No one is expecting the Dolphins to replicate the success they had during a quarter-century under Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. To think as much would be grossly unfair to the Dolphins’ roster and their coaching staff — at least not in 2019. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t sources of inspiration that the Dolphins can call upon from Shula’s reign in South Florida.
A great place to start? The Dolphins’ primary points of emphasis. Analysts Kim Bokamper and John Congemi spoke briefly on those points of emphasis during the latest episode of their Miami Dolphins podcast, “The Audible.”
Flores has outlined that he wants the Dolphins to be well conditioned and disciplined, harking back to the Shula era. The little things can make the difference — especially in the South Florida heat. Congemi was quick to point that out.
“You’ve probably never seen a (Dolphins) team run like this since Don Shula was the head coach,” Congemi observed. “Maybe Jimmy (Johnson). Maybe Jimmy ran ’em.”
Bokamper, who played for the Dolphins under Shula (1977-1985) and has been active in South Florida’s Dolphins coverage since 1996 as an on-air personality, seemed to agree with the bold proclamation.
So while the talent of the Dolphins’ roster needs continued attention, this is what the team has been preaching as a part of its multi-year process. They are not tanking — they are changing the attitude and approach of the team while also prioritizing draft picks so that the roster remodel can be done effectively.
And with Miami hosting 1 p.m. home games against the Ravens, Patriots and Chargers this September, all that running might just pay off in the form of a stolen win or two against more talented teams.
