The Miami Dolphins have been in first place in the AFC East since October and can clinch the division title with a win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. Buffalo has won four straight games and can secure their fourth straight AFC East title with a win in Miami.
In 2020, Buffalo ended a 25-year drought when they won the AFC East for the first time since 1995. The Dolphins are looking to take the crown from the Bills and win the AFC East for the first time since 2008.
Miami Dolphins’ Last Division Title Was Led by Chad Pennington
Entering the 2008 season, the Dolphins were not considered a serious contender to win the AFC East.
The division featured the New England Patriots, who were coming off a 16-0 regular season, and the New York Jets, who added quarterback Brett Favre.
After posting a 1-15 record in 2007, Miami hired Tony Sparano as head coach and signed quarterback Chad Pennington, whom the Jets had released that August after acquiring Favre.
The AFC East opened up a bit when Tom Brady suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1, but the Patriots still won the first two games. Yet, the Dolphins got their first win of the season in Week 3 when they stunned the Patriots and snapped New England’s 21-game regular-season win streak.
After 12 games, the Dolphins had seven wins, while Pennington had 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. Miami entered December tied with New England for second place in the AFC East, one game behind New York.
Pennington, who was benched a year earlier by the Jets, led the Dolphins’ push to win the AFC East. He completed over 74% of his passes with eight touchdowns and one interception in the last four games — all Miami wins.
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In Week 17, Pennington and the Dolphins visited the Jets with a chance to clinch the division. He passed for two touchdowns in Miami’s 24-17 win over New York to win the AFC East.
After defeating his old team, Pennington said, “It’s always a sweet feeling to be a champion. That’s what we are: AFC East champions. It’s a great feeling. This organization has been unbelievable. They accepted me from the get-go. This has been an unbelievable ride.”
The Dolphins’ Short Playoff Run
The Dolphins’ dream of a season ended the following week when the Baltimore Ravens went to Miami and won the opening round in the AFC Wild Card. After falling behind 3-0 early, the Ravens scored 20 straight points to take control of the game.
Pennington threw four interceptions in the season-ending 27-9 loss after only throwing seven during the regular season. He finished second in MVP voting and won his second Comeback Player of the Year for his role in leading Miami to the top of the AFC East.
After the 2008 season, Pennington would only start four more games in the NFL because of shoulder injuries.
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