Reason # 1,084 why I dislike the local media, and Armandolt in particular. http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/11/1820271/pressure-on-fins-would-be-intense.html I mean, seriously? It's game day and the Fins' beat writer is fantasizing about the team he covers, losing. How about some equally pointless follow up articles on how the Heat will be under pressure if they lose their first 5 games. Obama will be under pressure if the unemployment rate hits 15%. A man with diarrhea will be under pressure if he bursts into the bathroom to find that there's no toilet paper. No sh^t Sherlock.
I dont think every team is under the same urgency. If the Colts or Texans lose (one will), there isnt going to be alot of fallout either way. SF/Seattle, not huge fallout. NE or Cincy? Some probably by NE, but either way, the teams can recover. The Fins are a special case. This is year three and year one and two and this preseason didn't follow the intuitive pattern of team ready to break out. It would have been better for the psychology of the local fans (and media who cover them) if they had won 7 games in 08, 11 games last year, and looked great in Preseason. It doesnt mean we can't improve, it just means there is pressure. That hasnt happened. We won four games less last year than the year before, added two "superstars" on offense and defense, and in the preseason, we have looked like hell more than we have a team ready to break out. Not saying we can break out, just saying there is pressure. What we have seen in preseason, though meaningless, is unsettling. Lackluster play, the exit of a number of high draft picks, surprising roster moves, and the Grand Poobah made a Grand Exit. Nothing so far means anything permanent, but there is pressure on this team. Unique and different from most...Probably more than any team other than the Jets. All can be made very well again for everyone involved if we just go to Buffalo and promptly rout their sorry asses. But if we dont...and if we lose....Sparano is going to be feeling major, MAJOR heat. And he should.
game four will be the crucible having said that we need the 'Quick Start' to regain confidence as well as, increase our chances of contending
Like it or not, this is where the team is right now. They took a step back last season, losing their last three. They had some embarrassing moments in the offseason. They didn't inspire during the preseason. The high-profile WR struggled. They cut a bunch of high profile guys and some notable busts. Suffered some key injuries. And Bill Parcells suddenly stepped back this week. It ain't puppy dogs and rainbows right now. The pressure IS on already. Buffalo is the easiest game we'll have until what, late November? The fan base needs a win. They need to get back some confidence in this team and the men leading it. Hell, the PLAYERS need it. Start winning and the pressure subsides. Keep losing and it builds. If Irish eyes weren't smiling on Jake Long's knee, Sparano would already be hearing calls for his head. We really got lucky there.
