Okay, first off, let me state that I put off writing this piece.  I wanted to savor every bit of my Christmastime by pushing aside the thought that the Dolphins had a football game to play on Sunday.  Oh, I had all kinds of fun.  I was wrapped in comfort and joy.  I was showered with blessings.  I even snagged a bargain yesterday on a pair of gray cords.   But that was yesterday.  Today is a whole ‘nother ball game! Suddenly, my hands are shaking, my head is spinning, and my heart is racing.  My french toast is turning about in my stomach.  The Dolphins are playing a game today.  Oh my! Houston, we have a problem!

Houston has a 7th-ranked offense and 12th-ranked defense.  This is slightly better than the Dolphins’ middlin’ 16th-ranked offense and weaker 18th-ranked defense.  The biggest problem? Houston lights up the skies.  Matt Schaub has an arm that is a lot more capable of launching a rocket than Chad Henne.  Let’s compare QB ratings, shall we?  Shaub 98.9, Henne 73.8.  Shaub leads the NFL’s 2nd-ranked passing attack.  And Miami’s pass defense? We’re in the bottom third at 23rd.  Let me repeat:  Houston, we have a problem!

Is there any cause for hope?? (Besides the fact that I’m stupid and always think we’ve got a shot to win until it’s painfully obvious that we’re getting pummeled.) We’ve got a strong running game, even post-Ronnie Brown.  And Houston’s defense is only average against the run.  But wait, Ricky has fumbled four times in the last two weeks!  Houston, we have a problem!

Uggghhhh…. I had such a Merry Christmas! Don’t make me scream “Humbug!” today, Dolphins!! I know it might take a Christmas miracle, but please win!