The Miami Dolphins enter the 2011-2012 season hoping to rebound from a disappointing end to 2010. The 2010-2011 Dolphins struggled with mediocrity throughout the year, but after 13 games, still had hopes to reach the playoffs as they stood at 7-6. They lost their final 3 games, however, and were again home in January.
The 2011 Dolphins schedule doesn’t start off easy, as the New England Patriots come to Miami. The Dolphins were trounced by the Patriots twice last year, losing 41-14 in week 4 and then 38-7 in the final week of the season. Regardless, the Dolphins usually play the Patriots tough and you can expect their defensive line to try to get at Patriots quarterback Tom Brady early and often. Although this is a difficult test for week 1, if the Dolphins can pass it, their season would be off to an auspicious beginning.
In week 2, the Dolphins host the Houston Texans, another team with a lot of offensive firepower. The Texans have a young team led by superstar wide receiver Andre Johnson and last year’s rushing leader Arian Foster. The Dolphins will hope to contain them and get the ball to new acquisition Reggie Bush.
In week 4, the Dolphins have one more difficult contest before heading into the bye week. They travel to San Diego to face quarterback Philip Rivers and one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. By their off week, the Dolphins will truly have learned what hopes they have for the rest of the season, as they will have faced two perennial AFC favorites in New England and San Diego.
After the bye, things don’t get easier as the Dolphins head to New York to face the Jets. The Jets are hungry for a Super Bowl appearance after making it to the AFC Championship game the past two years and falling short. The Dolphins quarterback, Chad Henne, will have to play a conservative game to avoid giving the ball up to the Jets’ swarming defense.
In week 12, the Dolphins travel to Texas to face off against the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have been up and down the past few years but will no doubt be pushing for the playoffs in week 12. The Dolphins will try to put pressure on Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, hoping to force him into a mistake.
The Dolphins schedule finishes off by facing 3 AFC East rivals in a row. In week 15 they play the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo. Then, in weeks 16 and 17 they finish their season series against the Patriots and the Jets. These games are among the utmost important to win, if they want to secure playoff positions. They will need your support to end the season strong, so purchase your Dolphins tickets now.
Week 1: New England Patriots
Week 2: Houston Texans
Week 3: at Cleveland Browns
Week 4: at San Diego Chargers
Week 5: bye
Week 6: at New York Jets
Week 7: Denver Broncos
Week 8: at New York Giants
Week 9: at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 10 Washington Redskins
Week 11: Buffalo Bills
Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys
Week 13: Oakland Raiders
Week 14: Philadelphia Eagles
Week 15: at Buffalo Bills
Week 16: at New England Patriots
Week 17: New York Jets
