Dolphins Taking Time To Relish First Victory

Cletusaurus · Dec 18, 2007

DAVIE, Fla. - Cam Cameron was still smiling yesterday, with good reason.

Sure, his Miami Dolphins own the NFL's worst record. Cameron's job security is a hot topic, the team is apparently for sale, and a game with unbeaten New England awaits Sunday in chilly Foxborough, Mbutt.

Yet after 13 weeks of frustration and disappointment, the Dolphins finally got a win - and even though yesterday was a day to start prepping for the Patriots, Cameron certainly seemed like he was savoring this one.

"I can't remember getting so many hugs from people prior to this game and so many calls and messages after a game," the Dolphins' first-year coach said. "I guess that's just part of being the underdog and coming through . . . There were a lot of people pulling for us."

Greg Camarillo caught Cleo Lemon's short pass and ran away for an overtime touchdown that gave Miami a 22-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

It snapped a 16-game losing streak and put an emphatic end to the will-it-be-an-imperfect-season story line that dogged Miami for weeks.

Yes, these Dolphins will go down as a bad team, but not a historically bad one.

"I don't have to change my name now," defensive tackle Keith Traylor said.

Once Camarillo found the end zone, players spilled on the field in joy, then continued to celebrate in the locker room. Owner Wayne Huizenga acknowledged shedding a tear in his suite, then eventually found his way to field level to wrap Cameron in a long embrace. Clearly, 1-13 never felt so good to so many.

"It's just a culmination of a lot of what's built up in these guys," Cameron said. "There has been a lot of hard work. Nobody had given up. Nobody had thrown in the towel. And that's obviously why we do what we do, to play well, to play as well as we can play and ultimately win."

Huizenga told Cameron to go home and enjoy the win Sunday night. The coach hadn't been in the team's media room for 45 seconds yesterday before starting to speak about the "great challenge" Miami will have when facing the Patriots (14-0), who trounced the Dolphins, 49-28, Oct. 21.

"You keep talking about things that relate to winning in this league, and now you do those things and you win, you'd like to think that sinks in a little bit," Cameron said.

"You continue to practice, even when things aren't going your way, practice and prepare at a high level, and then the bottom line is you have to make some plays. And there were a lot of plays made in that game."

For once, the plays went Miami's way.

Jason Taylor's blocked field goal at the end of the half? "Tremendous," Cameron said.

The execution on the 64-yard Lemon-to-Camarillo pass? "Impressive," Cameron added.

And even as he watched Camarillo run away from the pursuing Ravens, Lemon didn't want to believe the Dolphins had won the game.

"The first thing I did was look for a flag because that's the kind of season we've been having," Lemon said. "Every time we have a big play, I'm looking for a flag."

The only flag that came out this time was a huge banner with the Dolphins logo, swaying from side to side as whatever was left of the crowd gave Miami a post-victory salute for the first time in a long, long time.

Miami could be without linebacker and leading tackler Channing Crowder for the remainder of the season. Crowder, who has missed the team's last two games, will have his left knee scoped today.
Click to expand...

http://www.boston.com/sports/footba...first_dolphins_take_time_to_celebrate_exhale/

DaBearsrule4ever · Dec 18, 2007

Congratulations to the Phins on their first win. Now, you're just gonna be another stepping stone in the Patriots path to perfection.

Dougerrrr · Dec 18, 2007

Go for two in a row!

dolphindude13 · Dec 18, 2007

Still an embarrassing season no matter which way you spin it, Yeah it felt good, better than 1 win should ever feel probably. They could win their next at NE and Cinci and it would still be the worst season in Fins history. Nothing to be proud of for shore. This week is the SB for the Fins, all about pride, now step up and play the way everyone expected the defense to play, put a complete game together and beat the hated pasties. At least give Finfans a game to be proud of.:icon_thumright:

DaBearsrule4ever · Dec 18, 2007

Atleast you'll get the first pick in the 2008 draft.

dolphindude13 · Dec 18, 2007

Yep, Glen Dorsey will be a stud in the middle of that line!

Cletusaurus · Dec 18, 2007

Bull. The Dolphins need another kick returner in the first round.

You know I gotta mess with ya, man.

FinFan_23 · Dec 18, 2007

The win felt good but beating the pats would feel so much better.

Log in or Sign up

Dolphins Taking Time To Relish First Victory

Cletusaurus YES! YES! YES!

DaBearsrule4ever Hall Of Famer

Dougerrrr Laus Deo

dolphindude13 Jack Of All Trades

DaBearsrule4ever Hall Of Famer

dolphindude13 Jack Of All Trades

Cletusaurus YES! YES! YES!

FinFan_23 Team Veteran

Log in or Sign up

Dolphins Taking Time To Relish First Victory

Cletusaurus YES! YES! YES!

DaBearsrule4ever Hall Of Famer

Dougerrrr Laus Deo

dolphindude13 Jack Of All Trades

DaBearsrule4ever Hall Of Famer

dolphindude13 Jack Of All Trades

Cletusaurus YES! YES! YES!

FinFan_23 Team Veteran

Useful Searches