A Tale of Two Losses

[JoeSixPat]

If anyone doubts just how far this team has come since the beginning of the season, its worthwhile to pull your game tape of the Dolphins game.

Both the Dolphins game and the Indy game resulted in a loss - but difference in the quality of play in each is like night and day.

If you take the time to review you'll see that while Cassel is definately playing with more confidence, the real difference between the Fins game and against the Colts is the rest of the team, playing embarrassingly bad with many defensive lapses in particular, compared to a very high quality of play last night.

I think the Dolphins game was very much the low point for this team and really served as a wake up call that all units had to improve their style of play (the Chargers game was a setback, but even there, important lessons seem like they were learned and applied in the next three games.)

Anyone else notice any major differences in the quality of play in those two losses?

 

[BionicPatriot]

Obviously they've gotten better, that was back in September.

The D is improving everywhere, except for pass rushing. Absolutely weak all year.

 

[signbabybrady]

If anyone doubts just how far this team has come since the beginning of the season, its worthwhile to pull your game tape of the Dolphins game.

Both the Dolphins game and the Indy game resulted in a loss - but difference in the quality of play in each is like night and day.

If you take the time to review you'll see that while Cassel is definately playing with more confidence, the real difference between the Fins game and against the Colts is the rest of the team, playing embarrassingly bad with many defensive lapses in particular, compared to a very high quality of play last night.

I think the Dolphins game was very much the low point for this team and really served as a wake up call that all units had to improve their style of play (the Chargers game was a setback, but even there, important lessons seem like they were learned and applied in the next three games.)

Anyone else notice any major differences in the quality of play in those two losses?

Yeah sure the two losses were night and day one we were competative and the other we were asleep but what is the point. If you are refering to people improving I think that is obvious if you watch the games but I am not sure the quality of play in the loss has anything to do with it. That Miami loss was just one of those games that happen every once in a while.

Obviously they've gotten better, that was back in September.

The D is improving everywhere, except for pass rushing. Absolutely weak all year.

I wouldn't say absolutely weak all year I would call them skitzofrenik. It seems one week the pass rush is there and the next week it seems weak.

 

[maverick4]

The rookies are improving dramatically. Cassel is growing under our eyes.

We could be a legit threat in the playoffs if McDaniels doesn't get out-coached like he has been the last 3 years during prime time.

 

[JSn]

The rookies are improving dramatically. Cassel is growing under our eyes.

We could be a legit threat in the playoffs if McDaniels doesn't get out-coached like he has been the last 3 years during prime time.

I don't know about the outcoaching thing, but the new guys are growing up fast. The last games will be amazing, regardless of our record.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Yeah sure the two losses were night and day one we were competative and the other we were asleep but what is the point. If you are refering to people improving I think that is obvious if you watch the games but I am not sure the quality of play in the loss has anything to do with it. That Miami loss was just one of those games that happen every once in a while.

I guess my point is that the difference in the games wasn't Cassel - it was the play of the rest of the team that has changed from the Dolphins game to this game.

Everyone seems to focus on Cassel but from Day One he's pretty much fulfilled his role to do the basics, and no more, and not make mistakes. He's been remarkably consistent even as he has improved..

While Cassel still seems to garnish the most attention, the success of this season comes down to the play of the other squads - individually and collectively. Judging by the different fan reaction to the losses at Miami compared to the generally positive "good loss" reaction to the Indy game, I'd say most of the more knowledgeable fans recognize the distinction as well.

What seems most clear is that the team members themselves recognize this, and have significantly improved their own quality of play since the humiliating loss to the Dolphins.