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Why Patriots Game is a "need to win"

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by padre31, Nov 4, 2009.

  1. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Alright, thinking about this a bit, we really really need to win this game on Sunday, not "must" but "need" and here is why:

    A) While we are 3-0 in the AFCE if we lose we fall three games back in the Win column, we could wind up with a better interdivisional record, but lose outright.

    B) A win makes our margin for error much larger, 4-4 vs 3-5.

    C) A loss means we fall back to 2 games under .500, again, that is a tough way to play football in the NFL, 3-5 at midseason and basically needing to go on another Epic Run to the playoffs.

    We would have to beat the dogs on the schedule, and the mediocre teams and sweep the tougher non divisional, but still AFC games against the Texans and the Steelers.

    "yes" we "could" go 7-1 in the last 8 games, but 4 of those teams are not pushovers, the Texans, Steelers, Patriots and Jaguars, and the Panthers just destroyed the Cardinals.

    Of course, no one is giving us a ghost of a chance to win in Foxboro, we are ten pt dogs, but Sparano has to find a way to win this one.
     
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  2. orangefinfan

    orangefinfan New Member

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    Padre,

    I totally agree, this win will go along way moving forward with the rest of season. Beating the Pats put in a postion to contend for the divison and it might be needed because of how the wildcard race is shaping up.
     
  3. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    The way things are looking a WC team will certainly come out of the AFC North between the Steelers and Bengals and maybe the Ravens.

    Imho the Texans will fold, they still have two games against the Colts.

    But in the West, the Chargers have us by the short and curlies by virtue of beating us, if anything as we watch the Phins, we should also hope the Chargers fall apart while we win.
     
  4. GARDENHEAD

    GARDENHEAD Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I think all the rest of the games are both winnable and "need" wins.

    I'm worried about the Pats winning the division (of course). They have 2 losses, we have 4. They're gonna lose @Indy, @New Orleans, and there's no way they sweep us. So that gives them 5 "most probable" losses. I don't see us sweeping the Pats, so I see us with 5 "most probable" losses.

    Its gonna be a dogfight!!!
     
  5. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    We are bucking some strong head winds going up to Foxboro, not the least of which is Belicheat's 8-0 post bye record, and we have a damnable Sunday=Thursday schedule we play the Bucs that Sunday, then the Panthers in Carolina that Thursday, that is the sort of thing that could trip us up.
     
  6. FaninPatsyLand

    FaninPatsyLand The Truth

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    I agree with most everything written in this thread, but I'll take it a step further. If we want to have a legitimate and realistic shot at repeating as division champions, then we need to win on Sunday. Its a MUST win as far as our divisional title hopes are concerned.

    And I'm not ready to give the Pats two losses to the Colts and Saints yet, either. The Saints are a good football team, but they're far from unbeatable (as we already proved). I could easily see the Pats winning that game on the road.

    And anyone who is marking down that Carolina game as a win for the Dolphins is delusional. A road game off a very short week will not be easy, especially considering the rushing attack of Williams and Stewart that will be thrown our direction.

    This team needs to find a way to win in Foxborough this Sunday.
     
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  7. orangefinfan

    orangefinfan New Member

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    I'll tell you that I definitely feel more comfortable stoping the run of Carolina then the arm of Brady
     
  8. FaninPatsyLand

    FaninPatsyLand The Truth

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    I couldn't agree more.

    That said, this Dolphins team is not making up 3 games on a Tom Brady-led Patriots team mid-way through the season. I don't care what each team's remaining schedules look like, its not happening.
     
  9. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Kind of my thought as well, it could happen, but we would then need lots of "halp" to do it, maybe the Jest take them in Foxboro, maybe the Colts and Saints do beat them at home, and maybe we split with them.

    But things are much clearer if we find a way to win this game Sunday.
     
  10. GARDENHEAD

    GARDENHEAD Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    At least the Panthers game is hot on the heels of playing Tampa at home. Could you imagine if it was directly after this week's Pats road game?
     
  11. FaninPatsyLand

    FaninPatsyLand The Truth

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    Agreed.

    And there's absolutely NO CHANCE the Jets are winning that rematch up in Foxborough. That game is going to be a beatdown of epic proportions. Revenge is going to be a ***** for the Gang Green.
     
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  12. GARDENHEAD

    GARDENHEAD Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Gonna be served COLD. We know how much Sanchez likes the cold.
     
  13. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Hmm...I'm not sure about the Jests losing in Foxboro, the AFCE is shaping up to mirror the NFC East two decades ago, we beat the Jets (the Eagles), the Jets beat the Pats (the Redskins) and the Redskins beat us (the neo Giants).

    Only as things played out back then, the Giants would end up 4-2 in the situation and win the NFCE.

