Jetfan13 Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 <H1 class=storyHeadline>And this is from your own hometown paper & writer</H1><H1 class=storyHeadline> </H1><H1 class=storyHeadline>Brutal schedule, other factors indicate tough year for Miami Dolphins</H1> By GREG COTE gcote@MiamiHerald.com On these very pages last Sept. 5, I predicted the Dolphins would finish 8-8 and wrote that ``with a break here or a fortuitous bounce there, the team that ended last season 1-15, cloaked in shame, could actually make the playoffs.'' Derision or cries of homerism followed, but I was closer to pegging the turnaround than anybody else in the media, local or national, and the reason wasn't any genius on my part. It was Miami's squeezeably soft 2008 schedule -- one that might only have been easier if it included a few Canadian teams, a couple of forfeits, the Florida A&M marching band and Miami Archbishop Curley High School. New season. New schedule. Uh-oh. I'm not sure who the guy is in charge of the 2009 NFL schedule, but, looking at Miami's parade of games, I'd guess it was Marquis de Sade or somebody who really, really doesn't like Tony Sparano. Everything coalesced perfectly a year ago to allow Miami to quite literally sneak up on the rest of the league. Think about it. The Dolphins were coming off the embarrassment of that 1-15 calamity, all but assuring that Miami would be taken lightly by opponents. The schedule was almost laughably easy. Other than New England, only two '08 opponents had winning records the year before. Seven games, almost half the schedule, were against teams that were 5-11 or worse. Miami had a new, unproven coach; a recycled quarterback who didn't join the team until August; a running back coming off major surgery; and not a fear-inducing receiver to be found. More reasons for opponent nonchalance. A season ago, the Dolphins also would enjoy the funky surprise of the Wildcat offense, which stunned the Patriots in Week 3 and left defenses scrambling the rest of the year. Now? All of those built-in advantages have vanished. PAYING ATTENTION No opponent will be taking lightly an 11-5 playoff team with a Pro Bowl quarterback, a Pro Bowl running back and a coach whose wile and guile are now well-established. The schedule is the brutal opposite of last year's, the toughest in the league based on combined opponent records from last year. It includes five playoff opponents and three other games against nonplayoff teams that were 11-5. The only sub-.500 teams are division rival Buffalo and a trip to Jacksonville. Ouch. The Wildcat is diffused of any surprise element, now that defenses have had most of a season and an entire offseason to prepare. The year's change-for-the-worse also finds Miami going from the draft's No. 1 selection to the much-less-guaranteed impact of its 25th overall pick. Pressing needs for a starting cornerback, a difference-making wide receiver and a pass-rushing outside linebacker cannot all be met with that one selection, and none of the holes is guaranteed to be filled instantly or dramatically with a pick so low. Also nibbling the back of the mind is this: Can Chad Pennington reasonably be counted on to have another Pro Bowl season at quarterback? Probably not. The sense here is that he had a career year in 2008 and will settle back down onto his more customary pretty good-but-not-great echelon this year. TOUGH ROAD All of it combines to leave Miami looking hard-pressed to equal, let alone improve upon, last season. Against this slate, Miami could be improved, better, deeper and stronger overall, and still struggle to top .500 and stay in the wild-card race. The home schedule includes four extremely tough games (Colts, Jets, Patriots, Steelers) and four others that are far from gimmies (Bills, Saints, Buccaneers and Texans). It could be trouble when what appears to be your easiest home opponent is a team (Houston) that has beaten you four times in a row. The road schedule? I could very easily see Miami as an underdog in all eight games. Nobody doubts Miami is headed right and creating a foundation built to last under Team Tuna and Sparano, but don't kid yourself. The franchise's progress likely won't show in the record in 2009. Against this rugged terrain, Miami will be seen as a huge long shot to reach the upcoming Super Bowl that Dolphin Stadium is hosting. Another playoff run, even by the wild-card route, and Miami will have convinced the doubters who remain that maybe last year wasn't a fluke after all. That maybe the Dolphins are back for real. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonEJet Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Pro-Bowl Quarterback I spit my lemonade when I read that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatriotReign37 Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 The Wildcat is diffused of any surprise element, now that defenses have had most of a season and an entire offseason to prepare. The cat is out of the bag. Mia will have some success with the WC, but I wouldnt expect it to be as good as last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klecko73isGod Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Pro-Bowl Quarterback I spit my lemonade when I read that That's really funny considering he's never made the ProBowl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashingjet Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Thankfully we have a tough ass team, first rate coaching staff, top flight front office and one of the premiere offseason conditioning programs in the league. The Dolphins will be just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klecko73isGod Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Thankfully we have a tough ass team, first rate coaching staff, top flight front office and one of the premiere offseason conditioning programs in the league. The Dolphins will be just fine. Dude, you are easily the funniest poster here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetfan13 Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share Posted April 16, 2009 Dude, you are easily the funniest poster here. and they call us delusional Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashingjet Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Dude, you are easily the funniest poster here. and they call us delusional I was not being humorous Seriously though, we've got a nasty road ahead of us... 6 Wins is what I'm guessing, but then I said that last year. I can't wait though, as a fan down here, our schedule is awesome... 