1) Our record is a fair indication of how we've been playing. We've lost one game where we were outplayed, won a game we dominated and have been 50-50 in close games. If we'd gone 5-1 as some people have suggested we could with better kicking then our W-L record would have been smoke and mirrors. In Sparano's first year we went 5-0 in games decided by less than a touchdown which made people think the team was better than it really was. 2) Ryan Tannehill has been better than advertised. We still need to expect another 2 or 3 more 'rookie brain explosion' games from him before the end of the season though. 3) What I like most about Philbin has been the development of young players. Since JJ retired out coaching staff have always preferred the safe veteran and neglected training young players to be better. 4) Our depth is still a concern. Just look at what's happened to our running game with an injury to Reggie Bush or our WRs when Brian Hartline was out in the pre season. This is what makes me believe that we don't have the guns to be better than 8-8 or 9-7 this season.
Amen. That right there is the biggest reason for our new direction. Even Tanny's play can be attributed to this some and his play is the other reason we are better.
The record means nothing to me, honestly. This year what I am looking for is how the team progresses, how they play as a team, do they fight, do they never quit, do they fix mistakes. Points that indicate heart and coching. I believe the what we have seen is a team start to buy in, not just a fake believe cause its new, but is truly buying in and it was earned, through game play through seeing. It wasnt because of a big name, it wasnt based on what was done somewhere else, it is based on what is happening here. That bodes well for the future, it isnt a guarentee of future success but it something that if fostered correctly, that can be built on and can lead to very good things..
Whilst I agree with what you say about the buy in I'll believe the buy in has happened in 2 years time if it is still there. People talked about buying into Sparano/Cameron/Saban systems. Also agree that the record isn't as meaningful as creating a system that will lead to continuing success.