Miami Dolphins Early Season Struggles

By Maxwell Ryan

The Miami Dolphins are coming of one of the greatest one season turn around's in NFL history, 1-15 in 07', 11-5 in 08' with a AFC East Division title. Things seem a bit different so far this year.

Things didn't look too much brighter entering the 2008 season, nor did they look much better for Chad Pennington. Regardless, the Dolphins somehow pulled it together and became the Cinderella football team of 2008.

No one expected much out of Pennington, and neither did the Jets. Somehow, Pennington led the Dolphins to an AFC division championship in 2008, bringing the Dolphins into the playoffs to the surprise of many. This was a perfect way for Chad to rub it in the face of the Jets organization.

The QB is the most valuable position and when your starter goes down for the year, it could cripple your team for weeks and maybe the entire year. The Dolphins were already one of the worst passing teams in the NFL with their chosen starter. The Dolphins defense is in the lower half in the league but good against the run.

Young and inexperienced second year QB Chad Henne was called upon to lead the team, which didn't really bode well for the Dolphins' chances.

The Dolphins are in a very tough division when you consider they have to play the New England Patriots and New York Jets twice a season. However, this division is up for grabs, even with Tom Brady back in action.

Furthermore, every team in the AFC East is looking good, which makes things all the more competitive for Miami this season. The Jets, Bills, and naturally, the New England Patriots, have all made bold statements and look strong in regular season play.

The Dolphins' Week 2 match-up wasn't much better, as a disheartening loss during the last minutes of the game dropped the team to 0-2. The Colts are a tough opponent, but the Dolphins needed that win badly. Better luck next week perhaps? - 29957

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