphins really deserve an ovation, and I will remember this season forever. Even though it is over, it will always remain a part of all of us who bleed aqua and orange.
Cam Cameron might have been victorious, but no thanks to him. Despite the point total, our defense was great. It just wasn't our day. Kudos to the Ravens D, who I could easily see making a Super Bowl run, for knocking Chad and the Fins O off their game. Ricky, Ronnie, Patrick, Teddy, Devone, Jake, Chad - everybody fought, but it was too little too late.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Fins/Ravens: Quick Preview
A few quick notes as the game is about to start:
-The last time the Dolphins played the Ravens, the Ravens were able to win largely because they got a defensive score which changed the complexion of the game. The Dolphins found out how valuable a play like that can be last week, and need to protect the football from Ed Reed and the ball-hawking Ravens.
-Another issue the undeveloped offense of the Dolphins was having at the time is that they would only run out of the Wildcat and almost always only pass out of the "Base." The offense has come a long way since then, and if the Ravens come out and attack the Wildcat again, the Dolphins will have to find more clever ways to be effective.
-The biggest issue the Dolphins had on defense was stopping the run. There were two reasons for this. One, Ferguson got injured and Soliai was suspended. With Randy Starks, the Dolphins best defensive end back then, moved to the nose, the run defense was ineffective, and the Ravens held the ball.
The other reason the Dolphins had issues with the run was because Cameron found a way to exploit Joey Porter in run defense. He continually moved a tight end over Porter and attacked him, and the results were negative for the Dolphins. Since then, the Dolphins have experimented with multiple philosophies to counter this, including adding an extra defensive lineman in the game against double tight. Porter has been quiet lately, but Sparano believes that he has played stout run defense over that same interval. We'll see how he plays today and if the Ravens can exploit him again.
Game's starting...Go Dolphins
-The last time the Dolphins played the Ravens, the Ravens were able to win largely because they got a defensive score which changed the complexion of the game. The Dolphins found out how valuable a play like that can be last week, and need to protect the football from Ed Reed and the ball-hawking Ravens.
-Another issue the undeveloped offense of the Dolphins was having at the time is that they would only run out of the Wildcat and almost always only pass out of the "Base." The offense has come a long way since then, and if the Ravens come out and attack the Wildcat again, the Dolphins will have to find more clever ways to be effective.
-The biggest issue the Dolphins had on defense was stopping the run. There were two reasons for this. One, Ferguson got injured and Soliai was suspended. With Randy Starks, the Dolphins best defensive end back then, moved to the nose, the run defense was ineffective, and the Ravens held the ball.
The other reason the Dolphins had issues with the run was because Cameron found a way to exploit Joey Porter in run defense. He continually moved a tight end over Porter and attacked him, and the results were negative for the Dolphins. Since then, the Dolphins have experimented with multiple philosophies to counter this, including adding an extra defensive lineman in the game against double tight. Porter has been quiet lately, but Sparano believes that he has played stout run defense over that same interval. We'll see how he plays today and if the Ravens can exploit him again.
Game's starting...Go Dolphins
Sparano one vote short for Coach of the Year
Before I write a quick preview of the Fins first playoff game, I just wanted to write a quick comment on some news I just received. Mike Smith was named coach of the year by one vote over Tony Sparano.
Though I don't have time for extended comment right now, I am deeply disappointed by this award balloting. Mike Smith had a great year in turning around the Atlanta Falcons, but with all due respect, his year didn't come close to what Sparano did with Miami. It's not on the level of Favre ousting Chad for the Pro Bowl, but it's a clear mistake nonetheless.
Miami was 1-15 last year. This franchise had been in shambles for years, plagued by horrible decision makers. Yes, Parcells came in and helped right the lineup, but take a closer look. The key contributors this year: Ricky, Ronnie, Ginn, Crowder, Allen, Bell...these guys were all the same key ingredients that Cameron "did well with what he had." On top of that, what about Patrick Cobbs and Greg Camarillo? Who were they last year? They were here, but now they developed. Andre Goodman? They guy was terrible in everybody's opinion (including my own) until Sparano figured out how to use him. Joey Porter? Don't even go there...
