Several years ago my kids received rubber band bounce balloons. You know, the boxing aid that predates the BollenBall by several decades. They were very excited for me to inflate them, to commence annoying my wife and me. I decided against testing my lung capacity on four large balloons and went straight to my air compressor for assistance. The first balloon went much like my hope in the Dolphins’ chances this year. It ballooned rapidly, only to burst suddenly, leaving my first born in tears. Thankfully I was capable of making proper adjustments for the next three balloons. Will Miami? Based on Coach MnM’s brief history in South Florida; I am not confident. Over the course of his first three seasons; the team has fallen off every December. As teams figure out his schemes, Coach refuses to adapt his play calling. Sunday it became clear; adjustments won’t work; drastic change is required.
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Coaching: (F); Coach MnM’s refusal or inability to alter his playbook has become dire. I ended last season stating I would bring him back for year four; but he would have to make alterations. Instead; we got “same ol same ol.” I want him to succeed; but I am no longer sure he is capable. A few years ago, Flores was coming off a good season; hope ran high on South Beach. Then Miami started 1-7. Last year felt similar; but Tua was injured, Tyreek arrested and we gave McDaniel a pass. He is all out of sympathy. If Miami somehow manages to squeak into the playoffs; I would still let him go. Playoffs shouldn’t be the goal. This team needs to win to save his job.
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Running Backs: (C-); Not much doing; but they are the only group that did it. Is Achane an “every down” back? His break out came as a relief runner. Catching the opposing defense slumbering. As a feature back his has not once shown that same brilliance.
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Receivers: (D); I’m not failing this group b/c they can’t pass to themselves. Tyreek is on the backside of his career and Waddle has not blossomed into a “number one.”
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Defense: (A+); LOL just kidding. This group gets more “F’s” than I have to give. What an atrocious showing. This image should haunt every Fins Fan. Was this an anomaly? I can only hope.
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Special Teams: (D-); They had a successful two point conversion. But is that considered “Special Teams” since the regular offense remains on the field?
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Quarterback(s): (F); After Sunday and listening to Xavien Howard’s assessment; it is clear he is not the answer. Is there a better choice this season? No. But Miami needs to aggressively start searching for a QB. I have been very fair to Tua. You can go back and read every article I’ve posted since he became a Dolphin. But he is a back up parading as a starter.
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Officials: (-); When you get crushed by more than four scores at home; the officials aren’t the issue.
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Overall: (F-); Much like for the defense; I lack sufficient F’s to dole out. As Sir Charles would say; “they’re turrrble.” Can a team succeed even after such a dismal start; sure. Can this team? Doubtful. But here’s to a 16-1 season! As always; Go Fins!
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POLITASPORTS 