The NFL is the most popular sports league in the country. A main reason for its popularity derives from the perception that every team has a chance to win on any given Sunday. Parity has become a commonly used word to describe the landscape of the league, and football enthusiasts are well aware that there is no such thing as a sure victory. However, when forecasting the Miami Dolphins ' prospects for the upcoming year, the team's fans should be encouraged by the softness of their first six games.
The schedule-makers have provided head coach Cam Cameron and the Dolphins a good opportunity to get off to a fast start. They open the season on the road against perennial underachievers the Washington Redskins , who were 3-5 at home last season and struggled to put up points under offensive coordinator Al Saunders. If the Dolphins' defense can play well, Miami's offense should be able to control the clock and run the ball effectively against the Redskins' mediocre D-line.
After, the Dolphins host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. The Cowboys were a strong road team last season, winning five games. Much like the Dolphins, Dallas is under new leadership, with Wade Phillips replacing Bill Parcells. Considering Phillips' previous coaching tenures and the fact that the offense is in the hands of the relatively inexperienced Jason Garrett, the Dolphins' opening home game could end in victory.
Miami then visits the Meadowlands in Week 3. The Jets took both games against the Dolphins last season, winning each contest by three points. Every time these division rivals meet, the game is highly competitive and unpredictable.
Miami has the good fortune of hosting the lowly Oakland Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders didn't win a single road game last season; there is no reason to expect much better from this year's version of the silver and black.
The Dolphins came up short in their trip to Houston last season, losing 17-15, and their shot at revenge comes in Week 5. The Texans have a new starting quarterback, as Matt Schaub takes over for David Carr. Much like their previous meeting, it should be a close game with Miami having an opportunity to pull out a win.
Lastly, the highly anticipated matchup between Brady Quinn and the Cleveland Browns against the Dolphins takes place Week 6. Quinn will look to prove that Dolphins management made a mistake passing on him in the first round of last April's draft, assuming he is the starter. The Browns, however, were only 2-6 at home last season, which means Miami has a solid shot at securing a victory.
The Dolphins have an interesting quarterback situation. Miami drafted John Beck in Round 2, re-signed Cleo Lemon , and the team acquired veteran Trent Green from the Kansas City Chiefs for a fifth-round conditional draft pick on Tuesday. Green will most likely be the starter when the season begins. It appears Daunte Culpepper's short tenure in South Florida is about to end.
Miami has a favorable opening schedule. If the team can get the job done with a proven veteran signal-caller, a draft pick with high upside, and a backup who's familiar with the system, then Miami should be over .500 heading into its home Week 7 showdown with division powerhouse New England.
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