Breaking down the schedule

[FTLDOLFAN]

Here is what i believe is a realistic goal for the Dolphins if we are to have a successful season.

AFC East 3-3 - Its imperative that we beat the Bills and Jets at least once. If either of them sweeps us then we have no realistic hopes of becoming a playoff team. Then the 3rd division win can come against either the Patriots or by beating the Bills or Jets twice. Ironically securing a split with the Patriots seems easier than doing so with either the Bills or the Jets but its something that we must do.

AFC 4-2 - The easiest Conference games on paper are against the Browns Titans and Chargers. We have to win all 3 of them. Then we have to find a way to win one more game against either the Bengals Steelers or Ravens. That would then secure a 4-2 record against the rest of the Conference.

NFC 2-2 - We have to beat the 49ers since thats the easiest game on paper. Then find a way to beat either the Seahawks Rams or Cardinals. I do think the games against the Rams and Cardinals are winnable. The Rams will most likely be playing either a rookie QB or Case Keenum. The Cardinals are a West coast team playing on the East coast at 1pm which usually results in a loss.

So if we do all of that we will be 9-7 and if things break right for us that could result in a wildcard berth.

[Tarpon Guide]

I hope you are right about the 9-7, it would show that Miami may be heading in the right direction, but I really think it is a little too optimistic, based on a brand new coach and staff, a lot of veterans let go, and Tannenbaum still being in the front office. Stranger things have happened though.

[61finfan]

Based on history, I don't think we win more than six.

[FTLDOLFAN]

Based on history, I don't think we win more than six.

That would be a dissapointment because I do think we are a more talented team.

[Tarpon Guide]

That would be a dissapointment because I do think we are a more talented team.

Welcome to the last 25 years.....

[cuchulainn]

I think we're a more talented team than at any point under Philbin. 9 wins is very doable if we can stay healthy and the secondary gels.

[Idahomer]

I would add that the team was extremely talented with Philbin, he and his coaching staff was clueless how to draw out their players strengths and game plan to an opponents weaknesses, which is all I hear our new coaches talking about. Philbin was of the this is what we run, stop it if you can. Unfortunately almost everyone could stop it and we did not make the adjustments in game to change what wasn't working.

[cuchulainn]

Agree... Philbin was also stubborn to the point of stupidity with his love affair with Dallas Thomas and refusing to stick with a running game. He and Coyles destroyed a Top 5 defense as well to the point of us having the worst passing defense in team history last season.

Really excited to see what Gase and Joseph are going to do this season.

[Wulf]

That would be a dissapointment because I do think we are a more talented team.

I agree. Last year's team was not a 6-10 team, just as the '07 squad was better than 1-15. With good coaching, preparation, and the right attitude, there is no reason we can't manage this 9-7. The first two weeks will tell alot, we face two "unwinnable games" according to most people.
The test is how we play in those, and THEN how we move on from that point...

[Driven_Phinsane!]

I like FTL's game by game breakdown, but we all know it'll never turn out as black & white as it seems on paper; chances are we'll lose some games we should definitely win and possibly even win a game or two none of the 'experts' give us a chance of winning...

I do agree 100% that we'll NEVER be a playoff team 'til we figure out how to beat the Bills & Jets on a consistent basis, provided of course that we also continue to play the Pats tough...

[Wulf]

If we don't get out of September with at least 2 wins, it seems that we are done from the very start...
There ARE no "easy games" even with the Browns, Titans, and Chargers (AFC #4 in their division teams)