This is what we fans live for and die for every week of the year. This is why we tune in, log on, blog, text, drink cheer and cry every Sunday of every year.  This will be one of the biggest games in franchise history. Not only because of the playoff implications and the whole Chad versus Brett story. But most of all because it is the Dolphins versus the Jets in a game that has so much attached to it that the drama and the emotion is pouring out of every fan on both sides. This game would not have half the emotions if our QB came from some other team and had to then go and face them. Yes it is Pennington's shot at redemption...but most importantly is it is against those hated NY Jets and their hated fans. There is so much history in the rivalry and bad blood from the last thirty years that it amplifies all of the other story lines to epic proportions.  It's like the fans are drunk on the hate and the prospect of eliminating the other ones team is just another shot glass full of smack. You just have to love the fact that it has all come down to this and somehow all season long you knew it was going to. This is the biggest game in the NFL this week even if the yo-yos at NBC don't realize it. But the rest of the NFL does as you can't turn on ESPN or NFL Network without something about this game coming up within five minutes of tuning in. It is as Chad said "It's the only way fate would have it. I just don't think it could happen any other way. I don't think there's any other scenario. This is how sports works, how the game of football works."
 

 THANK YOU MIAMI DOLPHINS

All season long I have written before and after the Dolphins play and when I write I am always trying to bring the fan perspective into it. Here at FinHeaven and on the internet we can take those liberties because we are not regulated and FinHeaven is a site for fans and owned by fans. So we can be that voice. When this team has been bad, I have been a critic and I have called them out and most of the time deservedly so. But for the same token when we have won I have celebrated and I have applauded this team. Truly these are all the actions and emotions of a fan. But never did I imagine we would be sitting here with a chance to win the AFC East division title and make it to the playoffs. I am so happy I can't stand it. In fact I am so happy that today, when I was reading various quotes from depressed and suicidal Jet fans, I realized that I badly want to beat them and for many reasons. Mostly because I hate them and because they don't deserve to win anymore this year. They have not played to their capabilites and they have underachieved. We on the other hand have fought every step of the way and have been a better team. I also realized that if we don't beat them I am still happy. I actually feel no pressure for us to win this game. There is nothing any single game can do to take away this remarkable season. Even winning the game for the Jets won't remove the stench that is surrounding them. We have nothing to lost this point as we are already winners. The Miami Dolphins have completed the single greatest turn around season in NFL history and there is so much to feel good about.  As the year winds down I want to offer you these thoughts.

Things to Consider from 2008:

1.   This year has exceeded every fans expectation and is a huge success regardless of what happens next Sunday.

2.   Because of that I am proud of this team and I just love their competitive spirit. They have been a pleasure to watch.

3.   The first New England game was a great memory and will live forever in the annals of Dolphin history .

4.   Chad Pennington is the best quarterback in the AFC East, and one of the top three in the league.

5.   The Jets made a foolish short sighted decision in letting him go.

6.   The Jets will play hard and are the odds on favorite to win and I will not be suprised if they do.

7.   The Dolphins just find a way to get it done, and because of that I won't be suprised if Miami wins.

8.   Bill Parcells could go to jail for robbery. Getting Fasano and Ayodele for a fourth round pick is larceny.

9.   This team does not fold like every other Dolphin team has for the last ten years or more. That alone is worth watching.

10.   Channing Crowder = Underated

11.   The Dolphins are at the beginning of a great time in franchise history. Imagine what Parcells and Ireland will do with yet another free agency and draft?

12.   The Jets are spiraling our of control and headed in the opposite direction as the Fins. Their domination of us is coming to an end.

13.   The Dolphins defense can be scary bad at times. The defensive line has been very poor and the Jets have a superior offensive line.

14.   Because of that the Jets could put the game in Thomas Jones hands and win. If they put it in Favre's hands we might win. Miami needs to jump out first and make the Jets panic and take away the running game.

15.   The NY fans say we are lousy fans. But you know...they turn on their team quicker than a Michael Vick pitbull. So much anger and hate. Is that their definition of "good fans"?

16.   Favre and the Jets can still win a playoff spot. For all of the suicidal tendencies by their fans, they forget they are actually in a better position than we are.

17.   If the Jets do win refer to #1 again.

18.   Andre Goodman= most improved player.

19.   No one is talking about it, but Sporano and company did a brilliant job of shuffling the offensive line when Smiley went down.

20.   When Miami runs more variation out of the Wildcat it is a great formation. Ronnie running 95% of the time is not fooling anyone.

21.   Ginn has blinding speed and great skills. If he can ever match it up with a Fasano type heart he would be worth #9 overall

22.   Patrick Cobbs has earned his place on this team and more playing time. He is a playmaker and good things happen when he is in the game.

23.   Devon Bess also has earned his spot on the team.

24.   Sporano is the coach of the year. Period.

25.   Chad is the MVP. Period

26.   Miami can win on Sunday and I think they have less pressure on them than does NY. I think the team wants to win it for Chad, and for Sporano and for the guys that were here last year.  If somehow the Miami Dolphins can go into the Meadowlands and win that game this will go down as one of the greatest season in Dolphin history.

Holidays are a time to reflect and count your blessings. This year Dolphin fans have been blessed and we have had a great 2008. Everyday when I log on to our great site, I find more new fans that have joined a membership base that covers the globe. We have members from all 50 states, Europe, Asia, and South America.  I see the thousands of posts that express hope, joy and optimisim and I think that I don't care what others say about our Miami fans. They criticize us because we are a city of transplants and we dont have the long time built in fan base that other major cities do. Hell, their fans are the ones moving to Florida by the thousands every year. But I see the passion and the loyalty and the support everyday...from all over. And we fans are now being rewarded because we follow a team that inspires us because of how they play. It is fun to be a Dolphin fan again. So from this fan site and from myself personally as a fan we send a great big "THANK YOU" out to the organization, the coaches and the players. When you come back home Sunday night and regardless of the outcome you are OUR team and you have earned our respect. 

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