2, 4 o'clock games and 2 MNF games in the first half of the season means I don't have to roast myself in that god damn heat cooker we call a stadium and, I get to sleep in on Sunday's. Whatever happens I'm cool with it, we're getting alot of good games that'll be fun to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetfan13 Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share Posted April 16, 2009 Dude, you are easily the funniest poster here. I was not being humorous Seriously though, we've got a nasty road ahead of us... 6 Wins is what I'm guessing, but then I said that last year. I can't wait though, as a fan down here, our schedule is awesome... 2, 4 o'clock games and 2 MNF games in the first half of the season means I don't have to roast myself in that god damn heat cooker we call a stadium and, I get to sleep in on Sunday's. Whatever happens I'm cool with it, we're getting alot of good games that'll be fun to watch. wow, didn't take long for you to change your tune did it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashingjet Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 wow, didn't take long for you to change your tune did it? Yeah, F that, we're gonna win the Superbowl!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackout Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Pro-Bowl Quarterback I spit my lemonade when I read that lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aqua4ever04 Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Thankfully we have a tough ass team, first rate coaching staff, top flight front office and one of the premiere offseason conditioning programs in the league. The Dolphins will be just fine. It's nice to finally have a head strong regime, isn't it? We haven't had that since the Don (and don't say Jimmy Johnson's staff was a success; he turned Super Bowl contending teams into perrinial playoff losers.) I'm not too worried about the schedule because I think we're going to be much better than we were a year ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aqua4ever04 Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 That's really funny considering he's never made the ProBowl. That's because there are retarded fans that vote for Brett Favre last year. And then when he jumps out, they replace him with Kerry Collins. HAHA! It should've been Manning, Rivers and Pennington in the game last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 3-13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetfan13 Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share Posted April 16, 2009 It's nice to finally have a head strong regime, isn't it? We haven't had that since the Don (and don't say Jimmy Johnson's staff was a success; he turned Super Bowl contending teams into perrinial playoff losers.) I'm not too worried about the schedule because I think we're going to be much better than we were a year ago. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyjunc Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Pro-Bowl Quarterback I spit my lemonade when I read that he deserved it last year just like he deserved it in '02. he's been robbed twice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillerPaul Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 I wouldn't put Miami as SB contenders but i also wouldn't put too much stock in that "toughest schedule" thing either. I remember fearing the schedule, myself, last year. Ya never know who's gonna drop off and who's gonna surprise ppl in today's NFL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gainzo Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 I wouldn't put Miami as SB contenders but i also wouldn't put too much stock in that "toughest schedule" thing either. I remember fearing the schedule, myself, last year. Ya never know who's gonna drop off and who's gonna surprise ppl in today's NFL. But you guys actually had a tough schedule last season The Dolphins had the luxury of playing most of their home games at 1PM last season. Plus they hosted San Diego, Seattle, Oakland & San Francisco all at 1PM. This year they don't have the advantage of squeaking out wins against weak west coast teams at home. 6-10, 7-9 at best for that team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 I wouldn't put Miami as SB contenders but i also wouldn't put too much stock in that "toughest schedule" thing either. I remember fearing the schedule, myself, last year. Ya never know who's gonna drop off and who's gonna surprise ppl in today's NFL. Don't compare the Dolphins to the Steelers. The Steelers were a very good team, they were always going to cope with the best teams. The Dolphins are average and will be exposed next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachEY Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 It should've been Manning, Rivers and Pennington in the game last year. Nah. I should have been just Pennington. He bravely managed to throw 19 TD passes, he almost made the top 1/3rd of the league! He impressively led the 21st ranked offense in points! That's better than 11 teams! He didn't manage to beat a single playoff team this year, but he only lost to two of them! He was able to throw only 4 interceptions in the playoffs. What a feat! He even managed to score 10 points against the Super Bowl appearing Arizona Cardinals, keeping his team within 22 points! Frankly, I think they should rename it the Pennington Bowl, and he should be Permanent QB for both