I know I've used this phrase once or twice already this season. But I'm 100% sure that this time I am dead on accurate: Sunday's game is the absolute biggest game in at least 5 years. You could even make an argument that this game is the biggest game the Dolphins will have played in this millennium. That's right - it's that damn big.
There are a number of reasons why. But the most important is what a Dolphins' victory would signify. It would really all but end the Patriots' reign as the dominant AFC East team. It would be the first time since 2000 that the Dolphins sweep the season series against the Pats. And most importantly, it would legitimize the Dolphins and their amazing, improbable success this season.
A win by the Dolphins on Sunday would end all this talk of the Dolphins being just a "good story." It would move them from the list of "pretenders" to the list of "contenders." In all honesty, it would thrust the Dolphins into the limelight - for a positive reason, rather than a negative.
The good news? The Dolphins' players and coaches all realize the importance of this game. And no matter the outcome, I can guarantee you that this team will come prepared to play.
Coach Tony Sparano even made one significant change this week. All season long, if the Dolphins won on Sunday, the players would get Monday off. But not this week - a decision made on Saturday before the team even took the field against Oakland. And the players have taken notice. Antony Fasano said that "it kind of opened our eyes up that it's a big game."
