I’ve learned never to underestimate an opponent. Fact is the Dolphins have beaten the Seahawks, Raiders, and Rams by a combined total of 8 points. And I’d be lying if I didn’t proclaim openly that I’m very nervous about this game. The Bills will be angry after their loss on Sunday and are essentially playing for their playoff lives. A loss would probably put an end to any playoff thoughts for the Bills – and that has me scared.

Nothing worse than playing against a desperate team.

If they don’t, then somebody within the organization deserves to be fired.

All I need is to hear that Ronnie Brown can’t make the game because he never got a passport.

a “very happy player” – that’s classic.

Yes – Justin Smiley is done for the year, which hurts big time. Greg Camarillo, our leading receiver, suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Pats two games ago. But other than that, I don’t have any concerns. Ricky Williams left the game after tweaking an ankle on Sunday – but later returned.

Jason Allen, who has been our nickelback the past few weeks, missed yesterday’s game with a “hand/wrist” injury – forcing Joey Thomas into the nickel role. The result? Two pass interference penalties on St. Louis’ first drive to help get them in position for a FG. He also allowed at least 2 3rd down conversion completions. So Jason Allen’s health will be something to monitor this week.

No doubt, Pennington has been the most important key to Miami’s turnaround.

But there are a lot of other reasons. Jason Ferguson’s acquisition was key because, to run a 3-4, you need that big NT. Justin Smiley, who is done for the year now, was a big factor in Jake Long’s development because they played next to each other. Randy Starks, Phillip Merling, and Kendall Langford were big acquisitions that helped improve Miami’s DL.

But one of the other keys has been the RB play. Last year, Ronnie Brown only played in 7 games and Ricky Williams only got in for like 2 or 3 plays. So having those 2 back and healthy makes a big difference.

But I agree with you that the Dolphins shouldn’t have been as bad as they were last year. But with that said, only about 20 players from last year’s team remain. So the moves that Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland orchestrated have been brilliant – with the exception of Ernest Wilford – and those two deserve a lot of credit.

Oh – and having a capable head coach also helps.

Yeah – I think we’d all agree that the Jets and Bills fading into oblivion would be a good thing. They are definitely my 2 most hated rivals. Your Bills are third – but I wouldn’t say it’s a close third.

Back to your question. I think a lot of the team’s success is for real. Again, I know I’ve said it like 2 or 3 times already, but Chad Pennington has been a savior for this team. So much so, in fact, that I’m going to be purchasing a big ol’ CP jersey – even if he’s only starting for 1 more season before Henne takes over. He’s been 1 million times better than I thought. I’ll admit it – I was dead wrong about him. I originally didn’t want the Fins to sign him. And now he’s like one of my 2 or 3 favorite players.

With that said, I do think the schedule has played a small part in Miami’s success. They lucked out and got to play the two worst divisions in football – the AFC West and NFC West (as every other AFC East team did). So far, against those 2 divisions, the Fins are 5-1. But next year, our AFC East teams play the AFC South and NFC South – a much tougher task. So it’s probable that they could take a step back, record-wise, in 2009. But that doesn’t make their success this year a fluke.

The Dolphins originally intended to run a 3-4 defense – with Jason Taylor and Joey Porter as OLBs. But injuries really prevented them from playing a true 3-4 defense. In fact, they were in a 4-3 more times than not – which is partly why Joey Porter had such a down year. So I won’t say the transformation was totally done in one offseason, but some of the key pieces were found this past offseason (Jason Ferguson, Phillip Merling, Kendall Langford). Since you guys have a potential NT already with Stroud, I’d say it can be done.

As for Ginn, he’s actually been quite good since the first meeting between these 2 teams. He’s averaged 4 catches for 60 yards in 5 games since his big breakout game against the Bills (but only 1 receiving TD). But he has also scored a 40 yard TD on a reverse.

But I’d keep the name Davone Bess in mind this week. He’s going to be the receiver that surprises you guys.

no kidding…that guy is a complete bust but of course McGee had to play 20 yards off of him….

And, how cheeched out do you think Ricky Williams will be when he meets up with his old Toronto Argonauts? Or will he bring his yoga mat?

First, Bills fans tried to sell me on Losman. I didn’t buy.

Then earlier this year, you all tried to convince everyone that Edwards was the next “big thing.” Still didn’t buy.

But I’m just as guilty. I actually thought John Beck would be a star.