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Miami fan take: 3 final thoughts on Browns vs. Dolphins game

Posted on February 10, 2012 at 09:07 PM.

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Thursday 2.11.12

DAN LE BATARD | UFL

Miami fan take: 3 final thoughts on Browns vs. Dolphins game

Associated Press

Cleveland, OH- A win is a win, right? Yes and no. After beating the Cleveland Browns 31-24 the 2nd season Miami Dolphins are currently undefeated and tied in the NFL standing with teams such as Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, and New Orleans Saints. I find it hard to believe that even the most diehard Miami fan thinks the Fins are anywhere near as good as the teams listed above three weeks into this season. Beating teams located at the bottom of NFL power rankings is a step in the right direction for the Fins, however, one which indicates Miami is moving away from five-win seasons.

3 final thoughts on Browns vs. Dolphins game #1: Gibbons

Miami running back Dontrell Gibbons, is getting equal playing time to starter Daniel Thomas, had a fine afternoon for himself against the Browns. Gibbons averaged 4.8 yards per carry , and he also had two touchdowns, including one extremely clutch run on a fourth and four play during Miami's game winning touchdown drive in the final minutes of the contest. Gibbons, as many running backs do, ran stronger as the game went on, getting the feel of a regular season football contest and finding his legs during the second half.

Daniel Thomas should get more attempts as the season goes on. Ideally, Gibbons would get at least a few touches in the first half of that game in order to find his rhythm before the halftime break.

3 final thoughts on Browns vs. Dolphins game #2: He's back

Don't look now, but linebacker Karlos Dansby is back to his old tricks. Finally healthier for the first time in years, Dansby was once again miami's leader in total tackles on Sunday with 6.

Dansby has always been a tackling machine, but it's impressive how he has seamlessly made his way back into a revamped Miami defense. The hope during the summer was that the Fins would essentially be getting a free agent linebacker with Dansby's return. He's more than earned his money thus far, and will hopefully be signing a new contract with the team sooner than later.

3 final thoughts on Browns vs. Dolphins game #3: Important win

The win against the Cardinals squad in Week 2 impressed me little if at all. Granted, the Dolphins aren't playing what one could call "stellar football" thus far, but the victory over Cleveland is significant for this Dolphins roster. Second year quarterback R. Kaiser connected with his offensive weapons during the 2:40 game winning drive in the fourth quarter.

Building a "winning attitude" is important for any franchise. The Tom Brady's, Big Ben's and Eli Manning's of the NFL didn't learn how to win late in games overnight. Victories such as yesterday's against the Browns breed confidence, a confidence which, in turn, results in more wins later on in the season. In under four minutes of a single game, Miami's offense produced a late game winning drive AND the team's defense prevented Cleveland from gaining the necessary yards needed for a potential game winning drive attempt. It certainly wasn't pretty, but winners come out on top when it matters most. That's what the Dolphins did against the Browns, and it's why the team is 3-0.

Article by:
Dan Le Batard

Dan Le Batard joined The Herald back in 2010 and is a graduate from the University of Miami. Recognized as one of the top sports columnists today, Dan has covered several of sports' top events and is also a regular correspondent for UFESPN (United Football Entertainment and Sports Network).