Miami Dolphins 11-5...2008 AFC East Champions! (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

Best turnaround ever?

Chad Pennington MVP?

Can they get it done next week on the road in New York? The storylines go in so many directions but what about Pennington going back to face his old team where essentially the winner of the game is going to the playoffs.

Sporano coach of the year?

 

[GroveDiesel]

Great story. Everyone is raving about Atlanta right now, but the Dolphins are just as good of a story IMO.

 

[David Yudkin]

Best turnaround ever?Chad Pennington MVP?Can they get it done next week on the road in New York? The storylines go in so many directions but what about Pennington going back to face his old team where essentially the winner of the game is going to the playoffs. Sporano coach of the year?

If the Jets win NEITHER team would likely make the playoffs.

 

[FUBAR]

Parcells = genius

Pennington = not MVP, but pretty darn close. Also Comeback player of the year. Joey Porter might be close on both too.

The truly amazing thing is the fins didn't bring in any high priced vets and actually lost a couple. Atlanta (and this is not an insult) did benefit from bringing in Turner.

 

[Jimmy James]

I can't believe the Dolphins might finish 10-6 twice in a decade and make the playoffs neither time.

They have to beat the Jets.

 

[PatrickT]

Great story. Everyone is raving about Atlanta right now, but the Dolphins are just as good of a story IMO.

I hate the Dolphins, they're stealing our thunder! I'm kidding, of course. It is a great story, and I'm happy for Dolphin fans, have always liked the Dolphins for some reason. Really hard to say which is the "better" turnaround, but let's just say that both are great ones.

 

[The Goat]

I can't believe the Dolphins might finish 10-6 twice in a decade and make the playoffs neither time. They have to beat the Jets.

What would be more incredible is if the Patriots go 11-5 and miss the playoffs.I would be amused.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Great story. Everyone is raving about Atlanta right now, but the Dolphins are just as good of a story IMO.

I hate the Dolphins, they're stealing our thunder! I'm kidding, of course. It is a great story, and I'm happy for Dolphin fans, have always liked the Dolphins for some reason. Really hard to say which is the "better" turnaround, but let's just say that both are great ones.

Absolutely. Lots for fans of both teams to be excited about. I think it really shows that it can be better to be REALLY bad for a year or two to get things turned around rather than constantly be mediocre like my Bills, the Browns, or some team like that.**Statement does not apply to Detroit Lions

 

[Chase Stuart]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.

Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

 

[David Yudkin]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

What do the same numbers show for the Jets comparing 07 and 08?

 

[Chase Stuart]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

What do the same numbers show for the Jets comparing 07 and 08?

Very similar. Jets were "morally" a 5.5 win team last year and about a 10 win team (over 16 games) this year, with similar changes in SOS. The Jets added more in the off-season, too, making this turnaround even easier to predict.

 

[Jimmy James]

I can't believe the Dolphins might finish 10-6 twice in a decade and make the playoffs neither time. They have to beat the Jets.

What would be more incredible is if the Patriots go 11-5 and miss the playoffs.I would be amused.

As would I. If it weren't them, I'd feel really sorry for the team. Two years of 10-6 and one of losing a tiebreak at 9-7 in a decade would be a pretty bad run of luck, though.

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

While I definitely agree with this, coaching is what took a 4 win team last year and transformed it into a 1 win team. Coaching has something to do with taking a 9 win team and getting it to 10 or hopefully 11. Beyond that, this is a team whose players could have gotten really demoralized at the departures of Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor, who were the veteran backbone on and off the field. Of course, Taylor had enough press about his relationship with Parcells that he could have also easily been a distraction.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I can't believe the Dolphins might finish 10-6 twice in a decade and make the playoffs neither time. They have to beat the Jets.

What would be more incredible is if the Patriots go 11-5 and miss the playoffs.I would be amused.

As would I. If it weren't them, I'd feel really sorry for the team. Two years of 10-6 and one of losing a tiebreak at 9-7 in a decade would be a pretty bad run of luck, though.

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

While I definitely agree with this, coaching is what took a 4 win team last year and transformed it into a 1 win team. Coaching has something to do with taking a 9 win team and getting it to 10 or hopefully 11. Beyond that, this is a team whose players could have gotten really demoralized at the departures of Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor, who were the veteran backbone on and off the field. Of course, Taylor had enough press about his relationship with Parcells that he could have also easily been a distraction.

