Dolphins vs. Patriots

Miami -1vs. New England

With or without Tom Brady, it was supposed to be easy. Week 3 at Foxboro, the Patriots were riding a 21-game regular season winning streak and the 0-2 Miami Dolphins, who went 1-15 a year ago, were on the menu for New England. Boy where they wrong. The Dolphins unexpectedly dominated the Patriots on this day 38-13 and two things happened. New England learned their were indeed mortal, at least they realized that as far as the regular season is concerned and Miami gained some confidence and have seemingly turned their franchise around in less than a year and still have a shot at a playoff berth for the first time since 2001.

To increase their chances of a playoff berth, the Dolphins (6-4) can go a long way to perhaps making this happen by beating the Patriots (6-4) again. By sweeping the season series, they would have the advantage over New England in any tie-breaking scenarios and with Buffalo fading fast that would mean that Miami could go to the postseason if an AFC East wildcard team is born.

Miami is riding a four game winning streak, while New England comes in losers of two of their last three, including last week's overtime heartbreaker against the Jets. This game to be played Sunday afternoon in Miami will decide the second place team in the division.

Usually the good teams are the ones that can consistently win the close games. Each win for the Dolphins this season, save for New England, have been decided by 10 points or less.

The Patriots needed to climb back from poor first half play and a tough 24-6 deficit to force overtime. Matt Cassell, however, played well the entire game. Having to play from behind, Cassell took to the air quite often and did not disappoint. He went 30 for 51 for 400 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also gained another 62 rushing yards.

The Patriots have never seemed to enjoy their annual trip to sunny Florida. They have only won eight times in 37 trips since 1970. Even with all their success and Miami's problems this decade, they have still only managed to win three out of five trips to South Beach. They did win handily at Dolphins Stadium last season 49-28 during their undefeated regular season.

InSpin.com