“Tanking for Tua.” “0-16.” “Tanking for Joe.” These are all things we have heard about the 2019 Miami Dolphins. Hell, I’ve said it before. While others have talked about Miami just not tanking, but I think this goes beyond that. Are we about to see a dynasty in the 305?
How Did We Get Here?
Before I get into the Dolphins’ future, we have to look at their season. Immediately before/during the season, the Phins traded away LT Laremy Tunsil, WR Kenny Stills, FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, and RB Kenyan Drake. Even while giving up a second in 2019 and a fifthin 2020 for Josh Rosen. Josh Rosen was expected to be a project, with the goal of him being the QB of the future. Well, that didn’t work, as Rosen started three games this year, and threw one TD for five picks. This poor play, as well as a bare bones roster, is part of the reason why Miami started the season 0-7. Now at 2-7, what has happened the last two weeks?
Well, playing teams with Cole Sear and Brian Hoyer at QB doesn’t exactly hurt your chances. But I think it goes beyond their opponents. I think this team found something to play for. Or two things.
Their Motivation to Win
It seems as if the Miami Dolphins are acting out the movie “Major League.” The front office wanted them to go 0-16. The media wanted them to go 0-16. I wanted them to go 0-16, but the Dolphins said no. They would prove people wrong. The Dolphins are not a team of scrubs, and they’re out to prove it. And that energy can be attributed to one man: Brian Flores. Every single week, Brian Flores is telling this team, “the media is saying y’all suck. The front office has you here because they want to lose. They hired me to go 0-16, but if they’re going to get rid of us all at season’s end, let’s ruin their plans.” And ruin their plans they have. Miami’s first round pick is currently sitting at the four spot. At four, Chase Young, Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow, or Jerry Jeudy could be there. At least one of them will. Those are four franchise changing talents, and if Miami keeps winning, they won’t get any of them. Regardless of how the season goes, the Miami Dolphins have to do one thing to build a dynasty: keep Brian Flores.
The Dynasty Begins
Every great team has a great coach. Bill Belichick, Vince Lombardi, Bill Walsh, the list goes on. Brian Flores is not on their level, but he could be. Winning two games with this team is nothing short of a miracle. Imagine if you gave this guy some talent? It would be amazing. But where would this talent come from? The draft of course. In this upcoming draft the Dolphins have three first rounders, two second rounders, a third, and five between the fifth and seventh rounds. If done right, this is plenty of talent to start a turnaround for this team. Some will argue the Dolphins are too dysfunctional to pull it off, but I disagree. Of the three teams to win the AFC east this century, the Dolphins have done it twice. (The Jets did it once, and the Patriots won it the rest of the time.) This is the low point for the Miami Dolphins, and I have some comforting words for Miami Dolphins fans.
So hang in there Dolphin fans, the 2019 Miami Dolphins will be looked upon as the turning point of this franchise.
