What's your pass mark for the Dolphins in 2021

[CF DolFan]

Year three so we need to prove we are legit. Anything less than a playoff win and it will be a disappointing season barring some unforeseen issue.

[EDGECRUSHER]

Year three so we need to prove we are legit. Anything less than a playoff win and it will be a disappointing season barring some unforeseen issue.

Does the tear down year count as Year 1? I would classify 2020 as Year 1 since we almost purposely lost games in 2019.

Either way, we were 10-6 last year so the next step is a playoff victory. Anything less than that and we did not step forward unless we go 14-2, get a bye and lose in Round 2.

[DenverFinFan]

At a minimum there needs to be a playoff appearance but I wouldn’t feel good without a playoff win.

[Dave Gray]

Mine is a playoff appearance. 

We aren't a playoff team, so to be one is the next logical step.

[EDGECRUSHER]

Mine is a playoff appearance. 

We aren't a playoff team, so to be one is the next logical step.

We only missed out on the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. At 10-6, I would say we are a playoff team. We can go 9-7 this year and make the playoffs and that would be considered a step back.

[Dave Gray]

We only missed out on the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. At 10-6, I would say we are a playoff team. We can go 9-7 this year and make the playoffs and that would be considered a step back.

I definitely understand that, but I disagree.

A playoff team, in the context I'm thinking, literally means going to the playoffs (and having the experience of having played in a game).  This squad didn't have that experience together.  ...so, for me, literally getting into the playoffs, even if it's backing in with a worse record, is my benchmark for what I'd like to see to become eventual contenders.

[Pappy13]

We only missed out on the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. At 10-6, I would say we are a playoff team. We can go 9-7 this year and make the playoffs and that would be considered a step back.

I also disagree. We were 1 play away from being 9-7 last year. If we make the playoffs this year, it's a step forward regardless of the record.

[ArtieChokePhin]

We only missed out on the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. At 10-6, I would say we are a playoff team. We can go 9-7 this year and make the playoffs and that would be considered a step back.

This was the third time this team has won ten games and missed the playoffs.  I don't know of any other franchise that has accomplished that feat more than once.

[Dolphster]

My only issue with using Number of Wins as a benchmark is that it is so influenced by things such as "strength of schedule", division strength, etc.

[EDGECRUSHER]

My only issue with using Number of Wins as a benchmark is that it is so influenced by things such as "strength of schedule", division strength, etc.

Same as playoffs though. Redskins were 7-9 division winners last year while we sat home at 10-6. Winning the division is nice but we were clearly the better team.

[ArtieChokePhin]

Same as playoffs though. Redskins were 7-9 division winners last year while we sat home at 10-6. Winning the division is nice but we were clearly the better team.

Which is why you need to not give division winners home field advantage in the playoffs if the wild card team they are facing has a better record.

[Dolphster]

Same as playoffs though. Redskins were 7-9 division winners last year while we sat home at 10-6. Winning the division is nice but we were clearly the better team.

Good point.

[EDGECRUSHER]

I voted "Super Bowl, Baby!" I'm joking.

In today's NFL teams can come out of nowhere, have a two loss season and then get railed in the playoffs.  Or, flip, be expected to have a two loss season, have everything that could go wrong go wrong, win four games - still look hopeful in the process (the proverbial "how is this team a four win team" thing).

My hope for Miami, of course, is wins.  And a deep drive into the playoffs.  We don't need it to show franchise growth.  What I want to see is Miami finally, after decades, has their answer at QB.  The Dolphins are putting together pieces on defense, know how to assemble an offensive line.  If they are showing legit signs of growth, however for whatever reason it does not translate in wins / losses this year, okay. 

Yeah, there is no solid marker to judge success, unless you win the Superbowl. Would we rather go 14-3, get a 1st round bye and then lose by 40 in the playoffs or go 10-7 and make it to the AFC Title game?

BTW, it is going to take me years to not talk about going 9-7 or 13-3. Stupid extra game.

[Downunder Dolphan]

It's now official - the Dolphins have attained a FAIL grade from me for the 2021 season.

Didn't win a playoff game, did not even make the playoffs, and did not manage a win against Buffalo.

[Dolphster]

Glad this thread was resurrected.  It was pretty interesting to see what all of us thought the season had in store compared to how it actually played out.