Dolphins-Jets: Miami Defeats New York, Steals Away Division Title

What a season it has been for the Miami Dolphins. Upon hiring Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Tony Sparano, they had low expectations entering the season coming off a 1-15 year. Enter Chad Pennington. Pennington, along with the three aforementioned people, has been a tremendous factor in this inconceivable turnaround for the Dolphins.

After starting the season 2-4. I was doubting the Dolphins' chances yet again. Week Seven is when it seems the Dolphins decided that they are much better than people thought and than they had played, and that they would stick it to anyone who came in their way. Down that stretch the Dolphins went 9-1 to finish the season with an impressive 11-5 record to win the AFC East.

When the Dolphins got ready to take on the Jets on Sunday, I was frankly quite scared. The Jets have been a thorn in the Dolphins' foot for a long time, and I certainly wouldn't expect any team in the division to just lie on their backs for anyone, especially not the Jets, who had already been eliminated from the playoffs partway through the game with the Ravens defeating Jacksonville.

The offense finally found a groove after a somewhat disappointing first quarter involving high snaps from John Denney and a fumble by Pennington. The offense then came out with big plays and scored a touchdown in the second quarter with a long pass from Pennington to Ted Ginn, and another touchdown was scored by defensive end Phillip Merling not long after the Ginn TD with a pick six off of Brett Favre.

How magical has this season been, Dolphans? Going from expectations of five wins and hopes that the Dolphins wouldn't be a pushover team and at least win a few games to going to the playoffs. Chad Pennington getting sweet revenge on his old team the New York Jets at the end of the regular season. A Dolphin team that has completely turned things around and fast. This season has highly exceeded my expectations.

I also believe that the Dolphins will be able to win for many years to come, with franchise players like Ronnie Brown and Ted Ginn, and then youngsters like Jake Long, Sam Satele, Patrick Cobbs, and Davone Bess. Not to mention the defensive guys like Phillip Merling, Kendall Langford, Channing Crowder, and Matt Roth.

Pennington should also remain for at least one more year, if not more, to mentor Chad Henne, who if he learns from Pennington and really works at it could be a stronger-armed version of Pennington that could lead this team to winning seasons for many seasons to come.

This year has shown us the talent that this Dolphins team has, and that with the right coaching close, games can be won. Tony Sparano has certainly been a blessing for the Dolphins, and hopefully the Dolphins can put together more playoff runs in the future.

Now to focus on the Ravens. Come Sunday, it would be sweet to see the Dolphins win a playoff game and move to the second round.

In closing, GO PHINS!