Coaching has some impact on the differentials, but for the most part it is bad luck that puts a team far away from their projected number of wins. I also think bad coaching can hurt more than good coaching can help. On the other hand, there's a lot of really bad coaching in this league, so maybe just not being one of those guys is a big help .

 

[Jimmy James]

Coaching has some impact on the differentials, but for the most part it is bad luck that puts a team far away from their projected number of wins. I also think bad coaching can hurt more than good coaching can help. On the other hand, there's a lot of really bad coaching in this league, so maybe just not being one of those guys is a big help .

Cam Cameron pretty clearly made calls that I'd argue lost the Dolphins the Redskins, Giants, and Steelers games last year. That's four wins. I'd agree it's easier to ruin a team with bad coaching than it is to make a team wit great coaching, too.

 

[-baller]

I am going to lmao if owens and dallas are watching miami on tv in the playoffs.

of course, that'll be right after I'm done cmeo.

edit:

I mean watching on tv while not actually in the playoffs.....

 

[Ghost Rider]

Time for Mangini to stick it to Belichick and the Patriots one more time next week by having his team tank against the Dolphins, so the Patriots miss the playoffs. Then again, given the way the Jets are playing, Mangini might not have to game plan to tank.

 

[=Smackdown=]

One more BIG game to go Dolphins fans - it will not be easy - they just never seem to play well @ NYJ.

But for now - ATT Dolphin fans . . . .



from 1-15 to 10-5 with the division ours with one more win . . .

 

[Workhorse]

Time for Mangini to stick it to Belichick and the Patriots one more time next week by having his team tank against the Dolphins, so the Patriots miss the playoffs. Then again, given the way the Jets are playing, Mangini might not have to game plan to tank.

I think Mangini might just be coaching for his job against the Phins.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Time for Mangini to stick it to Belichick and the Patriots one more time next week by having his team tank against the Dolphins, so the Patriots miss the playoffs. Then again, given the way the Jets are playing, Mangini might not have to game plan to tank.

I think Mangini might just be coaching for his job against the Phins.

I'm not sure how Mangini could get more conservative if he's scared. Maybe the Jets will start punting on 3rd down.

 

[Workhorse]

Time for Mangini to stick it to Belichick and the Patriots one more time next week by having his team tank against the Dolphins, so the Patriots miss the playoffs. Then again, given the way the Jets are playing, Mangini might not have to game plan to tank.

I think Mangini might just be coaching for his job against the Phins.

I'm not sure how Mangini could get more conservative if he's scared. Maybe the Jets will start punting on 3rd down.

Nice.Actually, I'm thinking just the opposite. Nothing to lose at this point and the Jets take the reins off Nuke LaLoosh Favre and let him throw for 400 years with 5 TDs, 5 INTS and hit Fireman Ed a couple of times.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Time for Mangini to stick it to Belichick and the Patriots one more time next week by having his team tank against the Dolphins, so the Patriots miss the playoffs. Then again, given the way the Jets are playing, Mangini might not have to game plan to tank.

I think Mangini might just be coaching for his job against the Phins.

I'm not sure how Mangini could get more conservative if he's scared. Maybe the Jets will start punting on 3rd down.

On the Dolphins, even as a Patriots fan it's impossible to not admire what they've put together down in Miami. Obviously I hope they miss the playoffs, but either way, still a very very impressive year.

 

[dmonte]

It's great, great, great! As a lifelong Dolphins fan, I'm very excited about this season and hope we can get the win next week. To make the playoffs would be amazing. Then we could actually see the Dolphins on TV for the first time this season!

 

[FUBAR]

Time for Mangini to stick it to Belichick and the Patriots one more time next week by having his team tank against the Dolphins, so the Patriots miss the playoffs. Then again, given the way the Jets are playing, Mangini might not have to game plan to tank.

I think Mangini might just be coaching for his job against the Phins.

I'm not sure how Mangini could get more conservative if he's scared. Maybe the Jets will start punting on 3rd down.

Nice.Actually, I'm thinking just the opposite. Nothing to lose at this point and the Jets take the reins off Nuke LaLoosh Favre and let him throw for 400 years with 5 TDs, 5 INTS and hit Fireman Ed a couple of times.

In perhaps his last game...