    A reach to be sure, but Ryan is a good DefCord, his Defense did stop us cold for most of the game, it is not that much of a reach to think they could do the same up in Foxboro.

    And of course in that scenario, the Bills are the Cardinals of that era...:lol:
     
  14. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Jets have a legit #1-#3 rushing offense, Hot Dog may not like the cold, but the Jest can tote the rock, I'll give them that much.
     
  15. FaninPatsyLand

    FaninPatsyLand The Truth

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    I'm telling you, that rematch has been circled in the minds of the Patriots and their fans ever since Week 2. I don't know what the over/under on that game is going to be but bet the over.

    And don't think for a minute that Brady forgot about the "Brady S*cks" chants he heard at the Meadowlands. It was his 2nd game back and he was without Welker.

    Its going to be ugly.
     
  16. Section126

    Section126 We are better than you. Luxury Box

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    This game is in the bag.

    as long as the plane touches down in Boston/Foxboro...wherever...we are fine.


    Confidence is VERY HIGH.

    we are due to play a complete game. It is gonna be this week.

    We win 31-24.
     
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  17. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    I'm not buying that as a reason why the Pats could win, last weekend was supposed to be a "revenge" game for the Jets as well and they got schooled and outcoached.

    Belicheat won't be outcoached, but I don't think the Pats win the streetfight that game will become, their older, hardcore players are gone now.
     
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  18. FaninPatsyLand

    FaninPatsyLand The Truth

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    Since when do the Patriots play streetfight games? Offensively, they're a finesse group and have been for the better part of the last half decade.

    They'll put up points in bunches on that Jets defense, you watch.
     
  19. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Imho it won't play out like that, imho the Jest are going to maul the Pats.

    But that is what makes the NFL great, one way or another, we will know how it turns out on the field.
     
  20. The Aqua Crush

    The Aqua Crush New Member

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    Padre, i agree he's a good D coordinator, but he stopped our run game by loading up the box, sending many many guys to blitz a young qb with a oline who hasn't been the best pass blocking team.

    Try that against Brady he'll outlet a 5 yard slant to Welker that will go for 50+.

    I don't think the Jets personnel on D could stop a firing on all cylinders pats throwing attack.

    I know they did a great job against the pats in week 2, but that pats offense was not the same as it is now.

    our guys are going to be in for a heck of a game, because stopping the pats O right now is not easy for anyone i don't think.
     
  21. F.O

    F.O New Member

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    Well when you start 0-3, almost every game thereafter is a must win.

    There is a reason why 98% of teams that have started 0-3 don't make the playoffs. That 98% is not a number I made up out of thin air, that is a fact they showed on NFL Network when going through NFL history.
     
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  22. azfinfanmang

    azfinfanmang Premium Member Luxury Box

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    A few things to remember.
    The Patsies have had one of the easiest schedules for the first half
    We have had one of the hardest through the first half.
    Being 2 games back considering the schedules is actually very good IMHO
    We sweep the Patsies and win the Division by 1 game :up:
     
  23. PHINANALYST

    PHINANALYST Well-Known Member

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    that game will come down to pressue on Brady ... if the JESTS get it - they have a legitimate shot at winning in Foxboro ... NEs line isn't that great this year

    i think NEs record will be 11-5, but could easily be 10-6 ... between the JESTS, PHINS X2, NO, INDY (3 on the road) they'll lose 3 of those games ... in some combination, of course 1 of them HAS to be from us ... don't overlook HOU either ... barring injury, they will not fold ...

    still believe ours will be 10-6 as well, with a better DIV record (5-1) ...

    our whole season will be determined over the last 2 games against HOU & PIT ... 2 likely competing WC teams ... win and you're in type deal ... playoffs start @ Christmas

    legitimate WC teams are: NE, HOU, PIT, BAL (CIN) ...

    CIN has a favorable schedule the 2d half ... they 'should' win their DIV

    PIT has only 3 'easy' games the 2d half ... 4 if you include GB

    BAL has only 4 'easy' games the 2d half ... 5 if you include GB

    HOU has only 4 'easy' games the 2d half ... however, they have already lost to JAX ...

    the JESTS chances will come down to their last 3 games: ATL, INDY, CIN ... all legitimate playoff contenders ... they will lose at least 2 more games this year -- so they don't count if we finish 10-6 ...

    SD could lose up to 5 more games, so not worried about them as a WC ...

    as long as it works out as it 'should' meaning we split with NE, everything comes down to home games against HOU & PIT to close out the season ... with 10-6 getting it done
     
  24. krypto

    krypto Banned

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    In my humble opinion, EVERY game from here on out is a must win. We shouldnt't have to "settle" for losses.
     
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  25. GARDENHEAD

    GARDENHEAD Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    In my opinion, it is unrealistic to think we'll run the table and will all of our next 9 games in a row.
     
