I have been wanting to start these posts for a while now, and couldn't think of a better time to do so then now. Having majored in Psychology and currently pursuing my doctorate in Marital and Family therapy, I thought I would share my thoughts and opinions on what is going on inside the brains of the Dolphin's players and personnel. You might question why I would go out of my way to write something while there are already great contributors to this site who may already discuss the cognitive process behind this team. Having been consciously a fan since I was 7 (I'm now 22), I have always been analytical towards this team, focusing more on what is going on mentally rather than physically. I pay attention to the numbers, economics, politics, and drama just as much as the rest of you, yet I find myself more interested inn what the hell is going on in the heads of our favorite players and coaches throughout the year. Please note that my views are clear assumptions based off of my academic studies and personal opinion. I would appreciate any feedback on my posts and if you flat out disagree with my views, don't hold back from saying so. Part of my interest in writing this bi -weekly posts is to gain a better understanding of what my fellow Dolphin fans think is going on in the team's head. With that I will start my first assessment with none other than the hiring of Joe Philbin.

Joe Philbin was chosen for his potential to unite this team

I'm not going to go into any numbers or argue whether Philbin/Mccoy had the better/ worse players to work with. I'm not going to tell you why/ how Philbin has the better offensive mind or strategy, simply because I don't think you can determine that from two coaches who have yet to serve as the leader of a team. However, I will tell you why I feel Philbin has the best chance to unite the team and succeed. In my graduate studies, I'm focusing on grief and trauma, and while I have dealt with tough losses in my life, very few of us can honestly know the amount of grief Philbin is dealing with after his son's tragic and traumatic death. If you are aware with the 5 stages of the grieving process, you might agree with me that he is already at the last stage, "Acceptance". Many of you may be worried Philbin isn't emotionally stable to handle this job and I'm with you there. How can someone who just lost their son in a horrible way, change his job, residency, and most of all life, right after the death of his son? Surely this was in the minds of Ross and Ireland, and I have no doubt that it had to be assured from Philbin that he was emotionally stable to do the job. The billionaire Ross has surely dealt with employees who were grieving the loss of a loved one and he is too successful of a businessman to give a job to someone who isn't ready or capable of doing it. The players will immediately gain respect for Philbin and will most likely put in an extra effort to succeed and make their coach proud. Is this to say that other coaches don't have inspirational or emotional reasons for their players to do well? NO. But usually as a professional, you keep your stress, emotions and family problems to yourself and your players play for money, fame, or their own personal reasons. Yet Philbin's tragedy became public and the Dolphins organization will now do everything in their power to show that even people who have gone through tragic events like Philbin can come out of it victorious. Here is to a fresh start to this year, to us fans, and of course our new head coach Mr. Joe Philbin, who should have much success and happiness for years to come.

via www.partyandeventguide.com

To all my fellow Jewish and non Jewish Dolfans alike, I would like to wish you a very happy hanukkah. Out of all of the holidays throughout the year, this is my favorite, not only for the 8 days of time with family and friends, but for the message behind it. For those unfamiliar with the story and miracles of hanukkah, wikepedia gives a fair description. The holiday is all about coming out of the darkness and letting light enter your world. Regardless of any situation, time, event, or stage in your life, I hope you all find the light and positivity in the world to live happier and more successful lives. I also hope as Dolphins fans, we will take all of the positive that has come from this season and past seasons of disappointment and darkness, and prepare for a new fresh season of light and success that will hopefully continue for years to come!

I'm sure the announcement has already been posted on here about the making of the Documentary, so finally it's going to be shown. Too bad it's not a week before, I'm sure many Ricky fans would have loved to watch this while celebrating 420. Should be an interesting seeing my old high school in it.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/sfl-ricky-williams-espn-documentary-032610,0,4305800.story

According to the Union Tribune, Tomlinson is headed to the Jets. While most of you will agree that LT is past his prime, some of you may be worried the Jets just became a stronger threat. I'm here to tell you that the Jets backfield will be worse then last season. I live in San Diego and watched Tomlinson be adored by my friends for many years. After his record breaking TD year he started to become a non factor for the Chargers, and clearly he is worn down. While he may be a decent goal line or short yard back, the only reason I feel the Jets picked him up is for mentoring Greene. Unless the Jets start to become a pass happy offense like the Chargers did, they are in trouble unless Greene can handle the load and be a premier back.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/bolts-blog/2010/mar/14/signs-point-new-york/

While I think Rolle would be an improvement at FS, the desired price just doesn't make sense for the Dolphins to do. After making the Dansby the highest paid inside linebacker, why would the Dolphins offer a similar deal. According to John Gambadoro, the man who first reported the Dansby signing on twitter  

Cardinals offered Antrel Rolle 6 years and 40 million with 10 guaranteed. He was scheduled to pocket 12.1 this year had he not been released

http://twitter.com/Gambo620"

would the Dolphins really offer something that matches that? your thoughts?

I rarely post here, but Ive been coming to Phinsider for news and thoughts from fellow fin fans since this past off season. Just thought Id share my own thoughts on our playoff chances, but if you havnt already, you should read Matty's mid season review on how far we have come and how we should realize the differences between a realistic and overly optimistic biased view of this team. Trust me, Im a guy with the Dolphins logo tattooed on my arm, my inner fan in me tells me the Dolphins can and will every game that they play. But being realistic sometimes helps us not get our hopes up, admitting to where we really are, and being positive for how far the team has come and how great the future can be.

Now the next 3 games? Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Buffalo. Not really sure why everyone thinks these are all automatic wins.

Tampa Bay just beat a good Green Bay team and probably has a lot more confidence after finally getting their 1st win. Sure the Dolphins should win this game, but i dont think fans should get upset if the fins struggle at times during the game. 

Carolina has looked pretty good the last few weeks tearing apart Arizona on the road and coming up close against the Saints. If the Dolphins stop their run game and put decent pressure on Delhomme they should probably win this game with TOP and consistent ground attack.

Buffalo just can't seem to score points, so if the Dolphins can hold the ball most of the game and avoid Jarius Bryd from somehow getting another INT, they should pull this one off.

I have a feeling those 3 games are going to be very similar to the 49er's, Seahawks, and Raiders games last year. Consider that 2 of these games are on the road, so they will be a challenge.

The Dolphins may be lining themselves up in a perfect situation if the Patriots lose to the colts and the saints. That sunday night game will be huge if the dolphins do in fact win these first 3 games coming up. However, look at the remaining schedule assuming the Dolphins and Patriots are tied 7-5.  The Patriots host Carolina, @ Buffalo, host JAC, and @ Houston. The Dolphins are @ JAC, @ TEN, host Houston, host PItt. Sorry if its just me, but I feel the Dolphins have the tougher remaining 4 games. Better start rooting for the Steelers to secure their divison before that game, but they still may come out strong trying to battle for a top seed. Houston is going to play a huge factor in the Dolphins playoffs hopes. Houston may be fighting for a final wildcard spot, so they may be able to take care of the patriots at home. The Dolphins are going to have to play their A game against Houstons big play offense.

Its pretty clear the Dolphins can only afford to lose one more game from this final stretch, and it cannot be against the patriots. Lets see how we take care of these upcoming 3 games and see where the patriots are going into that possibly HUGE sunday night game. Which games do you guys think will be the toughest challenges and do you think the dolphins can possibly finish 10-6?