 

[wadegarrett]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

Miami's 10 wins: @ NE (10-5) SD (7-8) BUF (7-8) @ DEN (8-7) SEA (4-11) OAK (4-11) @ STL (2-13) @ BUF (7-8) SF (6-9)@ KC (2-13)A combined winning % of .380.I give 'em credit for getting the wins, but the "Parcells is a genius" talkis way overblown IMO.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

Meh...Last year the Dolphins were 1-6 in close games, and lost 9 times in blowouts.This year the Dolphins were 5-3 in close games, lost 3 times in blowouts, and won 4 times in blowouts.Last year they scored 267 points, and gave up 437. This year they scored 321, and gave up 300.That looks like a pretty dang big turnaround to me.Also, I don't think the SoS is as different as you're leading on.This year they had "easy" games against Seattle, Oakland, St Louis, San Francisco, and KC.Last year they had "easy" games against New York, Oakland, Baltimore, New York (again), CincinnatiThey played against 7 teams with winning records in 2007, and 8 teams with winning records in 2008.*Note: for comparison purposes I'm counting "close" games as any game within 7 points or less.

 

[Ozymandias]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

Meh...Last year the Dolphins were 1-6 in close games, and lost 9 times in blowouts.This year the Dolphins were 5-3 in close games, lost 3 times in blowouts, and won 4 times in blowouts.Last year they scored 267 points, and gave up 437. This year they scored 321, and gave up 300.That looks like a pretty dang big turnaround to me.Also, I don't think the SoS is as different as you're leading on.This year they had "easy" games against Seattle, Oakland, St Louis, San Francisco, and KC.Last year they had "easy" games against New York, Oakland, Baltimore, New York (again), CincinnatiThey played against 7 teams with winning records in 2007, and 8 teams with winning records in 2008.*Note: for comparison purposes I'm counting "close" games as any game within 7 points or less.

That's Aristotelean. Now we have Pythagoras on one side, and Aristotle on the other, so for the tie breaker we're going to have to go to Archimedes. And given the water displacement, he's going to go with the Dolphins not being pure gold.

 

[Reaper]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

Miami's 10 wins: @ NE (10-5) SD (7-8) BUF (7-8) @ DEN (8-7) SEA (4-11) OAK (4-11) @ STL (2-13) @ BUF (7-8) SF (6-9)@ KC (2-13)A combined winning % of .380.I give 'em credit for getting the wins, but the "Parcells is a genius" talkis way overblown IMO.

Mangini was a genius after year 1 as well....It's year 2 where many teams hit a road block.... We'll see.Gotta give a ton of credit though - Congrats Miami fans.

 

[Noodlefish]

That's Aristotelean. Now we have Pythagoras on one side, and Aristotle on the other, so for the tie breaker we're going to have to go to Archimedes. And given the water displacement, he's going to go with the Dolphins not being pure gold.

:genius: Go fish!

 

[=Smackdown=]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

Miami's 10 wins: @ NE (10-5) SD (7-8) BUF (7-8) @ DEN (8-7) SEA (4-11) OAK (4-11) @ STL (2-13) @ BUF (7-8) SF (6-9)@ KC (2-13)A combined winning % of .380.I give 'em credit for getting the wins, but the "Parcells is a genius" talkis way overblown IMO.

Mangini was a genius after year 1 as well....It's year 2 where many teams hit a road block.... We'll see.Gotta give a ton of credit though - Congrats Miami fans.

Still much too early for any sort of Congratulations. I'm trying to be cautiously optimistic but I see the Dolphins having a hrad time with the Jets this Sunday. With the way these 2 teams have played each other in the past I could definitely see the Jets winning sending the Patriots to the playoffs.Do the Jets really have zero shot of making it? Reason I ask is that almost every Jets fan I know (friends & office) - they are all trying to unload their tickets on me for this upcoming game.

 

[Reaper]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

Miami's 10 wins: @ NE (10-5) SD (7-8) BUF (7-8) @ DEN (8-7) SEA (4-11) OAK (4-11) @ STL (2-13) @ BUF (7-8) SF (6-9)@ KC (2-13)A combined winning % of .380.I give 'em credit for getting the wins, but the "Parcells is a genius" talkis way overblown IMO.

