Miami Dolphins: A Very Fortunate Bye Week for the Fins

The Miami Dolphins were riding a nice two-game winning streak into their Week 7 bye week. Reggie Bush was given some time to heal. Brian Hartline had two weeks to shrug his disappointing outing against the St. Louis Rams off his shoulders. The run defense had some much-deserved rest as they prep to continue to thwart opposing backs. Even Dan Carpenter might relearn how to hit field goals again.

But things this weekend could not have gone any better in the AFC East. When all four teams were tied in a deadlock 3-3 record, Miami had finally caught up with the rest of their divisional rivals.

With the New York Jets and the New England Patriots playing, one squad in the division was bound to propel itself to the top of the division. And as things turned out in an overtime thriller that really contributed to the demise of Mark Sanchez, the Patriots were that team in a 29-26 victory.

The Buffalo Bills stumbled as well, 35-34, to the Tennessee Titans in an offensive shootout that showcased the return of Titans running back Chris Johnson. The Bills defense was in absolute shambles throughout the game in a team that has really started to deteriorate despite all the preseason hype.

While the New York Jets and Rex Ryan continue to spiral into oblivion in all facets of their game, and the New England Patriots still have not found that postseason form under Tom Brady that usually propels them to a record higher than 4-3 around Week 7, Miami seems to be in a relatively comfortable place.

The defense is looking stronger than ever, especially as their secondary slowly improves (Richard Marshall is still out with an injury if that explains it). Ryan Tannehill is looking like a veteran under center. Reggie Bush looks like he will be ready to return to form in Week 8 against the Jets.

It finally feels great again to be a Dolphins fan.