It snowed Friday in Green Bay. Thursday Night Football starts next week and bye weeks end in nine days. In case you missed it, we’re deep into 2010 season.
It’s the time of year where games start to matter a little more. It’s no longer too early to look at playoff races. I’m as excited for this Sunday as any all year because of three big games in the AFC that will help shape the next few months: Ravens-Dolphins, Chiefs-Raiders, and Texans-Chargers.
Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall knows how much this one matters for Miami, who is arguably the best four win team in football.
“It’s not going to be a pretty game,” Marshall said. “Both football teams are tough, physical and I think this is going to be a defining moment on what type of team we’re going to be for the rest of this season.”
I wholeheartedly agree. The Dolphins need to win one of these AFC showdowns if they are going to crash a crowded playoff picture. The Jets, Patriots, and Steelers all won in Miami. It’s going to be hard to escape third place in the division, not to mention pass whoever winds up in second place in the AFC North and South.
A loss to Baltimore would be Miami’s fourth in conference. That’s not lights out yet, but it’s getting awfully close for such a promising squad.
This much we know: A middle of the pack team is going to make a run. A “lock” for the playoffs will collapse. It’s too early to know which teams those will be, but it’s not too early for this game to help define Miami’s season.
The Dolphins are a physical team with an improving defense and quarterback. They’re dangerous. But if the Dolphins are going to make the playoffs, they need to start winning games against another contenders -- starting this Sunday.
