r/miamidolphins • u/Kiki242 • 1d ago
I Find Myself Weirdly Optimistic for the Season
I know for sure that I am setting myself up for heartbreak but there is a strange sense of hope in my heart for this season š . Its something that comes with a new beginnings of a regime and i should learn my lesson from the numerous rebuilds I have had to endure.
I fully expect this team to have me angry and upset before the end of October but for the time being, I am excited to see what this group does.
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u/BayBandit1 1d ago
Iām with you. Something just feels right about all the moves made, G.M., coaching, and player wise leading up to this season (Waddle excepted). Achaneās signed. No prime time spotlight, everyoneās free to develop without undue pressure. Bring it.
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 18h ago
Ev one loved Waddle š§
But there are benefits to the trade we got. Talent and budget wise.
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u/Yoda_is_a_Sith 1d ago
I agree. Can't shake the feeling that they are going to surprise a lot of teams. If they play hard and show grit, I can't see myself getting mad. The biggest thing I hope for is that Malik becomes our guy and we can build around him. If he plays well and wins us a few games, Achane a couple and the defense a couple more, then that would be a successful season. 7 wins would be great!
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u/OneBeerAndWhiskeyPls 1d ago
i am looking forward to this youth movement, this team cant hurt me as long as they show some heart
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u/lakatos_intolerant 1d ago
I only care about three things:
Seeing progress from our coaches and players (I really want this Draft class to thrive).
Beating each of our asshole divisional rivals once (FTJ, FTP and FTB forever).
Being in an excellent position to have a high Draft selection next year because I do not expect this team to be super competitive and want the team to be able to take a cornerstone franchise piece within the first five selections, whether it's a QB, game-changing defensive player or someone else.
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u/Tuckinator34 14h ago
I think there will be such a scramble for top picks next year that if somehow Willis looks the real deal but they're still in the top 6, a trade down would look very attractive. They could end up with a bevy of high (ie round 1 or 2) picks in 2027 and 2028 via a trade.
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u/slickbezhig 22h ago
This year is like every year, we have a bunch of question marks and no depth so need to stay healthy. Every year most of our question marks don't turn into positives and we don't stay healthy.
That being said it's possible 4 or 5 of our rookies could be studs, our 2nd year guys could improve and we don't get slammed with injuries. We are definitely due.
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u/Cool_Narwhal935 1d ago
The more hate I see towards the team. The more optimistic I feel of how they are going to surprise everyone. Logically I know weāre ass but something feels different about this regime
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u/Nuclearsunburn 1d ago
Set your expectations low and you wonāt be disappointed. This year, any success on field is a bonus, just enjoy it for what it is and donāt worry about what itās not
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u/chesterfieldkingz 21h ago
Ya it's really a win win. Get a good pick or win more than expected so just enjoy the rideĀ
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u/rtannehill17 9h ago edited 6h ago
The only reason to be optimistic is bc a large part of this forum just wants anything but Chris Grier. For me this is rinse then repeat until proven otherwise. Need results, especially after cutting most guys to implement "draft your own guys" mentality.
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u/Robo_dogo 1d ago
People are putting way too much stock on Willis having to be great for us to win games.
No, if we have a top 5 defense, a top 5 rushing game, and Willis not turning the ball over then we will win plenty of games.
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u/Azfreedom13 1d ago
Iām hopeful they will be tough, disciplined and well coached situationally. It will be easier to stomach a losing season that way. Also hopeful to see real development from the young guys.
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u/RighteouslySick 22h ago
That pre-October optimism is real, just ride it while it lasts and don't stress about the inevitable collapse yet.
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 18h ago
Its because we fired lots of ppl and replaced them with confident staff and personel.
Feels different to be a part of a culture change and proper foundation.
Somehow.... past coaches weren't capable. Not even Nick Saban.
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u/hospicedoc 14h ago
There is reason to be cautiously optimistic. Malik Willis recorded aĀ 93.1 Total QBRĀ and a passing efficiency rating of 145.5 during the 2025 NFL regular season. He appeared in four games (completing 30 of 35 passes for 422 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.
This should definitely be taken with a grain of salt. For example of the highest QBR in the NFL last year belonged to Drake "the schedule" Maye (77.1, Purdy was next with a QBR of 72.8). Sample size definitely played a role in Willis's QBR and the fact that he only threw 35 passes in four games also says that the game plan was adjusted for him. That being said, he is a mobile quarterback who can make every throw, and he doesn't give the ball away.
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u/ballzdeep85 14h ago
Our schedule is tough we will be picking top 5 hopefully for us Manning plays good this year and we draft him or if Malik shows heās the real deal we can draft Jeremiah Smith
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u/Soft-Masterpiece6328 12h ago
Iām also weirdly optimistic. I think itās not knowing how all this comes together on the field. With Grier / McDaniel/ Tua I always felt like I knew how their moves played out. Which added to the frustration, if a dumb dumb like me could see what was gonna happen how are these people messing it up?!
I look at that schedule thoughā¦ yikes, I try to do the win loss prediction and it doesnāt match my optimism. I think we have like 3 wins on the schedule and my fanboy thinks weāll steal a couple more. That could come crashing down pretty quick once I see them live. Canāt wait til preseason!
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u/chesterfieldkingz 21h ago
I keep saying this, but our tank year was probably the most fun season. I take this shit too seriously, I want to have no expectations and just have fun. Hopefully Willis can give us a similar seasonĀ
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u/Massive-Insurance245 SIGN ACHANE 20h ago
i think this teams better than people give it credit for, around .500. the defense is gonna be young but good and offense at least has an identity of pounding the rock.
if the rookies on defense gel and learn quick we could be one of those teams where the elite defense keeps them in games they have no business being in
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u/Adam_Strange_7451 16h ago
This team could field the starting lineup from Coral Gables High and some of you would be on here talking about how theyāre going to surprise people.
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u/Carolkt711 15h ago
Itās the old summertime optimism Been doing that for too many years to count Always hopeful
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u/Black1vory 14h ago
I have to see Willis perform in training camp and preseason first before I get hyped up.
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u/squeaky19 14h ago
That's pre-season hopium. Just hope that you see signs of growth and futu re potential. While wins will be nice, we shouldn't use that as this season's measuring stick sadly.
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u/Shot-Recognition-830 11h ago
Iāve been a dolphins fan since I was a kid. It seems different this time.
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u/applyheat 1d ago
Relax. You will be back to reality by game 7 after the hype fades and the copium wears off. Itās not going to be a Superbowl year.
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u/infantebets 1d ago
I think the lack of any expectations can actually be a relief as a fan. Ultimately, though, if the team just plays hard and doesn't look overmatched -- maybe steals a game or two they shouldn't win -- and end up with 6 (or so) wins, that will be a pretty solid start to the rebuild.