Still don't believe that Sparano deserves it? Think it was Chad Pennington that led the turnaround? Remind me, exactly, who wanted the "weak-armed" Pennington when the Jets discarded him. This guy was washed up, finished. Yes, credit Parcells for picking him up, but Pennington having his best season now was as much a reflection on how he was used as it was on Chad stepping up and making the most of it. Not only would Chad not have had this type of season if a Mangini was his head man, he never even had a year like this with the brilliant Parcells calling the plays. Have I convinced you that Sparano's season wasn't merely a reflection on Parcells or Pennington yet?
Good, let's move back to what Sparano has done. This team was 0-2. It was bad. Then Sparano opened up his mind to what would become the biggest story in the NFL this year. The Wildcat changed things, and winning bred winning. Sparano gained credibility with his team, and rookies and veterans alike bought in. Every week there was a different wrinkle, a different way of finding the perfect plays. Roster shakeups were everywhere, and Sparano didn't rest until every unit was set, whether it was Renaldo Hill shoring up the secondary or Erik Walden cementing the coverage teams. Matt Roth changed positions and became a force. Greg Camarillo became Wes Welker, and then got injured, and then Devone Bess did. Both starting guards were lost for the year...Sparano found people. The Dolphin's won 9 out of 10 to finish the season, including the last five, four of which were on the road. Did I mention this team went from 1-15 to division champs?
Mike Smith did a lot of great things this year, but a lot of his team was in in place, having been built for years for a certain quarterback. He got a new quarterback this year, and a pretty good one. Though he plugged him in seamlessly, even the Vick-less Falcons were not 1-15 last year, and they did not win their division this year.
Tony Sparano deserved this award.
Though I don't have time for extended comment right now, I am deeply disappointed by this award balloting. Mike Smith had a great year in turning around the Atlanta Falcons, but with all due respect, his year didn't come close to what Sparano did with Miami. It's not on the level of Favre ousting Chad for the Pro Bowl, but it's a clear mistake nonetheless.
Miami was 1-15 last year. This franchise had been in shambles for years, plagued by horrible decision makers. Yes, Parcells came in and helped right the lineup, but take a closer look. The key contributors this year: Ricky, Ronnie, Ginn, Crowder, Allen, Bell...these guys were all the same key ingredients that Cameron "did well with what he had." On top of that, what about Patrick Cobbs and Greg Camarillo? Who were they last year? They were here, but now they developed. Andre Goodman? They guy was terrible in everybody's opinion (including my own) until Sparano figured out how to use him. Joey Porter? Don't even go there...
Still don't believe that Sparano deserves it? Think it was Chad Pennington that led the turnaround? Remind me, exactly, who wanted the "weak-armed" Pennington when the Jets discarded him. This guy was washed up, finished. Yes, credit Parcells for picking him up, but Pennington having his best season now was as much a reflection on how he was used as it was on Chad stepping up and making the most of it. Not only would Chad not have had this type of season if a Mangini was his head man, he never even had a year like this with the brilliant Parcells calling the plays. Have I convinced you that Sparano's season wasn't merely a reflection on Parcells or Pennington yet?
Good, let's move back to what Sparano has done. This team was 0-2. It was bad. Then Sparano opened up his mind to what would become the biggest story in the NFL this year. The Wildcat changed things, and winning bred winning. Sparano gained credibility with his team, and rookies and veterans alike bought in. Every week there was a different wrinkle, a different way of finding the perfect plays. Roster shakeups were everywhere, and Sparano didn't rest until every unit was set, whether it was Renaldo Hill shoring up the secondary or Erik Walden cementing the coverage teams. Matt Roth changed positions and became a force. Greg Camarillo became Wes Welker, and then got injured, and then Devone Bess did. Both starting guards were lost for the year...Sparano found people. The Dolphin's won 9 out of 10 to finish the season, including the last five, four of which were on the road. Did I mention this team went from 1-15 to division champs?