Mangini was a genius after year 1 as well....It's year 2 where many teams hit a road block.... We'll see.Gotta give a ton of credit though - Congrats Miami fans.

Still much too early for any sort of Congratulations. I'm trying to be cautiously optimistic but I see the Dolphins having a hrad time with the Jets this Sunday. With the way these 2 teams have played each other in the past I could definitely see the Jets winning sending the Patriots to the playoffs.Do the Jets really have zero shot of making it? Reason I ask is that almost every Jets fan I know (friends & office) - they are all trying to unload their tickets on me for this upcoming game.

They need the Pats or Ravens to lose.I just don't see how that Jets team can take that journey home and come to practice this week, with the holiday and all and be prepared to play a competitive game Sunday with very little chance to advance....Then you have Miami and Chad who will be 100% ready to go, licking their chops....If nothing else - at least the Jets are already dead and can only be kicked by Miami and not necessarily credited with the Kill.

 

[Workhorse]

When was the last time the Dolphins won back to back cold weather road games?

Anyone know?

 

[Desert_Power]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

Meh...Last year the Dolphins were 1-6 in close games, and lost 9 times in blowouts.This year the Dolphins were 5-3 in close games, lost 3 times in blowouts, and won 4 times in blowouts.Last year they scored 267 points, and gave up 437. This year they scored 321, and gave up 300.That looks like a pretty dang big turnaround to me.Also, I don't think the SoS is as different as you're leading on.This year they had "easy" games against Seattle, Oakland, St Louis, San Francisco, and KC.Last year they had "easy" games against New York, Oakland, Baltimore, New York (again), CincinnatiThey played against 7 teams with winning records in 2007, and 8 teams with winning records in 2008.*Note: for comparison purposes I'm counting "close" games as any game within 7 points or less.

Of course it is large turnaround, and a very exciting one after the crap we have gone through the last few years. One thing I take away from Chase's post is that the Dolphins were not really bad enough to be a one win team last year, something that I thought was evident the whole season.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Dolphins story is a great turnaround, but I don't think Miami made the jump from a historically bad team to a very good team. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami was really a 4-win team last year despite having a hard schedule. If you look at Pythagorean win percentages, Miami is really a 9-win team this year (over 16 games) and has a really easy schedule. Factoring in the schedules, Miami maybe improved by about three games this year.Huge jump? Only to people who pay attention to just wins and losses. Miami lost a bunch of close games last season and won a bunch of close games this season, and faced a significantly easier schedule. It didn't take much to predict them to get to 6 or 7 wins; they've gotten full (and good) seasons out of Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington, which just about never happens. That explains why they're already at 10 wins this year.

Only a Jets fan...

 

[stickboy]

Do the Jets really have zero shot of making it? Reason I ask is that almost every Jets fan I know (friends & office) - they are all trying to unload their tickets on me for this upcoming game.They need the Pats or Ravens to lose.I just don't see how that Jets team can take that journey home and come to practice this week, with the holiday and all and be prepared to play a competitive game Sunday with very little chance to advance....Then you have Miami and Chad who will be 100% ready to go, licking their chops....If nothing else - at least the Jets are already dead and can only be kicked by Miami and not necessarily credited with the Kill.

The speculation in the New York press is that Mangini and Farvre are playing for their jobs, and that if they lose, the J-E-T-S will go after Cassel as their new QB.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

When was the last time the Dolphins won back to back cold weather road games?Anyone know?

I've heard a couple commentators raise the same question, which I find to be largely irrelevant.While I'd like the Jets to win as a Pats fan, I'm concerned the fish have ALL the intangibles on their side. Its almost a case study on good versus bad team psyche going into a matchup.I'm going to hang my hat of belief recognizing that the Jets QB, coaching and ownership have a lot riding on not being upstaged by Chad Pennington. A re-occuring theme here of some Jets fans is that they know its already over and at least they can feel good for Chad. "I find your lack of faith....disturbing." [/LordVader]

 

[Reaper]

When was the last time the Dolphins won back to back cold weather road games?Anyone know?