sides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyjunc Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 Nah. I should have been just Pennington. He bravely managed to throw 19 TD passes, he almost made the top 1/3rd of the league! He impressively led the 21st ranked offense in points! That's better than 11 teams! He didn't manage to beat a single playoff team this year, but he only lost to two of them! He was able to throw only 4 interceptions in the playoffs. What a feat! He even managed to score 10 points against the Super Bowl appearing Arizona Cardinals, keeping his team within 22 points! Frankly, I think they should rename it the Pennington Bowl, and he should be Permanent QB for both sides. He took a 1 win team ad led them to 11 wins and a div title. If we didn't foolishly throw him away for that INT machine we easily would have won the AFC East and we had a better team around our QB than Miami had so we would have had a chance to do something in January. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetfan13 Posted April 16, 2009 Author Share Posted April 16, 2009 He took a 1 win team ad led them to 11 wins and a div title. If we didn't foolishly throw him away for that INT machine we easily would have won the AFC East and we had a better team around our QB than Miami had so we would have had a chance to do something in January. yea and if a bull had **** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZachEY Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 He took a 1 win team ad led them to 11 wins and a div title. If we didn't foolishly throw him away for that INT machine we easily would have won the AFC East and we had a better team around our QB than Miami had so we would have had a chance to do something in January. I didn't know QBs played defense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTM Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 He took a 1 win team ad led them to 11 wins and a div title. If we didn't foolishly throw him away for that INT machine we easily would have won the AFC East and we had a better team around our QB than Miami had so we would have had a chance to do something in January. Against the easiest schedule in league history.. he was merely the steward of Parcells latest reclamation project.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klecko73isGod Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 He took a 1 win team ad led them to 11 wins and a div title. If we didn't foolishly throw him away for that INT machine we easily would have won the AFC East and we had a better team around our QB than Miami had so we would have had a chance to do something in January. If Pennington were still with the Jets last year, they win maybe five games. If anybody else were the QB of the Dolphins last year, they win at least 10 games. The Dolphins had an insanely easy schedule, highlighted by hosting four west coast teams at 1 p.m. eastern time. (In case you didn't know, teams from the mountain and pacific time zones won one game at 1 p.m. on the east coast last year.) The Dolphins less than scintillating offense was highlighted by the "Wildcat" a formation in which their starting QB, one James Chadwick Pennington, lined up at WR or on the sideline. Pennington continued his brilliant streak of beating bad teams and losing to good ones. Fortunately for the Dolphins, they didn't play many good teams. It was an even numbered year. Pennington is four for four in leading his team to a wildcard berth in even numbered years. So far, he is three for three in not leading his team to the playoffs in odd numbered years. (2003 - broken hand, 2005 - torn labrum, 2007 - he just plain sucked.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billo83 Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 He took a 1 win team ad led them to 11 wins and a div title. If we didn't foolishly throw him away for that INT machine we easily would have won the AFC East and we had a better team around our QB than Miami had so we would have had a chance to do something in January. Oh come on Junc, IF we got to the playoffs, Penny would have done what he's always done - laid an egg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 He took a 1 win team ad led them to 11 wins and a div title. If we didn't foolishly throw him away for that INT machine we easily would have won the AFC East and we had a better team around our QB than Miami had so we would have had a chance to do something in January. You've given up on defending Herm, so now you've taken up defending Pennington? He's awful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RutgersJetFan Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 Thankfully we have a tough ass team, first rate coaching staff, top flight front office and one of the premiere offseason conditioning programs in the league. The Dolphins will be just fine. "Thankfully we have a tough ass team, first rate coaching staff, top flight front office and one of the premiere offseason conditioning programs in the league. The Jets will be just fine." Every Jet fan circa December, 2006. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billo83 Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 You've given up on defending Herm, so now you've taken up defending Pennington? He's awful When did he stop defending Herm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillerPaul Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 Don't compare the Dolphins to the Steelers. The Steelers were a very good team, they were always going to cope with the best teams. The Dolphins are average and will be exposed next season. No comparison, my friend. Just pointing out that IMO i think that 'toughest schedule' thing is a bit over rated. There is alot of parody in the game these days. I do agree though that the Phins are probably a 7 or 8 win team. But if guys step up for them, they'll compete and win their share. FWIW i also think the Jets will be in the hunt with that schedule too. Don't u guys get the NFC East? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatriotReign37 Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 But you guys actually had a tough schedule last season The Dolphins had the luxury of playing most of their home games at 1PM last season. Plus they hosted San Diego, Seattle, Oakland & San Francisco all at 1PM. This year they don't have the advantage of squeaking out wins against weak west coast teams at home. 6-10, 7-9 at best for that team. And, then Parcells will be right back to square 1 QB wise. Pennington wont be the answer (or future) and Tuna will have to play a rookie next season. No way does he have the patience to wait around for that. Adios Miami as he turns his Cadillac Northbound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serphnx Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 I wouldn't put Miami as SB contenders but i also wouldn't put too much stock in that "toughest schedule" thing either. I remember fearing the schedule, myself, last year. Ya never know who's gonna drop off and who's gonna surprise ppl in today's NFL. It WAS the toughest schedule in the NFL. And what a surprise, the Steelers go on to win the Super Bowl afterwards! That is the difference, when you're the best team in the NFL and have the players and coaches to fight through adversity week in and week out, you've got a damn good shot at winning a Super Bowl. This is why I kept saying I don't like watching the Steelers play every week, but they play high quality football and Ben is a great QB. I remember posting that the Steelers-Ravens game was GOTY, and I'm always critical of bad offense and believe in having a great offense. That's because, when a great offense runs into a great defense, the great offenses will find a way to score those crucial points that win you the game. Having a great defense is also obviously something you want, but people frequently mistake great defense for pathetic offense, and don't understand the team concept. The Steelers had a great offense but people just could not see it because they were not putting up stats. And obviously they had a great defense too. The Dolphins are not in either of those boats. They are going to get destroyed this year. The Patriots will run away with the division again, the Jets will collapse down the stretch and probably place second, and the Bills and Fins will battle for the cellar, with the Fins being the odds on favorite to win that battle. Actually, if the Bills get the QB situation sorted out, they could finish better than the Jets. Then 3-5 years from now, the Jets will hire another new HC that everyone will be in love with, and we can begin the cycle anew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillerPaul Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 It WAS the toughest schedule in the NFL. And what a surprise, the Steelers go on to win the Super Bowl afterwards! That is the difference, when you're the best team in the NFL and have the players and coaches to fight through adversity week in and week out, you've got a damn good shot at winning a Super Bowl. This is why I kept saying I don't like watching the Steelers play every week, but they play high quality football and Ben is a great QB. I remember posting that the Steelers-Ravens game was GOTY, and I'm always critical of bad offense and believe in having a great offense. That's because, when a great offense runs into a great defense, the great offenses will find a way to score those crucial points that win you the game. Having a great defense is also obviously something you want, but people frequently mistake great defense for pathetic offense, and don't understand the team concept. The Steelers had a great offense but people just could not see it because they were not putting up stats. And obviously they had a great defense too. The Dolphins are not in either of those boats. They are going to get destroyed this year. The Patriots will run away with the division again, the Jets will collapse down the stretch and probably place second, and the Bills and Fins will battle for the cellar, with the Fins being the odds on favorite to win that battle. Actually, if the Bills get the QB situation sorted out, they could finish better than the Jets. Then 3-5 years from now, the Jets will hire another new HC that everyone will be in love with, and we can begin the cycle anew. There's also a theory out there that the tough schedule actually made the Steelers better. Again, i'm not comparing the 2 teams but i do think alot of ppl put too much stock in the strength of schedule. And as far as the Jets go i think you guys are closer to the Pats than you may think. Get your QB situation ironed out, play sound D and you're right there imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 No comparison, my friend. Just pointing out that IMO i think that 'toughest schedule' thing is a bit over rated. There is alot of parody in the game these days. I do agree though that the Phins are probably a 7 or 8 win team. But if guys step up for them, they'll compete and win their share. FWIW i also think the Jets will be in the hunt with that schedule too. Don't u guys get the NFC East? I agree that the tough schedule is overrated and I know how unpredictable the NFL is, which is why I've been preaching to the JN pessimists (GOB and TS say hello) to not give up on the season yet. You never know in this league. That being said, I don't think the Dolphins will do anything this year. They play a lot of good defences which as all Jet fans will tell you means disaster time for their QB. I just felt their team was very overrated in general last season. I'd say they'll win 5-6 games next season. We play the NFC South this year and AFC North. Tough divisions but I believe the Jets could cope. I think our defense will be scary next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 When did he stop defending Herm? When he got fired, I think.lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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