Mike Smith did a lot of great things this year, but a lot of his team was in in place, having been built for years for a certain quarterback. He got a new quarterback this year, and a pretty good one. Though he plugged him in seamlessly, even the Vick-less Falcons were not 1-15 last year, and they did not win their division this year.
Tony Sparano deserved this award.
Fins/Jets: Keys to Victory - Pennington vs Favre
There's not a lot that needs to be said about how the matchup of the season panned out. Pennington dominated Favre in every way imaginable. His team won the game, he won AFC Offensive Player of the Week, he won Comeback Player of the Year (again), he came in 2nd in MVP Balloting, and most importantly, Miami won the division. Pennington completed more passes than Favre on ten less attempts, and more impressively, had two touchdowns and no picks, to Favre's one TD and three interceptions. The AFC Pro Bowl balloting was a joke, as there was no player more instrumental in Miami setting the record for fewest turnovers (13) in a season than Pennington. Favre, for his part, had 22 picks alone.
Fins/Jets: Keys to Victory - Stepping Up
The scheme was great, but the players play the game. You can't win your division in the NFL without key contributors stepping up, and the Dolphins got some great games right when they needed them the most. I think the loss to the Patriots, actually, was great preparation for this one, as the young team gained valuable experience in a big spot, and they played a mature game on Sunday to secure the Division Championship.
Ted Ginn:
Ginn only made two catches, but they were HUGE. One was on the flea flicker, which after two other trick plays worked but faltered, didn't trick anybody. To make matters worse, Ginn was double covered deep, and Pennington underthrew him by about ten yards. Nevertheless, Chad's trust in Ginn was rewarded when Teddy came back to the ball with perfect judgement on his adjustment, and jumped high over the defenders to secure the ball on a long gain.
Ginn's other catch was simply a work of beauty. And this one resulted in a touchdown. Pennington made a great throw to the corner of the end zone, and Ginn showed great athleticism and hands in making a play that is better viewed than discussed. It was a serious catch on the big stage, as Ginn's two huge plays were instrumental in the victory.
Philip Merling:
Merling was stout while he was on the field the whole day, and though I am singling a few players out, it can't be overstated how important everybody taking care of their responsibilities was in allowing these big plays to occur. Nevertheless, Merling is on this list because of one play.
After an up and down first half, where the Jets took the early lead, Miami had made it 7-6 with a few minutes left. As Favre and the Jets took over, I remember thinking to myself how huge a defensive touchdown would be. The Jets ran a screen and Merling diagnosed it immediately, placing himself directly between Brett Favre and Thomas Jones. Favre inexplicably and haphazardly threw the ball, and as soon as Merling got his hands on it, there was no stopping him on his way to the end zone. Favre and Jones looked like jokes trying to bring the big man, switching ball hands the whole way, to the ground.
This was the biggest play of the day, and it turned out to be the difference. The Dolphins need to look no further than their last game against the Ravens to remember how big a defensive touchdown can be. Excellent work, Philip Merling.
Andre Goodman:
Is there a way the Dolphins can let this corner go during the offseason? After years spent waiting for his contract to expire, the tables have completely turned. Another game where Andre was almost exclusively used in press coverage, and this time he came out with two picks to show for it. Turnovers were key against the Jets, and what more can you say about a guy that came up with two. Goodman was opportunistic, and his final pick put the Jets, the Patriots, and the division away.
Ted Ginn:
Ginn only made two catches, but they were HUGE. One was on the flea flicker, which after two other trick plays worked but faltered, didn't trick anybody. To make matters worse, Ginn was double covered deep, and Pennington underthrew him by about ten yards. Nevertheless, Chad's trust in Ginn was rewarded when Teddy came back to the ball with perfect judgement on his adjustment, and jumped high over the defenders to secure the ball on a long gain.
