Miami Dolphins: Worst to First

Last Sunday, the Miami Dolphins realized their dream. Not only did they make the playoffs this season, they also became the AFC East Champions with their defeat of the New York Jets. As for the Dolphin’s new quarterback, Chad Pennington, he could have not asked for a better scenario to have been in. The Dolphins were face with needing a win to clinch the title and they were more than glad to help their new quarterback get back at the team that divorced him in the preseason.

For the Dolphins, it was truly a 180 turn around. In 2007, the Dolphins finished with a dismal 1-15 record. This year, they turned in an 11-5 record. But, that was only the tip of the iceberg for these Miami Dolphins. Prior to the addition of Chad Pennington, the Dolphins also got the addition of Tony Sparano. That was a bold move by Bill Parcells, but for those that know “Big Tuna”, then they know that it is indicative of Bill.

Another big difference this year was the fact that the Dolphins gained 926 total yards more than the 2007 team. But this was only a portion of the reason these guys won this year. Ultimately, it is said that defenses win games. Well, I have to agree with that statement. The supporting evidence is here in the pudding. This year the Dolphins managed to score 11 more touchdowns than they did in 2007. On the defensive side of the ball, they were able to trim the number of touchdowns allowed by 17. That is a huge difference. Also, in 2007, the Dolphins sported a -7 in the turn over ratio. In 2008, that number was +17 for a 24 point turn around. And, even though they only sported a +28 net point in 2008, that is 198 points higher than 2007. That tells the story right there.