Dolphins have a lot to prove Week 5

Coming off perhaps the season’s biggest upset against the Patriots in Week 3, the Dolphins have a lot to live up to. The Fins offense ranks 3rd in the AFC with a 70% red zone touchdown conversion rate and has the 10th ranked rush defense after coming off their best defensive game of the season. The secondary that gave up 5 touchdown passes in the first two weeks held a Tom Brady-less offense to 156 passing yards, and the offense that scored three touchdowns combined in weeks one and two nearly doubled themselves last week, scoring five against New England.

But what does that really mean? I don’t think it means that much… yet. The kickoff coverage gave up 237 yards to Ellis Hobbs alone on returns in Week 3, the pass defense is 26, and that 10th rush ranking is a bit skewed— they have yet to be tested, with Kurt Warner throwing for 361 yards and three touchdowns Week 2 and third string New England back Sammy Morris taking the reins Week 3 for New England.

But does this all mean the team doesn’t have it together, or have a fighting chance? No. Each week is a new chance for improvement. This week the Fins are coming off a much-needed bye. Numerous Dolphin players said last week was “business as usual” and they spent time working out the kinks that come with a new system in, lets face it, a rebuilding year. I think the team has what it takes to come out in December with at least a .500 season. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams seem to be bouncing back from their respective issues; after rushing last week for 211 combined rushing yards, they seem to be regaining ground and nearing the top where they each were. Brown is tied for the league lead with five touchdowns.

Chad Pennington told the press last week he was taking advantage of the bye to work on timing and other issues with his wide outs. Pennington is 53-83 with two touchdowns and one interception on his season for a rating of 87.9, and he’s coming off one of the most accurate games of his career. Anthony Fasano is emerging as Pennington’s top target, with 11 catches, two touchdowns and 150 receiving yards in three games. Even Ted Ginn, Jr. is (finally) showing he (sort of) belongs out there (some of the time.) He’s lost his kicking return honors to un-drafted rookie Davone Bess out of Hawaii, but made five catches for 49 yards against New England, which (at least) shows improvement.

No matter what they say, New England wasn’t the weaker, lesser team in Week 3. Sure, they didn’t have Brady’s strength and Matt Cassel had his follies, but the progress Miami showed on the field offensively against a predominately healthy New England secondary shows they may be finally bringing it together and getting on the same page. I’m not gonna lie—it was exciting to watch, in disbelief though I was, but if Miami can keep its composure and focus in Week 5, and play to their ability, we’ll be seeing more of Week 3 excitement all season long. The win against New England doesn't mean anything apart from what they accomplish, or don't, in Week 5 at home against San Diego. Only time will tell if the Fin's Week 3 show was a fluke, or the start of something good in South Florida.

 Statistics gathered by Fox Sports at msn.foxsports.net.

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