One look at the 2009 Dolphins schedule will make fans yearn for Cam Cameron and that 1-15 season again.

At least that debacle brought a No. 1 draft pick and a soft schedule.

The 'Phins reward for being overachieving AFC East division champs and making the playoffs may be the toughest schedule in the league.

There are six games against 2008 playoff teams, including the first three of the season. Thirteen of the 16 games will be against teams that were .500 or better in 2008.

And to top it all off, Pennington and the boys will end the season against the blitzing and defending Super Bowl Champs the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even Hercules didn't have to endure such a brutal series of tasks.

Miami already plays in arguably the most competitive division in the NFL and has to contend with a healthy and returning Tom Brady twice.

One silver lining is the Dolphins will be featured on prime time TV four times, including two Monday Night Football contests.

The home schedule is sure to bring fans out also, with games against Peyton Manning and the Colts, Reggie Bush and the Saints, the Steelers and the Brady led Pats.

 All the 'Phins should be circling Oct. 18. No, they aren't playing the Detroit Lions.

It's the bye week and the only break in this hellish schedule.

2009 Schedule

Sept. 13 at Atlanta

Sept. 21 home Indianapolis (MNF)

Sept. 27 at San Diego

Oct. 4 home Buffalo

Oct. 12 home New York Jets (MNF)

Oct. 18 BYE

Oct. 25 home New Orleans

Nov. 1 at New York Jets

Nov. 8 at New England

Nov. 15 home Tampa Bay

Nov. 19 at Carolina

Nov. 29 at Buffalo

Dec. 6 home New England

Dec. 13 at Jacksonville

Dec. 20 at Tennessee

Dec. 27 home Houston

Jan. 3 home Pittsburgh