No, I am not referring to this game as an intra-Florida battle that the Dolphins have had circled on their calendar since day one.  In fact, every single game on the calendar thus far (against playoff caliber teams or AFC East foes) has seemed more critical than this week.  I am referring to the fact that the Dolphins must be elated to be playing at home against a team that they are expected to beat.  For the first time in 10 weeks of football this team may be breathing a little bit too easy going into Sunday.

There are, as always, some causes for concern.  For starters the Bucs whipped out their vintage Peach (I capitalize peach in this case because the color of these jerseys is especially awesome) unis last week and pulled out their first win against the Packers.  I actually watched the Bucs/Packers game and, though sometimes inept on offense, their were moments when the Bucs offense showed signs of life while the defensive and special teams units were flying around.  I can find no other reason than a uniform change as to why a previously 0-7 team would come out and play such inspired football against a non-divisional rival.  Maybe the boys from the frozen tundra overheated in that balmy November Floridian weather?  The Bucs are also 10th in total defense and tied for 7th in turnover ratio in the league with an even number of giveaways and takeaways.  It’s safe to say the Miami offense needs to be careful with the ball (something that Sparano preaches about daily).

That being said, the Dolphins should handle the Bucs at home.  Tampa’s offense leaves little to the imagination and hosts a barrage of rookies and players that the every day fan has yet to hear of.  The Bucs have attempted only nine field goals all year and missed six of those attempts.  Without turnovers and big plays on special teams it will be difficult for a young Tampa squad to outscore Miami.  I realize that the Dolphins aren’t scary or explosive on either side of the ball, but they are fire tested thus far this year.  They have been in every game against a strong strength of schedule.  Josh Freeman won’t compare to Brady, Manning, Rivers, and Ryan.  Winslow, Stroughter, and Bryant won’t compare to Gonzalez, Clark, Moss, Jackson, and so forth.

It may seem like I am bashing the Buccaneers, but what I’m trying to eloquently say is that the Bucs are the Dolphins of two years ago and the Dolphins are, by logical deduction, two years removed from that point.  Whereas Miami has a group of young, core players that far exceeded expectations last year and challenge any team any Sunday, the Bucs

are just trying to find a rhythm and find out which players will build a strong future.  While the Dolphins are searching for a second half run, the Buccaneers are searching for uncovered talent on their roster.  Hopefully the Bucs come to town in their away peach jerseys and the same pep in their step the Packers experienced last week.  My bet is the Dolphins won’t overlook this team, if for any reason, because it’s hard to miss such sexy throwbacks.