I predicted an 8-8 season for the Miami Dolphins, long before the season kicked off.  At the time, that was a brave pick for a team that was the joke of cable tv on HBO's "Hard Knocks". 

Former Jacksonville QB David Garard was expected to be the starter over a rookie named Ryan Tannehill who was supposed to be a project player...someone who might have taken three years to develop into a full-time starter in the NFL. 

Many of my co-workers laughed at my prediction, and said that an even win-loss record would make me happy, because I knew this would be a rebuilding season. 

We know this:

The Fins are not going to the playoffs.

The Patriots are a much better team, and Miami plays them in New England on Sunday.

Ryan Tannehill still has room to grow.

But, overall this Miami team has seen growth this season and the quarterback looks pretty good.  Hey, we could be the New York Jets! 

The Dolphins winning two games in a row, against the Jaguars and the Bills, means they have just one game left to close out the year and a win would get the team to my projected 8-8. 

That would mark the first time in a few years that the Fins will not have a losing record.  It's also 2 games better than the team finished last season. 

Beating Tom Brady and the Pats is no easy task, especially when New England is home and they are still working on securing a first round playoff bye.  But, we played them tough a few weeks ago.

Joel Malkin