Ginn's other catch was simply a work of beauty. And this one resulted in a touchdown. Pennington made a great throw to the corner of the end zone, and Ginn showed great athleticism and hands in making a play that is better viewed than discussed. It was a serious catch on the big stage, as Ginn's two huge plays were instrumental in the victory.
Philip Merling:
Merling was stout while he was on the field the whole day, and though I am singling a few players out, it can't be overstated how important everybody taking care of their responsibilities was in allowing these big plays to occur. Nevertheless, Merling is on this list because of one play.
After an up and down first half, where the Jets took the early lead, Miami had made it 7-6 with a few minutes left. As Favre and the Jets took over, I remember thinking to myself how huge a defensive touchdown would be. The Jets ran a screen and Merling diagnosed it immediately, placing himself directly between Brett Favre and Thomas Jones. Favre inexplicably and haphazardly threw the ball, and as soon as Merling got his hands on it, there was no stopping him on his way to the end zone. Favre and Jones looked like jokes trying to bring the big man, switching ball hands the whole way, to the ground.
This was the biggest play of the day, and it turned out to be the difference. The Dolphins need to look no further than their last game against the Ravens to remember how big a defensive touchdown can be. Excellent work, Philip Merling.
Andre Goodman:
Is there a way the Dolphins can let this corner go during the offseason? After years spent waiting for his contract to expire, the tables have completely turned. Another game where Andre was almost exclusively used in press coverage, and this time he came out with two picks to show for it. Turnovers were key against the Jets, and what more can you say about a guy that came up with two. Goodman was opportunistic, and his final pick put the Jets, the Patriots, and the division away.
Fins/Jets: Keys to Victory - The Kitchen Sink
As I've taken the week to just sit back and appreciate the Dolphins, I've neglected to write much of a game breakdown. The following posts will be a few quick notes on the keys to the Dolphins beating the Jets to win the AFC East.
The Kitchen Sink...despite miscues:
The Dolphins made headlines all year with their Wildcat formation and imaginative play calling. On Sunday, they left no stone unturned in trying to find an advantage to win the AFC East. It was a masterpiece of a game by Henning to close one of the most wonderfully creative seasons I have ever seen.
In fact, the Dolphins had so much creativity on display that they managed to create matchups despite the fact that their three biggest gadgets didn't even work. Ricky Williams dropped a wide open long pass on the beautiful variation of the Wildcat pass where Pennington hit Cobbs for a touchdown earlier in the year. Williams tossed the ball to Chad and then came up the sideline on a wheel route, but it was too easy. On another terrific design, Ronnie Brown came up the middle, stopped, and threw to the wide open tight end Haynos, but this sure touchdown innocently hit the ground as Brown misfired. Finally, on the flea flicker which Pennington actually completed to Ted Ginn, the Jets were all over it with double coverage. Ginn simply came back to and elevated to bring in the underthrown pass.
Other mistakes included countless motion penalties early in the game, dropped passes, missed assignments, and a Chad Pennington fumble. Still, on a day where the Dolphins made all kinds of uncharacteristic errors, they managed to come out victorious thanks to the fact that Henning had them do a bit of everything that gave them success throughout the year.
The Dolphins made use of the full house formation, eliminating the Jets ability to key on any running back. They pulled and crossed their blocking schemes, using Andy Alleman to do what he does best at the point of attack. They used their bread and butter running series out of the offset I, pitching the ball wide, but also coming back with the inside handoff. Ted Ginn was the deep threat, the tight ends were fantastic, and the ball was put in Chad Pennington's hands.
