PFS74
That is a very apt observation. The rebuilding of the Dolphins is a many year job. The team is really that bad.
The mantra to the fans will be its a many year job.
But while I don't consider myself an authority on the needs of the Dolphins, just a cursory view tells me we'd be wise not to write them off so easily next year.
Consider their injuries this year. Some guy named "Brown" at RB will be back next year. He's supposed to be pretty good I hear. And if you don't like him they've got their pick of the 2008 draft and could take McFadden and trade Brown.
They need a QB no doubt. I think there will be a few decent ones on the FA market this season and I expect Parcells to sign or trade for a proven QB as that is the most important ingredient on a team.
Now for WR they're not too bad their either - and with Chad Johnson likely looking for a move, add a good QB and an excellent WR that has the talent of Randy Moss and you're getting some serious attention from around the league.
I don't have a strong opinion on OL in Miami - I think they have some good and not so good players. I'd suspect Parcells will be able to improve their play and bring in some quality middle class guys there.
As far as defense, I suspect they'll try to convince Taylor to return. He holds some cards as he could threaten to retire outright if they refuse to trade him, and his cap hit isn't small either so they might be willing to get something for him rather than nothing - but that drama will play itself out.
Then I assume Zach Thomas is back as well. I again can't speak too knowledgably about the DL and secondary, but I do keep in mind that this Defense is one year removed from being the #4 ranked Defense in the league.
So with the right leadership and a few key personnel moves, I think the Fins have the potential to not only get back to where they were in 2006, but exceed it.
There will be no pressure next year I suspect, which is a perfect perscription to overachieve as well.
Just my $.02 but I think folks need to realize that the team we played last week is not the team we'll be playing next year - and many of the better players already on the team weren't on the field then.