Making a Mid-Season Splash

Another ugly win, but a win none-the-less. Run Ricky Run was back with a 100-yard game, Ted Ginn had an incredible TD catch and 100-yard kick off return (though it was negated for a holding call), and Sparano's coaching skills continue to shine like a seasoned vet.

Being a Dolfan, it's always been tough. With the exception of the past four years, the Dolphins have won fewer than eight games only three times since I've been alive (one of those years was the strike-shortened season where they went 7-2). That means they've always been in contention. The only downside to that is that it means you never get a high draft pick--but that never mattered. At least not until Dave Wanstache starting picking people, which is where the four years of frustration first took root and left us in misery last year. Given that, with a new GM, coach, QB and a ton of other question marks, at the half-way point of this season, I never expected:

1) To have this many Dolphin-related posts. Five wins, one game above .500. Who would've thunk? Not this Dolfan, I can tell you that much.

2) Chad Pennington would be an MVP candidate. He's not putting up spectacular stats, but he's consistently putting up good numbers and manages the game like a coach on the field. He's got to be the best off-season signing in the league.

3) To hear serious playoff talk. They've got a pretty soft schedule remaining. It's possible they could win 10 games. No, really. I'm serious.

4) To see a college formation succeed so well in the pros--with the Dolphins working it to perfection thanks to one new wrinkle after another. Cam Cam was supposed to be an offensive creative genius. Sparano's contribution have made Cam Cam just look plain offensive.

5) Nearly everything would go right this year. Last year, the 'Phins lost six games by three points or less--because of poor coaching and so many intangibles. This year, it's been the other way around. In fact, they could easily be 7-3 had it not been for last season-like flukes not going their way against the Nasty Jets and the Texans.

Half-way there to redemption. We'll see if Parcells & Co. can avoid the annual December swoon and finish it out in style.