I've heard a couple commentators raise the same question, which I find to be largely irrelevant.While I'd like the Jets to win as a Pats fan, I'm concerned the fish have ALL the intangibles on their side. Its almost a case study on good versus bad team psyche going into a matchup.I'm going to hang my hat of belief recognizing that the Jets QB, coaching and ownership have a lot riding on not being upstaged by Chad Pennington. A re-occuring theme here of some Jets fans is that they know its already over and at least they can feel good for Chad. "I find your lack of faith....disturbing." [/LordVader]

As bad as the Jets have been the past few weeks... How embarrising it was to have NO PASS RUSH against an OL of makeshift practice squad guys.... I have to wonder if Mangini thought he could just roll over some teams, play it close and come out against Miami and the playoffs and finally unleash the Blitz....The whole reason, as stated before, for the 3-4 defense was so the opposing offense never would know where the blitz or 4th / 5th rusher is coming from - And Mangini rushes 3 guys all day Just send the House ALL DAY!!!!!!!... There's little to lose at this point.. When we had Chad, that's what opponents do... If Mangini plays the same defense and plays a game where he tries to see if Chad can find an open guy with 8 seconds, I'm going to break things. Chad will pick them apart all day.

 

[=Smackdown=]

When was the last time the Dolphins won back to back cold weather road games?Anyone know?

Not sure but last week was the coldest weather game the Dolphins ever played in - which I found surprising. 10 degrees with a -12 wind chill in KC.The offense was fine but the defense never showed up. Crowder was sorely missed by the Dolphin D last week. If he doesn't play vs the Jets, Thomas Jones will have a big day. Providing the Jets run the ball.Playing bad in cold weather and December swoons seems like a thing of the past for this current group of Dolphins.

 

[Workhorse]

When was the last time the Dolphins won back to back cold weather road games?Anyone know?

I've heard a couple commentators raise the same question, which I find to be largely irrelevant.While I'd like the Jets to win as a Pats fan, I'm concerned the fish have ALL the intangibles on their side. Its almost a case study on good versus bad team psyche going into a matchup.I'm going to hang my hat of belief recognizing that the Jets QB, coaching and ownership have a lot riding on not being upstaged by Chad Pennington. A re-occuring theme here of some Jets fans is that they know its already over and at least they can feel good for Chad. "I find your lack of faith....disturbing." [/LordVader]

As bad as the Jets have been the past few weeks... How embarrising it was to have NO PASS RUSH against an OL of makeshift practice squad guys.... I have to wonder if Mangini thought he could just roll over some teams, play it close and come out against Miami and the playoffs and finally unleash the Blitz....The whole reason, as stated before, for the 3-4 defense was so the opposing offense never would know where the blitz or 4th / 5th rusher is coming from - And Mangini rushes 3 guys all day Just send the House ALL DAY!!!!!!!... There's little to lose at this point.. When we had Chad, that's what opponents do... If Mangini plays the same defense and plays a game where he tries to see if Chad can find an open guy with 8 seconds, I'm going to break things. Chad will pick them apart all day.

The Pats provided the blueprint on how to beat the Phins in their most recent matchup. If Mangini (a former Belichick disciple who runs pretty much the same exact defensive scheme) can't execute the same plan against the Dolphins, then Jets fans should be even more upset than they are right now.

 

[=Smackdown=]

When was the last time the Dolphins won back to back cold weather road games?

Anyone know?

I've heard a couple commentators raise the same question, which I find to be largely irrelevant.While I'd like the Jets to win as a Pats fan, I'm concerned the fish have ALL the intangibles on their side. Its almost a case study on good versus bad team psyche going into a matchup.

I'm going to hang my hat of belief recognizing that the Jets QB, coaching and ownership have a lot riding on not being upstaged by Chad Pennington.

A re-occuring theme here of some Jets fans is that they know its already over and at least they can feel good for Chad.

"I find your lack of faith....disturbing." [/LordVader]

As bad as the Jets have been the past few weeks... How embarrising it was to have NO PASS RUSH against an OL of makeshift practice squad guys.... I have to wonder if Mangini thought he could just roll over some teams, play it close and come out against Miami and the playoffs and finally unleash the Blitz....The whole reason, as stated before, for the 3-4 defense was so the opposing offense never would know where the blitz or 4th / 5th rusher is coming from - And Mangini rushes 3 guys all day

Just send the House ALL DAY!!!!!!!... There's little to lose at this point.. When we had Chad, that's what opponents do... If Mangini plays the same defense and plays a game where he tries to see if Chad can find an open guy with 8 seconds, I'm going to break things. Chad will pick them apart all day.

