(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

This week the Panthers head south to play their second straight 2008 division winner that, coincidentally, they will also meet during the regular season.

The Miami Dolphins were one of the surprise teams of 2008, going from a 1-15 season in 2007 to an 11-5 first place finish in the AFC East and a playoff spot.  In doing so, they established the 12th best offense in the league and the 15th best defense.

On offense, they were effective both in the air and on the ground.  Their passing attack was 10th in the league, while their running game was 11th.

Defensively, however, they were a little more unbalanced.  They were 10th against the run, but as their 25th place ranking suggests, they were vulnerable to the pass.

Still, it was their defensive play that was credited with their turnaround.  The Dolphins switched to a 3-4 defense in 2008, and that unit should be even more successful in 2009 with a year in the system.

Strength of schedule was another factor in their success.  They played a rather easy schedule in 2008, and most of their wins came against teams with losing records.

In fact, although the point differential in their games was 345-317, they played in only three games where the outcome was decided by four points or less. When the matchups were favorable, they won and won big. When they weren't, they got killed.

The passing defense figures to improve this year, as the Dolphins got a serious steal in Free Agency, landing free safety Gibril Wilson from the Raiders.  They also have a pro-bowl corner in Will Allen, but on the other side they're still not set, although one of their draft picks is looking pretty good.

Rookie Sean Smith did very well as the other starting cornerback in Miami's first preseason game against Jacksonville, more or less shutting down Torry Holt.  He should easily win the job over Eric Green, who got torched by the Jaguars' second string receivers.  *UPDATE* - Green has since been released by the 'phins.

The Jacksonville game was really marked by defense, with a final score of 12-9.  The Jaguar starters managed just 18 yards in three series over the first quarter against Miami, who got 95 yards and a field goal in the same span.  The Dolphins also registered a sack against David Garrard.

Both teams were fairly sloppy, with 18 penalties and generally anemic offenses.  The Dolphins were able to move the ball through the air, but the running game was surprisingly absent.

That's not a big concern for the Dolphins though. They know what they have in running backs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown.  Miami is more interested in how first round pick Pat Williams plays and in how their defense brings pressure while stuffing the run.

When the Panthers come to town, look for the Dolphins to show very little on offense.  Chad Pennington will throw several short passes for a high completion percentage, and will likely look for the tight ends as much as the receivers.  Miami's tight ends scored twice as many touchdowns in 2008 as the receivers did.

Among the Dolphin receivers, word is that Ted Ginn, Jr. is finally looking like the number one wideout he was drafted to be.  He had two nice receptions and an end-around that showcased his speed against the Jaguars and will provide a stiff test for Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall.

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