Are the Dolphins a real contender?

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As journalists gorge on Manning breaking records, the Cardinals hot start, and Brady's resurgence there has been one story that has slipped through the cracks. The Dolphins of Miami have been putting together quite the campaign this season and find themselves at 5-3, just two games behind the division and they already have a victory over New England.

Miami had a mediocre September upsetting the Patriots then dropping games to Buffalo and Kansas City. They ended the month by defeating the Raiders, which every team who has faced them as accomplished. They went on to lose a heartbreaker to Green Bay when Rodgers threw a touchdown with only 3 seconds left on the clock. Had the Dolphins stopped Rodgers they would be currently on a five game winning streak.

So what has caused this normally mediocre team to remain a competitor for the playoffs? First, you have to look at the defense. As of now the Dolphins rank 3rd in yards allowed per game and 2nd in passing yards per game. They are also 3rd in points allowed.

Tannehill has also had some good games with a completion percentage of 63 and only 6 interceptions.

Before last week one could make the arguement that Miami has only defeated easy opponents. The Jags, Bears and Raiders are not top tier teams and the Dolphins defeated the Patriots before Brady got on a hot streak. However that accusation has to be put aside in light of their beat down of the Chargers. When Miami put up 37 points, and didn't give up any points, on a team that was 5-3 going into the game you have to give them credit as a legitimate playoff contender.

As Patriots fans we have to be seriously concerned because Brady and company head into a tough stretch with the Colts, Packers and Chargers coming up. If the Phins grab a few wins and the Patriots drop a few games Miami may find itself on top of the division.

Do you believe the Dolphins are a legitimate playoff team? Let us know in the comments section.

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