Reasons for optimism for Miami Dolphins’ fans
Yes, the Dolphins are 1-3. Yes, the offense has rarely gotten into gear. Yes, the defense has been a bend don’t break defense that has not made stops when needed or committed penalties when those stops were made. Yes, the special teams have been anything but special. Still, there are reasons for optimism.
After the first four games of the season, there are plenty of reasons to be pessimistic about the Miami Dolphins, both this season and looking forward. Rather than concentrating on the negatives, let’s look at a few reasons for optimism.
First, the Dolphins are precisely where realistic fans and experts expected them to be heading into Week 5: 1-3. Everyone expected a win over Cleveland (which almost wasn’t), and many thought the Patriots were a possible upset once Brady decided to no longer fight his suspension. Perhaps we felt differently after the loss to Seattle or after the second half comeback against New England. But the reality and the key to this season is, and always has been, in the games to come.
Second, the Dolphins do not go on the road again until November 10. Yes, that’s four home games in a row with a bye thrown in between. As reported earlier, the Dolphins and the city of Miami were lucky enough to miss the brunt of the Hurricane Matthew onslaught. Thus, instead of travelling to face the Titans in Tennessee, the team will host and hopefully provide some uplifting news to the people of Florida.
Third, the team has, at limited times, shown how good it could be. For example, after falling behind to New England 31-3, the offense finally got into gear and actually had an opportunity to tie the game at the end of regulation. The defense has played very well against both the run and pass in stretches. Matt Darr has been rock solid as a punter. What’s needed now is a consistently good effort every down, every game, by every player (and coach).
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Finally, there is reason to believe in Adam Gase. He has shown that he will not be influenced by a player’s prior experiences, salary, or draft status. What counts instead is performance on the field in practice and during games. Jay Ajayi is a good example. He was not scheduled to be the opening day starter, and when that did not sit well with Ajayi, Coach Gase left him home. Fast forward two weeks, and Ajayi scored the winning touchdown against Cleveland in overtime. The following game against Cincinnati, Ajayi showed the kind of effort we see most frequently out of Jarvis Landry. Ajayi came back, and now Byron Maxwell sits. You have to respect and be optimistic a Head Coach who is willing to make short term sacrifices in order to improve this team over the long term.