Do You Feel More or Less Optimistic After the Rams Game?

[Jim Gray]

No right or wrong answer, just something I've been thinking about. 

The Rams victory left me feeling a little uneasy.  The Dolphins were dominated in all categories except turnovers.  I don't think the Rams are very good, so this concerns me.  Worse than the numbers, Miami just didn't look good for most of the game and it was clear we have some issues that need attention.  I'm afraid these issues will bite us down the road.  I think I actually felt more optimistic after the Cardinals game.  We played really well and lost, but you could see potential.

This is only one game, and of course I would rather play poorly and win, than play well and lose.  You thoughts?

[Brian Fein]

I think the Dolphins played well enough to win.  I also think the Rams are a better team than people give them credit for. 

That said, I think the Dolphins has some weaknesses exposed this week.  Running outside the tackles can work against us.  On offense, blitz a lot and swarm around Bush. 

I also think the Dolphins got jobbed on a few calls, most specifically the fumble that Trusnik recovered.  That seemed like a horrible call.  And Tannehill played a pretty good game, and the last drive showed that they know how to run down a game at the end, and aren't afraid to aggressively kill the game.

I think there are a lot of positives to take from it, but I also think that there are a lot of things they could work on to improve.

[EKnight]

Was discouraged that the running game and run defense were both awful. Not just bad...awful. Even worse then awful for this particular Dolphins team that was among the leagues best in running and run D coming into the game. Other than that I'm indifferent. A win is a win. -EK

[suck for luck]

I didn't get to see the game.

That said, I'm going with *it's just one game* and it's a mistake to read too much into it either way.

[Dave Gray]

I am encouraged.  I think there's something to be said for "finding a way to win" or putting together important plays at important times. 

I remember many days where we'd get outplayed and still won.  I think that's a skill that is developed and can help you later.  Teams that have good rosters and that "never say die" attitude are the ones that become great.

All plays aren't created equal.  Sometimes a 2 yard fake punt when you really need it overshadows a long bomb for a TD.  And situationally, we did enough to get it done.  How many close games did we lose over the last few years?  And already twice this year, we've greatly outplayed the opposition, only to lose with inopportune mistakes at the worst times.  I think this is a very good sign of a coaching staff that just may be figuring it out.

[Landshark]

No right or wrong answer, just something I've been thinking about. 

The Rams victory left me feeling a little uneasy.  The Dolphins were dominated in all categories except turnovers.  I don't think the Rams are very good, so this concerns me.  Worse than the numbers, Miami just didn't look good for most of the game and it was clear we have some issues that need attention.  I'm afraid these issues will bite us down the road.  I think I actually felt more optimistic after the Cardinals game.  We played really well and lost, but you could see potential.

This is only one game, and of course I would rather play poorly and win, than play well and lose.  You thoughts?

I feel the exact opposite.  The Jets game was the same concept, but the Dolphins blew that game.  They are now finding ways to win close games. 

Plus, I agree with Brian.  The Rams are a much better team this year than they have been for the past few years.

[masterfins]

No change for me.  I think the Defense had an off game in run defense, at least I hope so.  A little bit of Karma, in that the Fins won this game because of missed kicks by the other team, evens up one of the losses due to Carpenter missed kicks.

[CF DolFan]

Most seasons you lose games you should have won and win games you should have lost.  People like to say we could easily be 5-1 but we all know we shouldn't be. This was one of those balancing games. I expect we will step it up next week.

[EKnight]

Most seasons you lose games you should have won and win games you should have lost.  People like to say we could easily be 5-1 but we all know we shouldn't be. This was one of those balancing games. I expect we will step it up next week.

I GUARANTEE no loss next week. -EK

[Jim Gray]

Most seasons you lose games you should have won and win games you should have lost.  People like to say we could easily be 5-1 but we all know we shouldn't be. This was one of those balancing games. I expect we will step it up next week.

"balancing game" - I think this is a perfect way to look at it.   Just some cosmic balancing for the games we lost where we dominated.  

I don't get too excited about the "we could be 5 - 1" argument.  We could also be 1 - 5.  We were blown out once, and we blew out one team.  The other 4 games came down to the final drive.  We won 2 and lost 2.  I think we are right where we belong and our record is an accurate reflection of our talent.  

[Pappy13]

Neither. I felt the exact same way that I felt after the previous 3 games. In the 3 previous games I thought Miami played well enough to win and all 3 games came down to who executed better at the end of the game. Sunday Miami didn't play particularly well, but they made enough plays to stay in the game and they executed better at the end. The only difference is that St. Louis' kicker missed a couple FG's rather than our kicker, but FG's are never automatic and they shouldn't be expected to be automatic. Hopefully those things even out over time, Sunday was just the day that the breaks went in Miami's favor.

[stealth3ltt]

i feel less optimistic.   because it seemed like the offense and defense regressed.  reggie could not run anywhere, our offensive line got blown up on all run plays.  and the defense gave away every play between the 20's.   had their kicker made his kicks Miami would have lost.  i also think the fins got robbed by the ref's.   hartline was nowhere to be found...   how can you go from 200+ yds in a game to 0??   it just seems like the fins got a win back (karma)  thats it.   

[Jim Gray]

I like how Coach Philbin addresses this in his post game press conference

LINK HERE

The more I see of Philbin, the more I like him.  He comes across as thoughtful, focused and in control.  I think back to Coach Sparano's press conferences, and I felt like he came across as a bit of a goof. 

[MikeO]

More optimistic. Team has won back to back close games and is coming through when it matters.

Tannehill with 2 games in a row with NO INT's and gets better each week. WR other than Hartline stepping up and making a play. Less bonehead plays all around. Carpenter didn't miss a FG. Vernon just adds another legit pass rusher as he is improving and making plays. Linebackers are playing lights out as a unit.

Reggie Bush isn't near healthy, bad hip,bad knee...I am not worried about the running game. If he never gets healthy this year then be worried. Run defense set the bar so high allowing less than 2 yards per carry going into the game, the fact they gave up some plays is nothing to worry about. They weren't going to be near perfect all year!

The Rams are a legit, solid, good team. Miami played well and won. Things are only looking up!

[bsfins]

44.2% Good
25.6% undecided
30.2 bad