I'm not sure if anyone else has posted this tidbit but I didn't know that the Broncos were originally scheduled to play.
No Big Ben, but Dolphins-Steelers opener matches streaking teams
By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer
September 6, 2006
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- They were the NFL's hottest team at the end of last season, with numerous reasons to think they will be better still in 2006. Their quarterback's exceptional offseason injury recovery makes them all the more optimistic this could be a championship season.
The Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, right? Wrong. Try the Miami Dolphins.
The Steelers and Dolphins meet Thursday night in the NFL's opening game, but one that originally wasn't planned to match these opponents. A rematch of the Steelers-Broncos AFC championship game was anticipated, but the Broncos pressured to get out of the game and the Dolphins took their place.
Which raises this question: Is playing in the NFL's showcase opener a reward or an unjust penalty for the Dolphins, who missed the playoffs despite ending the regular season with a league-best six consecutive victories?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-dolphins-steelers&prov=ap&type=lgns
Anyway I'm glad the Phins stepped up to the challenge.
GO PHINS!