Miami Dolphins Win First Game of Season

How fitting it was to see tears roll off owner Wayne Huizenga eyes as quarterback Cleo Lemon threw a 64-yard touchdown pass in overtime to Greg Camarillo who finished the day with 109 yards and a touchdown. It has been the first time this season you could actually see smiles on the Miami side of the field. However, they needed a stroke of luck to inch out the win.

Baltimore had a chance in overtime to keep the Dolphins winless when former Ohio State quarterback and Heisman winner Troy Smith and running back Willis McGahee moved the Ravens down the field with ease. Miami finally held Baltimore to a field goal chance with 10:00 remaining in overtime, but the outcome looked dim as the Ravens kicker Matt Stover made his way out onto the field to attempt a game-winning 44 yard field goal. To this point, Stover had never missed a field goal opportunity in overtime. Miami called the usual timeout before the kick and it actually worked. Stover missed and three plays later the Dolphins had their first victory.

Baltimore was scrutinized for not going for a game deciding call that came out in Miami's favor. On 4th and 1 on Miami's 1 the Ravens decided to kick the game-tying field goal as opposed to going for it. While many will say that is the logical thing to do with :12 seconds left in the game, others will debate a team that is 3-10 has nothing to lose going for it in that situation. It will be one that Billick contemplates the rest of the year as the Baltimore Ravens will go down as possibly the only team the 2007 Miami Dolphins could beat.

Miami will remain out of the history books as possibly the worst team in NFL history for at least another year. Now they must start thinking about if the final two games in the regular season are worth trying to win. If they seemingly finish the year with only two wins (maybe the second against the woeful Cincinnati Bengals) on their resume that will give them the #1 pick in the NFL Draft for 2008. Many believe they will either take LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey or Arkansas running back and Heisman runner-up Darren McFadden.