Dolphins Win? Probable to Questionable

With fans already booing quarterback Trent Green and calling for an early start to the John Beck era, you get the feeling it’s going to be a long season for the Miami Dolphins. But don’t get dejected, folks. Take solace in the old sports adage usually employed by players: “Just take it one game at a time.”

Lets start with Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders. So far, the Dolphins’ biggest problem seems to be that the team falls apart in the second half. This poses a problem against a Raiders team known for picking up steam as the game goes on: against Detroit it put up 17 points in the third quarter, and the next week, against the Broncos, it overcame a 14-point deficit bringing the game to OT. Yes, the Raiders may be a team with problems, but at least it’s losing games close. One of these weeks, it’s bound to win one. On the upside, the Fins have beaten the Raiders in their last three matchups. Plus, there’s the added drama that Dante Culpepper, the “Little QB that Couldn’t,” may start this game for Oakland – against a Dolphins team he helped derail, no less.

All this means you can expect a hard-fought, if not sloppy, match when the Raiders visit Dolphin Stadium (2269 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami). Tickets start at $29 – but do yourself a favor and hit up eBay for some cheap seats. Masochists can call 1-888-FINS-TIX, or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Sun., Sept. 30, 4 p.m., 2007