Tony Sparano - Coach of the Year? Absolutely!

I wanted to add a bit to Matty's post mentioning the possibility of Sparano making Coach of the Year honors.  I have to admit, I have been pretty annoyed that the Fins are still getting snubbed for most recognition by the media. 

I found one article by a national outlet that gives him appropriate props.  Here is the source and a quote:

"Dedicated Sparano deserves Coach of the Year award"

Dec. 16, 2008
By Lesley Visser
CBS Sports

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/11176145

I'm going with the guy who took over a 1-15 embarrassment and has his team tied for first place (9-5) in the AFC East. I'm going with the guy whose defense has not allowed a touchdown in three games and whose offense is on pace to break the record for fewest turnovers in a 16-game season. The record -- 14 turnovers -- is held, coincidentally, by his boss' Super Bowl-winning Giants team in 1990. Sparano has learned his lessons well.

From most of the national media I am hearing/reading things like "soft schedule", "lucky breaks (Toronto, Gore out, Brady out, etc.)", "unconvincing wins against weak teams"... Well, I think I need to call "Bullspit" here.

First of all, the "weak teams" we have been playing, have been playing better than their records, right at about the time the Fins have had to play them.  This includes the upcoming game against KC.  These teams, for a myriad of reasons, have had their own problems this year, but have all been good enough to drop a loss or two on some other "good" teams (see Oakland - Jets, Denver;  SF - Jets;  St Louis - Dallas, Washington).  I double checked our schedule and, just as I thought... none of our wins came against Detriot this year, so I am comfortable saying that none of them were "gimmies".

Secondly, I once got into a "discussion" with someone here (Nicky I think) regarding exactly how much "luck" plays into a team's success.  While I believe that "lucky breaks" can account for a game or two, they can not be credited with the Fins' overall success this season, or the specific accomplishments like low turnovers and improved play in the secondary, that the team has been able to produce so far this year.  And as for the lack of injuries, I would have to classify that into the "make your own luck" category.  Whether it is because of the off season conditioning, the personnel moves to get rid of accident prone players, or the fear factor instilled in the players to "encourage them to play through minor bumps and dings, there is more to this trend than "good luck".

Also, when you talk about "luck" you must include the other half of the equation - the "bad" luck that actually *has* impacted the Dolphins this year.  The find of Donald Thomas was a huge "sigh of relief" to all of us fans wondering how the team was going to fix the problems on the O-line.  He filled a position at which we had no other good answer, and limited depth at overall.  So the injury to Thomas could have been devastating.  But it wasn't, because with our solid personnel department, we were able to bring in some guys who had the possibility of being developed.  And when Smiley went down, that could have effectively ended our run at the playoffs, but again, thanks to the personnel guys, we had some players to plug in to that spot.  And what about losing Camarillo?  People might say that he wasn't great, so he was more easily replaced, but seriously... he was our leading WR, and that means chemistry with our QB.  That is not so easy to replace.

So by now, if you have made it this far, you might be asking yourself "What does this have to do with Tony Sparano - Coach of the Year?"

Well, Tony Sparano is the one common denominator in discussing any of the aspects of the Fins success this year. 

Playing perceived "weak" opponents is sometimes more difficult for a team to come away from with a "W" than a team that is battling in the playoff hunt.  For one thing, a "weak" team can often be overlooked by the players, and for another, that "weak" team usually has the luxury of playing loose and getting creative.  It is all up to the head coach to keep players focused and serious, and not taking anything for granted.

And let's talk about the low total turnovers, or the giveaway/takeway ratio.  Or the lack of penalties overall.  Or the lack of injuries.  Where in the world do you think this comes from?  Last year, with Cam Cameron in charge, all of these areas were brutally deficient!  Was it changing out all of the players that made these areas improve?  Was it changing both the offensive and defensive playbooks?  No, it is the discipline, hardwork and attitude that this team has adopted from their head coach.  Last year we had a lazy, laid back, "fail forward fast" attitude as a team... "You failed?  No big deal, just do better the next time, or the time after that, or the time after that."  But this year, you fail, you are AT LEAST coming off the field for a play.  Fail again, and you might be off the team.

And with the injuries we HAVE had, why haven't they been more devastating to the team?  Sure, we have some great personnel folks bringing in quality roster fodder, but who gets 'em ready?  Who gets 'em in the game?  Who puts them in a position to succeed?  Tony Friggin Sparano, that's who!  This man has the foresight to rotate guys in during meaningful games to evaluate and prepare against the incredibly remote possibility that you would lose both starting Guards in a season.  And let's face it, how often do you see teams rotate the O-line personnel in games?  I don't remember seeing it as part of a regulat strategy... the only time I have seen this is due to injuries.  And it is not just the O-Line.  Think about the Safety position, or the Corner position, or the Fullback position, or any D-line position, or, other than QB, just about *ANY* position on this team has depth that has actually PLAYED in games during the season.

Now I know that a lot of people who talk about Coach of the Year discount Sparano because Bill Parcells is there in Miami.  I am sure they believe that the Big Tuna is the reason the Miami Dolphins are winning.  But at the end of the day, it is and has been Mr. Tony F (for Friggin, that is his new middle name) Sparano who is breaking down the film, preparing the game plan, preparing the players, making game time decisions, and keeping his team focused and on track. 

He is the Head Coach, and he deserves ALL of the credit that goes along with that title and those responsibilites.  I am glad he is OUR coach.