How does making excuses for losses change that?
I'd hardly call pointing out that two of those losses were in overtime, after missing game winning field goals of their own... excuses.
But I think anyone reading can understand you didn't mention that, because it doesn't support YOUR overall point: "the Dolphins haven't beaten any "decent" teams... and are mediocre at best"
No, you used that in response to my opinion, inferring that about me. That is typical of someone who lacks a strong argument. If you can't answer pretend the opinion is uninformed. That won't cut it here.
Okay. I'm perfectly willing to accept you did watch the Dolphins games... and were just leaving out anything that didn't support your point. Far be it from me to assume ignorance on your part, rather than rank dishonesty.
Which is why turnovers are as much a part of the game as anything else, and to pretend you can ignore them is silly. Would you argue a team that lost because they allowed 250 rushing yards shouldn'[t consider it a real loss because if they just didn't do that they might have won? Its the same thing.
Turnovers are a part of the game. Most coaches will tell you that they are the determining factor in who wins 99% of the time, assuming any occur. They can completely change the complexion of a game... as they did the Dolphins-Texans contest.
However, attempting to analyze and describe an ENTIRE game to someone is NOT:
a.) Pretending you can ignore turnovers.
b.) Considering the game as "not a real loss".
I'm sure having a plus 5 turnover ratio is part of any good coaches game plan... and I'm not saying eliminating your own turnovers and creating your opponents turnovers are not something ALL coaches work on religiously.
However, given the "luck" factor involved in some turnovers (not only tipping a pass, but having someone in position to intercept it afterwards)... it might be of interest to also consider and analyze whether your opponent can block and tackle, as well as counting on turnovers if your playing them - or even more so if your attempting to characterize that team (mediocre or otherwise) to others. lol
No the conclusion is correct, because turnovers are a vital part of the game. The rest is a lame excuse.
Whatever. The Dolphins are mediocre, because you can always count on having a great turnover margin against them. lol
Losers have made these type of excuses for many years.
And passionate/arrogant debaters a have glossed over any information that doesn't fit their pre-determined conclusions for much longer.
So the ones who agree with you are honest, and the ones who don't are not?
This is a good point. By using the word honest, I do imply dishonesty on the part of other fans... which isn't entirely the case. I used it as short-hand for describing those fans of a team who are actually open to debate with fans of another team... and capable of conceding a point when the evidence is black and white.
There are fans who are mature enough, wise enough, and open-minded enough to have an actual back and forth discussion with fans of other teams... and even concede good points made by the opposing side. Then there are the zealot/extremist/homer type of fans... whose passion, emotions, immaturity, etc... only allow them to see any opposing viewpoint as an attack. With those type of fans... an open discussion/debate of any finer points is impossible... and will always degenerate to smack talk and attacks, with little thought applied to anything.
For instance, patsfanken has always been the former fan type in my experience. I don't know you well enough yet to judge... but so far, its not looking good.
So back to your point... calling fans like patsfanken "honest" does imply dishonesty on the part of other fans, which as I said isn't entirely true. I'm willing to make allowances for the emotions/passions of the zealot fans... and to an extent, they contribute to what the league is. It's just that you don't really want to try and converse with them, unless you share the object of their passion. And although I do see honesty, both with others and more especially with themselves, as part of the equation.... implying full dishonesty isn't fair. Good point.
A 20 margin has a lot to do with that too.
And again you are back to claiming a lack of knowledge for anyone he sees it otherwise, meaning you know your argument stinks.
It has everything to do with that, as far as the score... and standing's. You are what you are.
But considering that entire margin (plus 1) was earned in the final two minutes of the first half... I doubt it's wise to ignore the other 58 minutes of the game, should you be preparing to play the Dolphins - or attempting to analyze whether the Dolphins are "mediocre at best" or not.
You are the one who said it was pointless, answer this one yourself.
I did NOT say it was pointless. I implied we'd be able to judge which view is more correct eventually, somewhat definitively... and the better so, the nearer the end of the season. Each game in each season is like a puzzle piece... but you have to put all the pieces together to see the full picture.
I actually enjoy discussing football, and consider myself a student of the game. That's why I enjoy football message boards, and discussing it with fans of all types... and why I posted, to answer your original question AGAIN.