The Pats provided the blueprint on how to beat the Phins in their most recent matchup. If Mangini (a former Belichick disciple who runs pretty much the same exact defensive scheme) can't execute the same plan against the Dolphins, then Jets fans should be even more upset than they are right now.

1. Run the ball2. Spread out the D using 5 WR sets - the Dolphin secondary isn't good enough to handle the confusion.

 

[Reaper]

When was the last time the Dolphins won back to back cold weather road games?Anyone know?

I've heard a couple commentators raise the same question, which I find to be largely irrelevant.While I'd like the Jets to win as a Pats fan, I'm concerned the fish have ALL the intangibles on their side. Its almost a case study on good versus bad team psyche going into a matchup.I'm going to hang my hat of belief recognizing that the Jets QB, coaching and ownership have a lot riding on not being upstaged by Chad Pennington. A re-occuring theme here of some Jets fans is that they know its already over and at least they can feel good for Chad. "I find your lack of faith....disturbing." [/LordVader]

As bad as the Jets have been the past few weeks... How embarrising it was to have NO PASS RUSH against an OL of makeshift practice squad guys.... I have to wonder if Mangini thought he could just roll over some teams, play it close and come out against Miami and the playoffs and finally unleash the Blitz....The whole reason, as stated before, for the 3-4 defense was so the opposing offense never would know where the blitz or 4th / 5th rusher is coming from - And Mangini rushes 3 guys all day Just send the House ALL DAY!!!!!!!... There's little to lose at this point.. When we had Chad, that's what opponents do... If Mangini plays the same defense and plays a game where he tries to see if Chad can find an open guy with 8 seconds, I'm going to break things. Chad will pick them apart all day.

The Pats provided the blueprint on how to beat the Phins in their most recent matchup. If Mangini (a former Belichick disciple who runs pretty much the same exact defensive scheme) can't execute the same plan against the Dolphins, then Jets fans should be even more upset than they are right now.

That's the problem - They haven't been running that scheme - they have 3 down linemen and that's ALL they are rushing the passer with....The scheme is supposed to confuse opponents about where the rush is coming from. The Jets aren't rushing at all!!!!!If they did, I think the defense would look many times better... It's not like the extra coverage is helping out vs the pass... I can picture a new DC coming in here next year and looking like a genius with a lot of good pieces to work with plus add a couple more and maybe a Blitz

 

[=Smackdown=]

Sing it with me Jet fans . . .

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

PENNINGTON is coming to town

He's making a list

And checking it twice;

Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice

PENNINGTON is coming to town

 

[Reaper]

Sing it with me Jet fans . . .You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I'm telling you why PENNINGTON is coming to town He's making a list And checking it twice; Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice PENNINGTON is coming to town

You have to admit some of the lustre is gone already , no?Most Jets fans already jumped off the bridge.The question IMO, will be next year and which team finds a QB of the future and if Chad is that guy.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Pennington = not MVP, but pretty darn close. Also Comeback player of the year.

That would be his second time winning the award. Last time after losing a season to a rotator cuff tear.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Sing it with me Jet fans . . .You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I'm telling you why PENNINGTON is coming to town He's making a list And checking it twice; Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice PENNINGTON is coming to town

You have to admit some of the lustre is gone already , no?Most Jets fans already jumped off the bridge.The question IMO, will be next year and which team finds a QB of the future and if Chad is that guy.

Lost it's lustre? HELL NO - this is just starting.From Wannstadt to Saban to Cameron to 1 AND 15 to THIS RIGHT NOW. Are you kidding? Pennington is signed to a 2 year deal at 10.5. Chad Henne is being groomed and hopefully will be the QB of the future.The Jets are very much ALIVE - as bad as you and the rest of Jet nation dumping their tickets to Miami fans this week want to believe they are done - THEY ARE NOT.I'm a little disappointed in the Jets fans this week. I've always commented that they are a resilient and loyal bunch - but this week the rats are jumping ship and you haven't officially been eliminated yet.I'm SO looking forward to being in that parking lot to start my tailagte at High Noon on Sunday !!!

 

[Team Legacy]

Unreal the guy (Chad) stays healthy all year. We (jets) could have used that a year or two...

The NFL is so up and down, one week they win a big game, the next they lose a clunker. It's not just the Jets, it's all over the League.

