Views: 2068
Comments: 7

08:50 AM ET 12.09 | Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland was sitting in the stands at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala., in January, after a Senior Bowl practice, when he spoke admiringly about how the 49ers transformed from 6-10 in 2010 to 13-3 and within minutes of a Super Bowl last season. "They're an inspiration," Ireland said. "They've got a good defense, a really good offensive line. They've got a new leader [Jim Harbaugh]. They needed new leadership and a new inspiration. That's what you aspire to be. That's what we would like to be next year." Eleven months later, as the Dolphins visit San Francisco on Sunday, the 49ers are serious Super Bowl contenders, and Miami (5-7) remains a lot closer to 6-10 than 13-3. So why hasn't Ireland's 49ers vision materialized, at least not yet?

Jeff Ireland, Getty Images

Comments (7) Add A Comment

December 9, 2012 08:58 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

I wanted to be Retired by 40... That didn't happen either.

TheBone

Total Comments (1317)

December 9, 2012 09:05 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

So why hasn't Ireland's 49ers vision materialized, at least not yet?

Coz he's a DB and it doesn't stand for defensive back.

Canuck eh?

Total Comments (18368)

December 9, 2012 09:51 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

Nice raccoon eyes. Maybe he needs to wear a ballcap if he's going to wear the shades.

Stuart MacDougal

Indianapolis, IN

Total Comments (4172)

December 9, 2012 10:51 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:05 AM ET 12.09 by Canuck eh?

So why hasn't Ireland's 49ers vision materialized, at least not yet?

Coz he's a DB and it doesn't stand for defensive back.

Maybe he could draft some DB's (and that does stand for defensive back).

Otis B. Driftwood

Total Comments (30626)

December 9, 2012 10:55 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

Miami's defense is good enough to win some games, but that offense is lousy.

I hope it stays that way forever.

Rex Racer

Total Comments (22498)

December 9, 2012 11:33 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

Sometimes there is Destiny, and sometimes your fate is in your own hands.

This is one of those "fate is in your hands" things, Jeff. Buy a mirror and look at it.

We know you don't have a mirror, because if you did, you never would have posed for that mug shot anywhere but in a police station.

Debbie Does

Total Comments (19962)

December 9, 2012 12:24 PM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

Harbaugh had the core of a good team to work with. All they needed was a dependable QB, and Harbaugh was able to coach the best out of Alex Smith. Miami needs a couple more years to reach that point, both with their team and with Tannehill.