Dolphins Win AFC East
One of the most amazing turnarounds in NFL history has culminated in the Dolphins defeating the New York Jets 24-17 in New York, clinching the AFC East title and a playoff berth. The voyage from 1-15 doormat to 11-5 playoff team is complete, faster than anyone ever dreamed. The voyage from playoff team to Superbowl contender begins in earnest against the Baltimore Ravens.
But first, let’s savor this victory. A game in which Chad Pennington threw for 2 TDs to beat his old team. A game in which Phillip Merling intercepted a Favre screen pass and returned it for a TD. A game in which Andre Goodman intercepted 2 Favre passes (giving him 5 for the season). A game in which Charlie Anderson blocked a punt.
More importantly, a game in which the Dolphins were able to keep the Patriots and the Jets out of the playoffs. A game in which this Miami team, for so long a team that imploded on the road in December, was able to go to New York, of all places, in December, and play winning, playoff football.
Anything is possible now. This team finds a way to win. Will they do the same against a Ravens team that already beat the Dolphins in a 27-13 win? Well, they lost to this Jets team earlier this season and came back to beat them, so why not the Ravens?
Just keep saying it to yourself. Anything is possible… even a 2nd round game in Pittsburgh… and beyond.
Enjoy the ride, Dolphins fans. We have at least one more stop to go.
by Rich Rodriguez
Phinfever Blog Writer
