It means nothing pretty much, but if the Seahawks and Bengals continue their hot streaks it would be the first time since 2006 the Dolphins have beaten more than one non-AFC East teams that finished with a winning record. Before this year their only win over a good non-AFCE team was the Packers in 2010. Even if you throw in the Pats, I think its just 2 wins over them since 06? One with Brady? I guess the only reason this is something to look at is because next season we have a whole boatload of teams that'll finish this one with winning records: Steelers, Ravens, Bengals, Falcons, Saints, Patriots x2, possibly Buccaneers and if we finish 2nd, the Colts. Of course things change, but the only one of those Its why the offseason is so important. Have to bring in playmakers in the secondary and that #1 WR who can make big plays down the field against tough opponents. Then you can see what the QB has and if he can hang with the big teams, which we face much more of next season. It's obviously early to talk 2013, but 2012 does have an impact on it as we see our needs. This poor record against top teams has to start changing soon. Miami hasn't been a real threat to any top team since 2003. Even 2008, we saw what happened both times against Baltimore, in Arizona, and when the surprise was taken away the 2nd time they played the Pats. Playing "tough" for moral victories is fine this year, but they have to change that soon, because moral victories get old fast as evidenced by the emptying stands. Hopefully beating the Bengals and Seahawks in tough games is a sign of things to come. (Though both those teams still have time to collapse)
Its nice that we can beat wild card contenders. But thats all it is. The fact that we can achieve mediocrity and its a story is sad unto itself.
