After dodging Broncos, Dolphins say 'why not' to playoffs? - USATODAY.com "You come here to win, and you need to show your team that," Miami coach Tony Sparano said. Asked if he can legitimately begin dangling the playoffs as motivation for his players, Sparano said: "Why not?"
I really, really, really don't like all this playoff talk we are getting, I want these guys focused on one thing, the Seahawks.
Bro how long has it been for us to even think about the playoffs here? If it is inspiring them, motivating them, and keeping them fired up, let them go, and have some fun.
I agree completely Greg. One game at a time please. If he dangles the word playoffs to them it might make them complacent. I don't want them that way. I want them to fight every game. If we get to 8 or 9 wins, THEN start dangling the p word.
Yeah, they have succeeded in not being out of it. No reason not to mention where we are and how we got here and where we could be headed if we play like we have shown we can play.
I love the playoff talk. Those guys should believe that they are a playoff team. Some of you seem to think these players will lose focus at the drop of a hat. They're grown men, not five year olds. They know what they need to work on to win.
I want us to have a winning record before we even start talking about the playoffs. We haven't had one of those since the end of 2005...
why do people act like if you mention playoffs you are not focusing on the game at hand... thats where the playoff talk comes as motivation... Sparano: "You guys wanna make the playoffs? lets go out and win this game!" and so you can focus on the seahawks and the playoffs... i dont see why people think its a bad thing...
I just like to stay focused on the next game, I can't worry about two months away, if I don't take care of business today, I won't be here in two months.
I understand the concept. Every game for us after the NE game I've been so optimistic yet so freakin' scared we're going to get our *** handed to us like we did last year. I'm happy to say that while we may have lost to the ravens and the texans we haven't had our butts handed to us since AZ. A loss still sucks but at least we're in the games.
Bro staying focused, motivated, and having a goal of reaching the playoffs, and super bowl is the ultimate goal of professional football players. We have the right coach to use this as a huge motivational factor to keep this team believing in one another, and the whole team concept. Okay I am off my soap box now.
Yes, however you need to first get to the playoffs before eyeing the big dance. Once you get to the playoffs, it is like a new season so to speak.
Well, we need to get over 500 first, and pass three teams in the division to reach that goal. I'm a firm believer in the one game at a time focus. I have coached a long time and have seen people get distracted and not stay focused on the main goal, the next opponent. Baby step, get a game over 500 should be goal number 1, Than goal # 2 should be passing teams in our division, step by step. You can't reach for the gold ring until you get onto the Merry go round first, than the horse second.
I guess I don't mind using playoffs as a motivator. I just hope Sparano can keep the team focused on taking things one game at a time.
If we as Dolphin fans start thinking we are a playoff team, will we accept anything less? This is the only thing I am concerned about, I just hate to see and hear the negative posts if we start thinking playoffs and it doesn't happen. I think the chance this team can become a playoff team is great and exciting considering what we have been through as of late but can we accept the fact that we may not be that good yet. We are still the last place team in our division and I would be excited if we could climb out of that position and move closer to the top. We were the worst team in the NFL last year and we have already achieved a measure of respectability and that is a movement in the right direction. Teams all over the NFL are copying the wildcat and that in itself is a compliment to what our coach and team have been accomplishing. I am satisfied in what they are achieving and what they have accomplished so far, if they make the playoffs would just be gravy, but I am not expecting it nor will I be disappointed if they don't. GO DOLPHINS
We haven't talked playoffs in years, so as a fan, I have no problem talking about it. I just hope that the players and coaches remain focused and taking it one game at a time.
I think the first thing to talk about is the possibility of a positive win Miami Dolphin team. It's been years...
there is nothing wrong with having Playoffs as a goal as the season progresses. Like FFIC said, when was it the last time, we mentioned "playoffs" in a positive way?
i like it because i think this 'why not' mentality is coming from sparano, as we've heard it from a few players too. instead of saying "playoffs? f yeah!" or "of course!", we are saying, hey, why can't we be a playoff team? you want to write us off? go for it. we'll prove you wrong. its more of a underdog attitude towards playing for the playoffs. it reminds our guys of the chip on their shoulders that was last season. i like it.
I actually think it provides a swagger when you say why not. It gives you a goal rather than being the 2006 team which recovered and then was like ummm what are we playing for at the end of the season.