Dolphins 2012- Better, Worse or, The Same?

[Southbeach 2]

Interesting question, with many things to consider. Without getting into PFF ranks, here's some basic stats to look at before answering.

In 2011, we scored an average of 20.6 points per game, and gave up an average of 19.6.
In 2012, we scored an average of 18.7 points per game, and gave up an average of 20.5.

Not much of any difference so far but, with tuff games ahead, the nod goes to 2011.

In 2011, we passed for 214 yds, 12.2 avg, and 20 TD's, ran for 124, 4.2 avg, and 11 TD's.
In 2012, we passed for 225 yds, 11.8 avg, and 7 TD's, ran for 100, 3.6 avg, and 11 TD's.

Looks like an overall toss up here, with 2011 getting an edge, so far.

In 2011, we gave up 282 yds passing, 11.8 avg, and 12 TD's, 95 yards, 3.7 avg, and 7 TD's run.
In 2012, we gave up 264 yds passing, 12.2 avg, and 12 TD's, 97 yards, 3.8 avg, and 4 TD's run.

Passing TD's given up gives the edge to 2011, so far.

As I said, there are many things to consider, other than just the above stats. Rookie QB&HC, scheme, lockout, etc.

Opinions?

[johngarry]

slightly better, slightly worse… mostly the same.

[Nublar7]

At this point they are better than 2011. They were 3-7 at this point last year and was about to become 3-8.

The thing about this season is that we have a young quarterback to build around and a head coach that is not on the hot seat. Only thing going against Philbin and Tannehill is that if Ireland is fired a new GM might want their own head coach and quarterback. This was always going to be a transition year because the type of players Philbin wants are different then the type of players Sparano wanted. Even if this current roster somehow finishes with a winning record there are still going to be major changes in the offseason. It is probably going to take three offseasons to truly get the full roster he wants. The 2013 offseason will just be the 2nd year of it.

[NCFINFAN13]

Better with a long way to go to be good.

[Southbeach 2]

At this point they are better than 2011. They were 3-7 at this point last year and was about to become 3-8.

The thing about this season is that we have a young quarterback to build around and a head coach that is not on the hot seat. Only thing going against Philbin and Tannehill is that if Ireland is fired a new GM might want their own head coach and quarterback. This was always going to be a transition year because the type of players Philbin wants are different then the type of players Sparano wanted. Even if this current roster somehow finishes with a winning record there are still going to be major changes in the offseason. It is probably going to take three offseasons to truly get the full roster he wants. The 2013 offseason will just be the 2nd year of it.

The "What IF" on a new GM if Ireland is gone, adds yet more drama to the "Soaps" which have become our team. We have never been short on headlines, just wins.

[PASQUALE]

We are exactly the same. Which is unacceptable. They need to play the best football for their remaining 6 games. Whatever the results they need to show us they have not quit. I want to see progress in the next 6. There is so much football to be played still. I want them to be better so I expect them to try to make a run. This ain't over by a long shot. Let's just see what happens.

[z926538]

This was always going to be a transition year because the type of players Philbin wants are different then the type of players Sparano wanted.

I find it difficult to make this post because I have great respect for Nublar7. However, I truly believe he is making a statement that Philbin is not a great coach when he says Philbin needs his own players. It has been said of both Bear Bryant and Don Shula that each of these great coaches could beat you with his players and also beat you with your players. A great coach adjusts his system to optimize the talent of the players he has. You fight the war with the army you have, not the army you wish you had.

[DefensiveEnd76]

I expect a record of 6-10 this year so that's the same as last season. We are what we are.

[DolfanISS]

I find it difficult to make this post because I have great respect for Nublar7. However, I truly believe he is making a statement that Philbin is not a great coach when he says Philbin needs his own players. It has been said of both Bear Bryant and Don Shula that each of these great coaches could beat you with his players and also beat you with your players. A great coach adjusts his system to optimize the talent of the players he has. You fight the war with the army you have, not the army you wish you had.

I see what your saying to some extent. With our current personnel we have no business running a no huddle offense or the zone blocking scheme that takes atheletic offensive lineman to run. We should be letting the 40 second clock run down and quite frankly, even though fans hate it, playing not to lose on offense. Everyone loves the wide open no huddle offense but when you can't get first downs or score points all you are doing is speeding up the time it takes to give the ball back to the other team.

On the other hand, as hard is it is for fans to admit, I'm sure Philbin knows he doesn't have a playoff team in 2012. May as well stick to his system so the holdovers will be really familiar with it and be able to pass things down to new guys as they come in. As much as i've been posting to can the no huddle, and I've been doing it a lot, I understand what Philbin is doing. The consistently good teams are the ones where the majority of the players are in the same system for awhile. Hopefully taking our lumps by trying to do it with the wrong personnel will pay off in the future.

If we had a dominating defense I would disagree with this. In that case I would expect the offense to be run in such a way that they didn't cost us games. We do not so I agree with Philbin but may still post about canning the no huddle in the heat of a game, lol.

Also, our offense was better over the last 9 games last season than it's been at any point this season. I'm not trying to take shots at anyone just stating facts. Anyone who can't admit that is in denial.

[FinHopeful]

We have an actual right tackle instead of a revolving door. Reshad Jones is better and making plays. Hartline took a step forward. Besides these three, it is very hard to say.