Of course, this game also included the renewed success of the Wildcat. The Jets hadn't seen it in Week 1, and the early feelers that Henning put out encouraged him to return to it more and more. Thanks to the trickery keeping the Jets off balance, an example being when Chad touched the ball in the formation, Ronnie Brown had room to roam all day. I'll take his vision in a big game any time.
It was a masterpiece of a game, designed using the ultimate version of the "what you're good at and what is working" philosophy. Credit Sparano, Henning, Lee and the rest for putting together such a plan and being so wise in such a big spot. Despite that the Dolphins just weren't themselves early, there was enough creativity to overcome it, and the Miami Dolphins are now the Champions of the AFC East.
The Kitchen Sink...despite miscues:
The Dolphins made headlines all year with their Wildcat formation and imaginative play calling. On Sunday, they left no stone unturned in trying to find an advantage to win the AFC East. It was a masterpiece of a game by Henning to close one of the most wonderfully creative seasons I have ever seen.
In fact, the Dolphins had so much creativity on display that they managed to create matchups despite the fact that their three biggest gadgets didn't even work. Ricky Williams dropped a wide open long pass on the beautiful variation of the Wildcat pass where Pennington hit Cobbs for a touchdown earlier in the year. Williams tossed the ball to Chad and then came up the sideline on a wheel route, but it was too easy. On another terrific design, Ronnie Brown came up the middle, stopped, and threw to the wide open tight end Haynos, but this sure touchdown innocently hit the ground as Brown misfired. Finally, on the flea flicker which Pennington actually completed to Ted Ginn, the Jets were all over it with double coverage. Ginn simply came back to and elevated to bring in the underthrown pass.
Other mistakes included countless motion penalties early in the game, dropped passes, missed assignments, and a Chad Pennington fumble. Still, on a day where the Dolphins made all kinds of uncharacteristic errors, they managed to come out victorious thanks to the fact that Henning had them do a bit of everything that gave them success throughout the year.
The Dolphins made use of the full house formation, eliminating the Jets ability to key on any running back. They pulled and crossed their blocking schemes, using Andy Alleman to do what he does best at the point of attack. They used their bread and butter running series out of the offset I, pitching the ball wide, but also coming back with the inside handoff. Ted Ginn was the deep threat, the tight ends were fantastic, and the ball was put in Chad Pennington's hands.
Of course, this game also included the renewed success of the Wildcat. The Jets hadn't seen it in Week 1, and the early feelers that Henning put out encouraged him to return to it more and more. Thanks to the trickery keeping the Jets off balance, an example being when Chad touched the ball in the formation, Ronnie Brown had room to roam all day. I'll take his vision in a big game any time.
It was a masterpiece of a game, designed using the ultimate version of the "what you're good at and what is working" philosophy. Credit Sparano, Henning, Lee and the rest for putting together such a plan and being so wise in such a big spot. Despite that the Dolphins just weren't themselves early, there was enough creativity to overcome it, and the Miami Dolphins are now the Champions of the AFC East.
Friday, January 2, 2009
MIAMI DOLPHINS - 2008 AFC EAST CHAMPIONS
There is so much to say right now that I literally don’t know where to start. Sunday was one of the best moments in my life as a Dolphins fan, and certainly the best moment for the team since Dan Marino. As a New Yorker, I couldn’t have been happier to be on the 50 yard line with my father, brother, and best friend (all Fins fans), taking in the beauty of the Dolphins winning the division, beating the Jets, and knocking New England out of the playoffs all in one fell swoop.
“We are the Champions” has been on repeat on my iTunes all week, as it is important to remember that this is the grand prize of the regular season, what you play the whole year for, and the Dolphins finally did it again. Our team this year was a lovable group of guys who played with a lot of heart, and even though they’ve accomplished more than anybody could hope for and then some, you know they are not stopping now. Though satisfied, Pennington, Sparano, and company are looking for bigger and better things in the postseason and into next year.
