A look at the first half of the Dolphins’ schedule

By Adam Best  |   Thursday, September 06, 2007  |  Comments( 13 )

Miami Dolphins
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I broke down the Miami Dolphins' 2007 schedule a few months ago, but now that all of the NFL rosters are pretty much finalized, it's time to take another look, starting with the first eight games on the schedule.

Week 1:


Dolphins at Washington Redskins - Jason Campbell is a young quarterback who lacks dangerous targets, which is good when you consider how weak the Dolphins are in the secondary. If the defense can keep tight end Chris Cooley and wide receiver Santana Moss under control, the Redskins' offense could stall. Up front, the Dolphins' defense matches up well against the Redskins' bigs and backs, so RBs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts shouldn't cause too much damage. If quarterback Trent Green and Miami's offense can both establish the running game and steer clear of turnovers, stealing one on the road is definitely possible.

Week 2:

Dallas Cowboys at Dolphins - A team's first game is important, but the opening home game is even more crucial. While the Cowboys are well-rounded, the team does have its flaws. There's a chance Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron could out-coach Wade Phillips, but it's not going to be an easy task. As long as the Dolphins don't get out to an early deficit, this game is winnable -- especially considering it's in Miami.

Week 3:

Dolphins at New York Jets - A rivalry game that will give fans an early look at whether the Dolphins have what it takes to compete in the AFC East. Once again, especially on the road against a well-coached team, the Dolphins' offense will have to take care of the ball. Building an early lead would give the Dolphins a huge advantage, as the Jets' game plan will certainly be to feed the ball to RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington early and often. If the Jets are forced to abandon that strategy and air it out, Chad Pennington will likely crumble under the pressure applied by the Dolphins' front seven.

Week 4:

Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins - This game will likely feature Daunte Culpepper returning to South Florida as Oakland's starting quarterback. The Dolphins have superior talent everywhere except the secondary, so this is as close to a must-win game as there is on the schedule. The Raider defense is better than advertised, so Green & Co. will still have to protect the ball.

Week 5:

New England Patriots at Dolphins - On paper this is a mismatch, but the games still have to be played. That's a good thing, because with all the Patriots' new faces, this is the time to play the AFC powerhouse. The Dolphins are also fortunate enough not to have to face Richard Seymour, one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL, who will still be on the PUP list. Pulling off the upset here would give the Dolphins' postseason chances a huge shot in the arm.

Week 6:

New York Giants vs. Dolphins (London) - This game will be played on a huge stage, and it's a tremendous opportunity for the Dolphins to make a statement about the direction they're going in. The Giants look like a team on the verge of self-destruction, and they're far from unbeatable. If Miami's defense can frustrate Giants QB Eli Manning, the trip to the UK will likely be a successful one.

Week 7:

Bye

Week 8:

Buffalo Bills at Dolphins - I may catch some flak from the Buffalo faithful for this statement, but I honestly believe that the Bills are the worst team the Dolphins will face in '07. No wonder defensive tackle Darwin Walker wanted no part of that roster. The Dolphins, who were swept by Buffalo last year, need to win not one but both games against the Bills if the team is serious about making a playoff push.

Week 9:

Dolphins at Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles' two best players -- RB Brian Westbrook and QB Donovan McNabb -- are injury prone, and one or both could easily be out for this game. The Dolphins might need such a break to steal this one in Philly, because the Eagles are about the best thing the NFC has to offer and an early Super Bowl favorite. This contest is easily one of the toughest on the '07 docket.

Part II, games 9-16, coming tomorrow...
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