Miami: League's biggest disappointment

[Screw_Michigan]

Another pitiful performance put forth by the Fins today. Nice 1-7 home record, guys, and I bet that mark is why Sparano will be cut loose on 1/3. It's one thing to be mediocre but when you lose 7-of-8 at home, people aren't showing up and that is lost revenue.

Miami was up 10 with 9 to play and they fucking self-destructed. Henne picked a real bad time to throw a couple picks and Jahvid Best (Mr. Turf Toes) went wild with a 50-yard TD catch.

I fully expect the Fins to clean house at the end of the season, including the quarterback.

[Shoalzie]

That Dolphin team just looked very uninspired team and you're not going to beat a team that has had some good luck go their way the last couple weeks. Michigan man or not, Henne is a subpar NFL QB. I thought the Lions could frustrate him and they could punish him for making any mistakes and Levy definitely did with the go ahead TD.

Yeah, the Lions have 3 straight wins but they've been far from pretty. I guess you just take what you can get. If you complain about losing a close game that you think got away...you'd be a fool to not take a win when the breaks finally go in your favor. It's far from impossible that the Leos could end the season with 4 straight wins with the beat-up Vikings coming into Ford Field on Sunday...plus, you throw in the fact they've now got that game moved to Tuesday and have to turn around and play again Sunday afternoon. Things seem to be looking up for the Lions but they've been winning without Stafford and couple key starters on defense.

[mvscal]

Not so fast...

Sin,

San Diego

[Screw_Michigan]

Shoalz, look how well the Lions played with that road game monkey off their backs. Amazing what one road win in over two years will do for you. Good for them. Was skeptical with Shawn Hill starting today but they made it happen.

Props to the Lions for the W.

[Shoalzie]

The popular take around the area leading up to the game was that Stanton should keep playing since he's won the last two. If that's true about him having the separated shoulder and Hill was good enough to start with the busted finger, you go with the vet because you're definitely not going to play Zac Robinson. Hill has a tendency to float the ball up there and he almost got a couple of his receivers knocked out cold by hanging them out to dry and delivering the ball way to high. Stanton and Stafford definitely throw better than him but he's what they call a wiley vet and he gives them a chance to win because he generally makes good decisions.

Going into next year, the Lions appear to be ready compete for playoff spot, if not push for a .500 season. They've got playmakers on both sides of the ball and if they can address a few more needs through the draft, they'll have fewer holes and become a team that can be legimately feared. They've been gritty and gutty this year but make just enough mistakes to prevent them from winning some close games. It seems to be the difference between making the playoffs and picking in the top 10 of the draft are those few plays that need to be made in close games that ultimately make your season. This year more than the last few, they've been able to make those plays to eek out a win.

[jiminphilly]

Looks like the Eagles found a team to trade Kolb too.

[indyfrisco]

Looks like the Eagles found a team to trade Kolb too.

The key to success is keeping your QB in the game. Look at the teams who have had the same starting QB every game:

Playoff teams or in the hunt:
Giants
Patriots
Jets
Rams
Chiefs
Bears
Ravens
Falcons
Saints
Colts

Teams who won't make it:
Texans
Bucs
Chargers
Bengals

So, as it stands now, 10 of the 12 teams who would make the playoffs had the same starting QB all 16 games. The only other teams are Pittsburgh and Green Bay. That was because of Rapistburger's suspension. It's pretty safe to say he probably would have started all 16 games since he rarely misses games even with injury. Green Bay we don't even know if they will make it, could be Giants or Tampa Bay, both who had the same starting QB all season.

Vick is a great player and played out of his mindthis year. He is still one who gets hurt often. Kolb is a great backup. With Vick's injuries, Philly would be smart to keep him around.

[indyfrisco]

Missed that one. My point is still valid and substantiated. KC lost the game he started. Keep your starter healthy and in the game and you have a good chance to make the playoffs. While Cassel missed only one game, he also played in the shittiest AFC division who was slated to play against the shittiest NFC division. Missing one game didn't hurt so bad. Had he missed 4 games? San Diego or Oakland would probably be looking forward to the playoffs.

[MgoBlue-LightSpecial]

The popular take around the area leading up to the game was that Stanton should keep playing since he's won the last two. If that's true about him having the separated shoulder and Hill was good enough to start with the busted finger, you go with the vet because you're definitely not going to play Zac Robinson.

I agree. Although I'm biased, I was of the opinion Stanton should be the #2 guy, and was irked when I saw Hill got the start vs Miami. But at the time I did not know Stanton had a banged up shoulder. Shoulder vs finger. Go with the finger.

Hell, even Calvin Johnson has not-so-subtly mentioned who he likes under center. And that's probably because Stanton actually throws him the ball. Franchise receiver, and Hill doesn't even fucking look for him.