As for now, though, the moment is sweet. Standing with the rest of the Dolphins fans, who hijacked the Meadowlands on Sunday, for the last five minutes of the game was an amazing thing. Sharing the victory with the team made it extra special. And hearing the fight song reverberate through the depths of the stadium on the last day the Jets played there was the perfect way to leave Marino’s old home away from home. I’m going to enjoy this one for a long, long time.
As the Dolphins completed the best turnaround in NFL history from 1-15 to 11-5, literally making last year’s record look like a typo, I couldn’t help but think about how Ty Law wanted to play for a “contender” a few short months ago and joined the Jets. It’s a good thing too, because Andre Goodman was nothing short of spectacular over the second half of the season and especially against the Jets this Sunday. The only players who I wish were a part of this team are Zach and JT. The two of them really deserve it, and even amidst all the glory, they would have made this team even better by filling two of our weaknesses. That’s a story for another time, but the point is that Thomas and Taylor are Fins for life, and they deserve to share this with their former mates.
As for the game, Pennington absolutely killed Favre in their matchup. Chad finished his season with a few beautiful touchdown passes, and legitimately cemented himself as a candidate for MVP. He had the season of his life, and no matter what transpires in the future, it will always be remembered. Sparano, for his part, turned a 1-15 team into a division champion. For some reason, Mike Smith is considered the front runner for coach of the year, but hype aside, this honor should belong to Sparano. Smith took over a team with pieces in place and got the best rookie quarterback since Marino to add to it. Sparano got a team that was every bit of 1-15 last year and 0-2 to start this year, but with brilliant fundamental coaching, phenomenal leadership, and open-minded philosophy, he turned them into champions, something that Mike Smith cannot claim.
It’s a phenomenal day to bleed aqua and orange. Miami Dolphins #1.
“We are the Champions” has been on repeat on my iTunes all week, as it is important to remember that this is the grand prize of the regular season, what you play the whole year for, and the Dolphins finally did it again. Our team this year was a lovable group of guys who played with a lot of heart, and even though they’ve accomplished more than anybody could hope for and then some, you know they are not stopping now. Though satisfied, Pennington, Sparano, and company are looking for bigger and better things in the postseason and into next year.
As for now, though, the moment is sweet. Standing with the rest of the Dolphins fans, who hijacked the Meadowlands on Sunday, for the last five minutes of the game was an amazing thing. Sharing the victory with the team made it extra special. And hearing the fight song reverberate through the depths of the stadium on the last day the Jets played there was the perfect way to leave Marino’s old home away from home. I’m going to enjoy this one for a long, long time.
As the Dolphins completed the best turnaround in NFL history from 1-15 to 11-5, literally making last year’s record look like a typo, I couldn’t help but think about how Ty Law wanted to play for a “contender” a few short months ago and joined the Jets. It’s a good thing too, because Andre Goodman was nothing short of spectacular over the second half of the season and especially against the Jets this Sunday. The only players who I wish were a part of this team are Zach and JT. The two of them really deserve it, and even amidst all the glory, they would have made this team even better by filling two of our weaknesses. That’s a story for another time, but the point is that Thomas and Taylor are Fins for life, and they deserve to share this with their former mates.
As for the game, Pennington absolutely killed Favre in their matchup. Chad finished his season with a few beautiful touchdown passes, and legitimately cemented himself as a candidate for MVP. He had the season of his life, and no matter what transpires in the future, it will always be remembered. Sparano, for his part, turned a 1-15 team into a division champion. For some reason, Mike Smith is considered the front runner for coach of the year, but hype aside, this honor should belong to Sparano. Smith took over a team with pieces in place and got the best rookie quarterback since Marino to add to it. Sparano got a team that was every bit of 1-15 last year and 0-2 to start this year, but with brilliant fundamental coaching, phenomenal leadership, and open-minded philosophy, he turned them into champions, something that Mike Smith cannot claim.
It’s a phenomenal day to bleed aqua and orange. Miami Dolphins #1.
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