Will ‘Hook & Ladder 2.0’ Turn The Franchise Around?

Hook & Ladder 2.0 rocked the Patsies and could catapult Miami into the 2018 Playoffs

Hook & Ladder 2.0 may have ramifications beyond Week 13

Down 5 points with only seconds left in the game, the Dolphins broke out an old trick against the Patriots…

…The ole’ Hook & Ladder Play.

You remember the last time it worked, way back in the Dolphin 1982 Divisional Playoffs against the Chargers?!

How many times has it been used since… and failed?

Not this time!

The original Hook & Ladder had bigger stakes, but yesterday’s was the more amazing play

Say what you want about Adam Gase, but amazing, game-winning plays isn’t remotely an issue of his… and neither is getting his players to play for him.

Yup, it was only one play that won just one game… Spectacular for sure and about as feel good for a fan as it gets. BUT, how much of an effect on the future of the franchise will it bring beyond this lone ‘W’?

Insert your favorite cliche: ‘Time will tell’, ‘Only God knows’, ‘We’ll have to wait and see’, etc.

Since talking Phins is fun, especially after a win like this, and we don’t have a time machine nor God’s hotline, let’s crank the conjecture machine up to high speed and relish in the hope:

First Scenario:

This could be a flash in the pan moment that sticks it to a bitter enemy and makes the fans smile for a week… and that’s it. Beautiful however you slice it, even if Miami takes only one or none of the next three games. But, if this is the case, then it will be a fond memory with no lasting effect. Gase’s hot seat reprieve will be short lived and the Dolphins and their fans will continue to wander the desert with little hope for the future.

Second Scenario:

Dolphins take 2 games out of three but don’t make the Playoffs. This was my benchmark to have belief in Gase & Co. There’s no denying from even the most bitter fans that Gase has had continual adversity since he became the Head Coach. I’m hard-pressed to think of another season this replete with serious injuries. Nine wins would be a real accomplishment. Despite some reservations I have with this regime, 9-7 deserves a one-year extension for Gase so he doesn’t enter 2019 as a lame duck coach. Turnovers and penalties have been down as well, so there has been quality growth this season. That’s something to build on.

Third Scenario:

Dolphins win 2 of their next 3 games and make the Playoffs. One and done or not, Gase should get a real extension of three years. Two Playoff appearances in your 1st three seasons as Head Coach, especially given the roster he started with, is exceptional. There’s a little luck involved here because the outcome is based on how other teams play. Still, bad luck played a part in the troubles of 2018. Fair is fair. And if Miami should somehow win even a single Post Season Game… Gase will have earned ‘carte blanche’.

‘Unthinkable’ Fourth Scenario:

The Dolphins go 3 for 3 and make the Playoffs and win a Post Season game… This is a little too juicy to really consider at this point. The pay per head sites like Ace Per Head (Review Here) won’t give you good odds on this one, but if this scenario should play out, the first thing needed is to check your meds. You may just be hallucinating. If you aren’t over medicated, then you’ve entered the Twilight Zone and hold onto your hat! It does sound scrumptious, though. Doesn’t it?!

Bottom line:

This mind-blowing play has opened the door for real redemption for Gase and Tannehill. I had hoped for a surprise… but doubted it could happen. Here we are though. Still, Gase and Tannehill have an opportunity. Nothing has been signed, sealed, and delivered… yet.

Hope has been a fleeting thing with the Miami Dolphins for over 20 years. But, with a couple more wins hope may just have come back to stay a while. At the very least, we had one hell of a victory and can look forward to this week with keen interest. That’s a nice surprise. Go Phins!!!