I see the Jets winning this game actually and then it all comes down to a home stand by the Bills against the Pats. You KNOW they want to knock em off, but can they do it... After seeing what the Ravens did to the Cowboys, this is precisely the type of game they can lose to the Jags.

It's just that type of year.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Sing it with me Jet fans . . .You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I'm telling you why PENNINGTON is coming to town He's making a list And checking it twice; Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice PENNINGTON is coming to town

You have to admit some of the lustre is gone already , no?Most Jets fans already jumped off the bridge.The question IMO, will be next year and which team finds a QB of the future and if Chad is that guy.

Lost it's lustre? HELL NO - this is just starting.From Wannstadt to Saban to Cameron to 1 AND 15 to THIS RIGHT NOW. Are you kidding? Pennington is signed to a 2 year deal at 10.5. Chad Henne is being groomed and hopefully will be the QB of the future.The Jets are very much ALIVE - as bad as you and the rest of Jet nation dumping their tickets to Miami fans this week want to believe they are done - THEY ARE NOT.I'm a little disappointed in the Jets fans this week. I've always commented that they are a resilient and loyal bunch - but this week the rats are jumping ship and you haven't officially been eliminated yet.I'm SO looking forward to being in that parking lot to start my tailagte at High Noon on Sunday !!!

Jets are done. Maybe if you watched more Jets games and fewer Dolphins games you'd know what a sinking ship looks like.

 

[Reaper]

Sing it with me Jet fans . . .You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I'm telling you why PENNINGTON is coming to town He's making a list And checking it twice; Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice PENNINGTON is coming to town

You have to admit some of the lustre is gone already , no?Most Jets fans already jumped off the bridge.The question IMO, will be next year and which team finds a QB of the future and if Chad is that guy.

Lost it's lustre? HELL NO - this is just starting.From Wannstadt to Saban to Cameron to 1 AND 15 to THIS RIGHT NOW. Are you kidding? Pennington is signed to a 2 year deal at 10.5. Chad Henne is being groomed and hopefully will be the QB of the future.The Jets are very much ALIVE - as bad as you and the rest of Jet nation dumping their tickets to Miami fans this week want to believe they are done - THEY ARE NOT.I'm a little disappointed in the Jets fans this week. I've always commented that they are a resilient and loyal bunch - but this week the rats are jumping ship and you haven't officially been eliminated yet.I'm SO looking forward to being in that parking lot to start my tailagte at High Noon on Sunday !!!

It's about good football - I was out on an Island last year when Giants fans ALL jumped ship on Eli and Coughlin and I said the Giants had a chance to have a special year. I talked Giants fans off the ledge.... .Don't tell me Giants fans didn't jump ship - It's easy to see things from the other side though. But, there's not a Giants fan alive willing to talk a Jets fan down and point to much positive right now, and rightfully so.I'm still holding out hope to make the playoffs - But, unlike the Giants last year, even in the best case scenario I don't see that same road the Giants had or the all around quality of football, especially on defense.While I'm holding out hope, a loss at this point isnt' as devastating as it could have been since a lot of writing is on the wall already for the ultimate fate of this team and challenging for much if they were in the playoffs - I get that at this point, Miami fans haven't had much excitement in years and they're playing with house money. We've been there plenty.. But, if the Jets were still in the driver's seat and the Jets and their fans were Super-Optimistic right now, Miami coming in and stealing the show would have been, as you said in the other thread, possibly one of the worst, most devastating losses ever...That's off the table now.

 

[FUBAR]

The question IMO, will be next year and which team finds a QB of the future and if Chad is that guy.

Pennington is signed to a 2 year deal at 10.5. Chad Henne is being groomed and hopefully will be the QB of the future.

Henne was looking good enough in camp to start week 1 except Parcells didn't want to throw the rookie out there immediately. He will be the future, but the wait will be good for him.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I'm pretty sure by 4pm, I'll be rooting for the Dolphins.

 

[Nemesis]

Beyond that, this is a team whose players could have gotten really demoralized at the departures of Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor, who were the veteran backbone on and off the field. Of course, Taylor had enough press about his relationship with Parcells that he could have also easily been a distraction.

Wonder what Jason Taylor is thinking now? He's been awfully quiet this year. Anybody seen/heard a quote from him? I know he's been hurt most of the yr, but is he going to retire?)