Dolphins’ Season May Have Been Put to an End Early

     With six games gone, a regular season record of 2-4, and a team like this year’s Miami Dolphins, it’s difficult to conclude that their season may be over. It’s even more difficult to conclude such so early in the season, especially after giving arguably the best team in the NFL the New Orleans Saints their first real scare.

     But perhaps veteran cornerback Will Allen’s season-ending injury against the Saints is symbolic and ominiscent, indicating Miami’s upcoming woes are not over this season.

     The Dolphins fought hard in their close loss Sunday against the unbeaten Saints. However, the last thing Miami needed was a heart-breaking loss. Miami had given full effort all game, and even jumped to an early 24-3 lead. But the Saints, led by Drew Brees and his powerful offense, still managed to pull out a victory, rallying in the third and fourth quarters.

     Had Miami won this game, the team might have built on the fact that they had taken down the seemingly unphased and unstoppable offense, and a hard-nosed defense. Instead, Miami leaves behind Week 7 of the NFL season asking themselves “How did the still beat us?”

     The Saints proved to be the better team Sunday afternoon, despite Miami giving New Orleans a run for their money. But one must wonder about the mindset of the Dolphins after such an emotional loss. With their veteran cornerback out for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury, and having been embarassedin the second half, how will the Dolphins’ defense bounce back against a Jets team fresh off of a huge win against the Raiders?

     Statistically, the Dolphins are far from being eliminated in terms of playoff contention. But going to New York to face a young team who might have learned a thing or two from the Saints on how to hinder Miami’s explosive Wildcat offense, just adds to Miami’s woes. Though the Dolphins defeated them in dramatic fashion no more than two weeks ago, the New York Jets are looking to regain their momentum after beating the Raiders to end a three game skid.

     Should Miami lose next week, they will be forced to travel to Foxboro, Massachusetts with a record of 2-5 and a two game losing streak to overcome to play a streaking New England Patriot team.

     The Dolphins may have the talent to perservere, but due to their inexperience and youth, ‘Fins fans shouldn’t expect Miami to recover this season.