Fins Looking for Six More Miracles, One at a Time
Since the Dolphins insist on defying the odds, who knows what'll happen?
By JANIE CAMPBELL
Updated 12:00 PM EST, Sun, Nov 29, 2009
So you're telling us there's a chance...The Dolphins are 5-5, hemorrhaging their better players directly into the training room, and in danger of bleeding out or dressing out the practice squad on Sundays.
And yet, they've also been winning, which is inexplicable but most welcome, and that 0-3 start hasn't yet killed their playoffs chances.
Are we in Bizarro World?
Well, yes. Step outside in your brightly patterned clothing, Miami, swat away a stray bullet, and embrace your lot in life.
But also no: this is how football works. In the course of 16 games, you can drop a few or five and still have a chance. Miami could still secure a wildcard slot (Dave Hyde's got the breakdown) and, wonder of wonders, could even take the AFC East if the Pats drop to the Saints and then lose in Miami next weekend.
Don't question it! Just cackle! Loud and long!
And, if you're in the proximity of a New Englander, kindly inform them, too.
But first things first: Buffalo.
Skies: Kickoff is shortly after 1:00, at which point it will feel like 44 degrees in Buffalo. That'll affect a Dolphin: already today corner Sean Smith was faced with the terrible decision of whether to eat or remain in his warm bed. Yankee mind games afoot! Fortunately for the aqua and orange, kicker Dan Carpenter is from Montana and sleeps in an ice chamber for funsies. (Only one of those things is true, but you get the point.)
Gimp Conditions: Who's even left on Miami's roster? Well, Ted Ginn, but... The Fins have waved goodbye to Chad Pennington, Jason Ferguson, Will Allen, Patrick Cobbs, Ronnie Brown, and now center Jake Grove is out with an ankle injury.
Who will replace him? Probably Joe Berger, but since he's a Dolphin he'll likely break a bone just suiting up. In Thursday's practice Berger suffered a "minor" knee injury, and was replaced by offensive tackle Nate Garner, who hasn't snapped a ball in a game since junior high. Tony Sparano said he's prepared for every contingency: "every one [on the offensive line] was snapping the football" in practice earlier this week.
Buffalo will likely start Kendall Simmons, a guard they signed only six days ago. Whee!
Ground out: the Bills' offensive line is crappy at pass protection, and while Terrell Owns could get one or two over on Vontae Davis, it'll probably come down to the run for both teams. Fortunately, Ricky Williams (who's elderly but evil-eye free) has had 10 days to rest his weary bones after carrying Miami against Carolina.
Miami waived goodbye to groin-gate star Matt Roth, a would-be run D stalwart, but shouldn't have any issues against a 3-7 Buffalo that can't be fixed with Jason Taylor, Randy Starks, or a strong gust of wind. The Bills have only run for two touchdowns all season.
Curiosities: The last three games between them have been decided in Miami's favor by an average of 16.7 points ... The Bills have been outscored 109-40 in the 4th quarter, while Miami has given up 107 4th quarter points ... The Dolphins have the second-best third-down conversion rate in the NFL; the Bills own the second-worst.
Fearless middle-of-the-road prediction: 24-14, Dolphins
First Published: Nov 29, 2009 10:37 AM EST
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