
No, all the problems that caused an 0-7 start haven’t been solved. There is still plenty of work ahead. But two straight victories, the latest at home finally home, is clearly something to build on, something to savor.
Two


A season that only two Sundays ago seemed lost now offers hope. For the Dolphins to win at home after so many heartbreaks here over the last two seasons is an important step in this building process. Players were celebrating. Fans were cheering. Smiles were everywhere. Game balls were handed out. This is what a home game should be all about. Yes, home cooking tastes good again.
Here’s one poignant scene as the final seconds ticked off the Sun Life Stadium clock.

For Sparano, it is another indicator that he keeps this football team believing, keeps these players playing hard. Give him credit for that. So many coaches could have lost their locker room during an 0-7 start. But Sparano never wavered. He should be saluted for that.
What I like most about all of this is that the Dolphins are finally establishing a clear-cut identity. They are being aggressive with the passing game. They are utilizing Bush to make the most of his many talents. They are re-introducing the tight end into the offense. They are, at times, playing Bush and rookie running back

But, more than offense, it is the defense that has undergone the most dramatic change over the past two weeks. First they limit Kansas City to only one field goal. Then the Redskins get only three field goals. That’s 12 points in two weeks. That’s how you win games.
The biggest difference on defense? There seems to be more of an attacking mentality. In the pass rush. In the play of inside linebackers


Was that

So what’s the long-term picture right now? There is no long-term picture, not when you’re 2-7. For these Dolphins, it is as simple as growing a little each game, as taking what they did well against Washington and trying to do it a little bit better next Sunday against Buffalo and the next Thursday at Dallas.
Yes, the Dolphins are on a nice little roll. And it’s been a while since we could say that.