Two weeks ago the fate of the Miami Dolphins was in doubt with their record at 2-4, stuck on a 2 game losing streak, and a tough stretch ahead of them. So much for the concern regarding the fate of their season, the Dolphins defeated the Denver Broncos on the road today 26-17.

For the 2nd week in a row, the Dolphins have taken on a team no one would have thought them capable of beating, and defeated them. One week after beating the AFC East leading Buffalo Bills in Miami, the Dolphins went on the road to face the high powered Denver Bronco offense. The Dolphins shut down Denver from the get go and produced just enough offense of their own to beat the Broncos in Denver.

Chad Pennington was his usual effective self, nothing flashy, going 23/40 for 281yds 0TDs and 1INT. Greg Camarillo had a break out game catching 11 passes for 111yds and Ronnie Brown ran for 59yds and a TD, Miami’s lone offensive TD. The Dolphins kept Denver in check partially thanks to ball control, which was proven earlier this season to be Miami’s best friend. The Dolphins held the ball for 36:31 in comparison to 23:29 for the Broncos.

Defense led the way today though as the Dolphins kept Denver’s big threats grounded. Bronco WR Eddie Royal had 69 yds receiving while WR Brandon Marshall was held to 2 catches for 27 yards. The highlight of the afternoon was CB Will Allen’s 32 yd INT return for a TD in the 1st quarter that put Miami up 13-0. Slowly the Broncos chipped away at the Dolphins lead, getting as close as 19-17 in the 4th quarter until Brown punched the ball in from 2yds out to put Miami ahead for good at 26-17.

Today’s victory was important physically and emotionally for the Dolphins. After a disappointing 2 game stretch against mediocre competition in Houston and Baltimore, the Dolphins rebounded to defeat two winning teams in impressive fashion and pull themselves back to .500 at 4-4. Much like their success against New England and San Diego, ball control and solid defense were the key factors in the Dolphins’ victory. Every game the Dolphins have enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in this season, they have won.

When the Dolphins play football like they did today, they are playing smart football. Wins like this show they recognize their strengths and weaknesses and are playing to their strengths while minimizing the effect their weaknesses can have. The Dolphins can have an impressive finish to their season if they can keep working on this formula and keep applying it week in and week out.