Jarvis Landry Makes Bold Prediction
The New England Patriots have dominated the AFC East for the better part of this century, but that did not stop Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry from making a bold prediction this week on the NFL UK tour.
Since the turn of the 21st century, the New England Patriots have been the dominant force of the NFL. Even more so during that time frame, they have owned the AFC East. The Patriots have won eight division titles in a row, and 13 of the last 14. The only exception being the Miami Dolphins in 2008.
Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry, however, believes that a change is coming. On Monday, as part of a NFL UK tour in front of a London audience, Landry made the bold prediction that the Dolphins would sweep the defending Super Bowl Champion Patriots this coming season in their series matchup reports Peter King.
"“If you’re a competitor, that’s the way you should feel, and I don’t mind saying it,” Landry said a day later. “It’s time for a change. I have all the respect in the world for the Patriots, and I respect Tom Brady tremendously. But they’re not our big brother anymore.”"
Landry believes a change is coming in large part to head coach Adam Gase. Gase has “flipped the switch with us”, Landry says, after their 10-6 season and first playoff berth in eight years. Landry, like his LSU teammate, Odell Beckham Jr., has never been one to lack confidence. As a Dolphins fan, you have to like his fire and confidence in believing that Miami can finally dethrone the Patriots from atop the AFC East.
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Although Landry’s statement may seem bold, it’s a necessary one for Miami to build on their success. We’ve seen players “guarantee” victories before in near improbable scenarios to show faith in their respective teams. Normally those guarantees fall through, and are rarely worth mentioning again after the fact. When they become true, however, similar to when Joe Namath guaranteed victory in Super Bowl III, they become legendary. It should be noted that Landry never actually used the word “guarantee”, just that he strongly believes it will happen. Very few will believe that the Dolphins could sweep the Patriots this year.
It should be noted that even though Gase led the Dolphins to a 10-6 season and a playoff appearance as a Wild Card, Miami actually took a step back last season when it comes to playing the Patriots. Miami was one of the few teams to show some success against New England in recent years, splitting the season series in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Last year, however, the Dolphins were swept by the Patriots. In both matchups, the Patriots got off to big leads, 24-0 and 20-0, respectively.
The Dolphins have a ways to go still to take the division away from the Patriots, but the team is showing confidence going forward. Landry’s prediction is one of strength, and that their playoff appearance last season was not a fluke. Some will think that Landry is crazy for such a prediction, but I like it. Landry is simply proving himself as a leader of this team.