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  26. FaninPatsyLand

    FaninPatsyLand The Truth

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    The Jets season is already over, we ended it on Sunday. They're currently staring at a 2-4 divisional record (at best, IMO.. could actually be 1-5).

    Has any team ever been a legitimate playoff contender with a losing record in their division? If so, the list is probably real short, and this year's version of the Jets sure as hell isn't a "special" group.
     
  27. Frumundah Finnatic

    Frumundah Finnatic U Mad Miami?

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    You guys have yet to mention the one key factor that aids us against the Patsies.
     
  28. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    not only will we win but Brady will suffer an injury that will put him out of the game for the rest of the year
     
  29. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Padre..Iam just gonna watch my team play football this week with no pressure...clemons into the starting lineup gives me that luxury...

    I think the patriots defense is put together with tape, scrubs, and some old *** junior seau, trying to piece it all together....That team is definetly overrated, and i believe will have a hard time stopping our offense.

    I believe we will get pressure on brady...were up to some new looks being implemented in our defense..Bell coming up the middle with pressure being one of them...pretty sure everyone saw that pretty play during the first 3 sreies of the jet game.....Those first 3 defensive series against the jets were executed beautifully...lets hope that continues..

    I think while our youngsters are inexperienced, they are hella athletic and aggressive..and iam willing to throw them out there, and see what happens against the best qb in the game....no pressure from me, just go out and play, hit somebody, cover somebody, and have some fun...

    3 rookie's starting in the secondary...lol....that...is....awesome...i love it.
     
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  30. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    To be honest with ya Dj, I think we will see the Pats try to go deep early on the Rooks and get some quick TD's to try and knock us away from running the ball.
     
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  31. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    he'd be crazy not to brother...its the nfl's blueprint on how to beat the miami dolphins...

    For some strange reason, iam not scared of randy moss and wes for the first time.....i like our matchups...smith on moss, Davis on welker, and how that chris clemons speed dynamic flashes on the field {kid seems to have some instints as well}...not sure whats gonna happen, but i cant wait to see how they fare.
     
  32. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    I expect it will be Jones on Welker usually. I don't think Davis is ready for the slot.
     
  33. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I think anyone who matches up against welker it should become a man on man type game..i feel like you cant play zone against wes, i believe he torches people to quickly with his ability to think and cut, and if your waiting for him to approach you in your back pedal, your toast...you might be right about vontae in the slot, but if nate plays there, i'd like to see man on man, bump run and chase at the LOS...

    you comin around on my boy VD yet Raf?
     
  34. Ricky Williams

    Ricky Williams New Member

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    To even have a chance against the Pats we have to double team Moss, something the coaches couldn't figure out how to do last time we played them. The game plan should be to prevent the deep ball at all costs. Make the Patriots earn points by 8-10 play drives and hope for a few tipped passes, sacks, or drops on 3rd creating FGs and punts. As much as JT has hurt the Patriots, Moss has tripled that effect against us.
     
  35. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    that is one of the most grotesque images ive ever seen in that sig....

    Nice jet fans...lol..they should be proud, he represented the jet nation at our stadium.
     
  36. NolePhin

    NolePhin Look out for D-Bess

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    I just want to see a hard hitting game. Every time a Patsy gets his hands on the football I want him to be totaled by one of our defensive players.

    I think Chris Clemons is going to be a good player, and as I said before we might not have to draft a safety that high in the draft next year if our boy Clemons gets it done. Is it official that Clemons gets the start this week? Or is he just going to get more play time?
     
  37. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    I agree it will generally be man coverage. You just have to watch for all those jerk and whip routes that Welker runs. And he also is so good at using other players and even refs as picks.

    Davis has been very good and has far exceeded my expectations. I'm not ready to say that I wouldn't have preferred Hakeem Nicks at that spot but I can't in any way say that it was a poor pick. I still don't see him displaying the decision making that makes him special in coverage, but he clearly shows the knack for for hitting that makes him special as a tackler. What has impressed me is that while he hasn't been 'special' in coverage he has been solid. He doesn't make nearly as many technique mistakes as he did in college. I think his focus has also improved from college. It's hard not to get excited when he makes a big hit. I'm hopeful that those hits will produce some of the turnover opportunities that our defense has been lacking this year. I also think that he is improving game to game. That leads me to believe that he is taking to the coaching. That is something I was concerned about coming in. I think that our secondary's future looks very bright with the additions of Smith, Davis and Clemons.
     
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  38. eric

    eric New Member

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    wouldnt it be nice if sean smith gets a reputation for picking brady off in every game.
     
  39. NolePhin

    NolePhin Look out for D-Bess

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    Be even nicer if Sean Smith got a reputation for picking off every QB in every game. :lol:
     
  40. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Agree watch him play and you can see that he would make an excellent Safety.
     

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