No Love For Miami Dolphins
Aug 9, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Everbank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Why does everyone hate the Miami Dolphins?
Okay not everyone hates them, but the national media certainly does. In ESPN’s week 1 NFL power rankings, the “NFL pundits” ranked the Dolphins 20. Over $200 million in offseason spending and we’re ranked 20? Thanks, but no thanks.
The Miami Dolphins have to prove the doubters wrong — and lets face it, the team has give everyone very little reason to trust them in the last decade, but it finally feels like Miami is on the right track. Even still — 20th!? I know I know everyone says it doesn’t mean anything (and it doesn’t) but are critics that concerned by the team’s offseason moves?
I know teams don’t win the Super Bowl in March because if they did we’d finally have number three — but they don’t.
And the doubters don’t stop with the NFL rankings. In Grantland’s column by Bill Barnwell this week he writes about the teams that will do worse in 2013 and low and behold the Miami Dolphins are listed. Wrong direction, Bill!
Barnwell brings up some interesting points that we’ve all thought about — the offensive line of course and continual questions with the running game, after the departure of Reggie Bush, but he also asks the question of whether or not cornerback Brent Grimes is an upgrade over Sean Smith. I’m not even going to respond that.
Next, he questions the Dion Jordan draft pick. Okay, some of us were scratching our heads on that one because there were still some desperately needed linemen on the board, but GM Jeff Ireland went with it and now the defense has a new toy.
Defense. Boy, is our unit underrated. Not even listed in the Top 10 in Fantasy — which I know doesn’t matter. I also know that has to do with the fact that turnovers have been an issue in years past, but this unit is nasty and Jordan only adds to the returning talent from last season.
Moving on, the Miami Dolphins won seven games last year without a top receiver (sorry, Brian Hartline) with a rookie quarterback that wasn’t supposed to start week 1 and who played 19 games at the QB position prior to being drafted.
They now have Hartline starting opposite Mike Wallace, with a great option in the slot in Brandon Gibson. The depth falls off there, but just comparing them to last year should be enough proof this team is better than 7-9. How is the 2013 unit not improved from Hartline, Davone Bess, and Marlon Moore? Need I say more?
Do your research national media! Know that quarterback Ryan Tannehill may not be Tom Brady, but he’s certainly not Mark Sanchez (ha!). Sure the Dustin Keller injury severely hurt this team and the shaky offensive line continues to worry us, but 20th?
The Chiefs are ahead of Miami! I know they have a new fancy coach in Andy Reid and a one and a half season wonder in Alex Smith, but everyone is jumping ahead. Why do they get the benefit of the doubt so quickly?
And the Minnesota Vikings aside, 11 of the 12-playoff teams were ranked in the top 11. I’m sensing a lack of creativity with that list. I know its just a list and it means nothing and I know it will be all the more sweeter when we start moving up and proving the doubters wrong, but a little respect never hurt anyone and the Dolphins should deserve a bit more.
Maybe I’m overreacting, and I probably am, but nonetheless 20th still hurts a bit. I guess its time for the team to go out Sunday and start proving people wrong.