However, the most important stat of the day was a big fat zero, the second in as many weeks; it resides in the Dolphins’ turnover column. Give it a read and let me know if you agree or disagree: http://www.realfootball365.com/index.php/articles/dolphins/12378 Personally, I think that if this trend carries over into the regular season, this team will win more than it loses.
Yes.Even though it was just an exhibition game the signs of a turnaround are beginning to show. The OL is getting a surge ,the DL looks like they are gelling and the turnovers are minimal.Even the DBs are making interceptions . The penalty problems are to be expected with so many new players on the team. Good writeup Hugo
I agree that it's a positive and exciting. But the question is will they sustain such control of the ball. Ronnie hurt his thumb, Chad Henne hasn't thrown his first interception yet and our recievers aren't the cream of the crop. All these things can translate into turnovers. But it is promising that they showed such improvement after one week. Good read, thanks.
Really good article, Hugo. Not exactly sure whether the agree/disagree question is referring to the article or the assertion below on winning more than it loses. The turnover battle is always critical in NFL games, and it's going to be important for the Dolphins to win that battle for sure. Because I think the Dolphins are a little weak on depth, I think we're going to have to win or be close in the turnover battle to have a chance in most games. But if we can do that, we'll win our share. So to that I agree. If it's the latter statement you made, I'm not as confident. Personally, for me, and opening signs are good, I still want to see the defense step up in the regular season. Stopping the run is key, and we were good against the Jags. Need to be consistent there, especially once the real deal commences. Our depth at DBs is shaky, so I think there'll be some pass-first teams we just don't match up well against. By and large, though, if we can stop the run, we'll see a lot of third downs, and we'll have our chances to get off the field and maybe create a few turnover opportunities along the way. We were better in the second game than the first this preseason, but too many visions of last year's defense giving up chunks of yardage play after play after play are still going through my head. I'll have to be shown that. Lack of faith in our defense is still why I don't see the Dolphins going .500, positive turnover ratio or not. If we have to try to comeback in quite a few games, that turnover number is going to readjust the other way and quickly. Let's hope we can stay in games early, or better yet get a lead like we did against the Jags, and not have that be an Achilles heel, because I think Pennington can more than manage an offense, and our line and running game are going to be strengths. Still have something to prove in the passing game, but it looks better with Pennington than it has in some years - I say that based on one game and a handful of practices - HA! Will watch for consistency, though. You make an interesting point worth considering, though, and again, very good piece.
We as Dolphin fans have a lot to be excited about and can certainly be thankful for good things that are happening. I know people are apprehensive about Parcells departing before the job is done but in my eyes I see a man who is dedicated to the turnaround in this organization. In his position he could just sit in his office and be a figurehead, but by everything we have seen and heard he is being and doing much more. His one on one tutiledge of Derek Hagan is a prime example. But this is JMO.
Great article. I think the lack of turnovers speaks volumes about the coaching. Tony Sparano is doing a great job so far.
Thanks for the kind words! I feel that it's important to notice the subtle differences in key areas, and avoiding turnovers is arguably the most key of all areas. Another key area is durability, which is the only logical reason that I can come up with for why Parcells would want to get rid of Ronnie Brown. That said, I don't think that there's any truth to the rumor (but I've been wrong before).
Great write-up. I agree that its a big positive to see the 0 in the column. I think its a good thing despite it only being preseason because it shows that the group is progressing. Lets hope they can get the penalties together as well.
Nice Job! I agree there are a lot of encouraging signs...and while this is only 2 pre-season games, the future does seem to look brighter than it has for a long time.
Nice write-up Hugo. If we can continue to be a ball-control, pound the rock offense, and get some breaks on defense, we may surprise folks. We're not going to be world beaters, by any stretch of the imagination, but .500 or better is certainly a possibility, especially if the positives we have seen in preseason carry over to the regular season.
Good article. There's no doubt we're already seeing some positiveness on this team.. I think this season we'll have that kind of 1st year under Saban..not good enough though not as bad as most think. I won't be surprised if we roll over the Jets week 1, as we did with Denver in that year with Saban. I'm not saying we'll be 9-7 again or whatever especific related to that 2005 team....only the sense that we'll be much better than what people expect..starting by week 1.
Good article. The penalty thing is very big under Pacells taught coaches and players, dont turn the rock over. Definately need to work on penalties though, they can be crushers at the worst time. I remember watching the Texans game on 4 and goal from the 1 ... bam false start, we go for the FG instead of the TD. Game turning play right there. Like it was said though, with so many new players we have to expect some as they all gell together some, but it definately needs to get lower by the start of the regular season.
In times past, our losses were because of goofy blunders and incompetence on the field. This team plays as if it is well-prepared. If we lose games this year, it will be on plays where the other teams talent is simply superior to ours and they outperform us. I can live with that.
