Dolphins Should Be Getting a Second-Round Pick for Trading Jason Taylor to Redskins

Expectations were understandably low for the 2008 Dolphins, an outfit that managed a tidy 1-15 record a year ago. In fact, this summer Pro Football Prospectus 2008 predicted there was just a seven percent chance that Miami would win more than eight games this season.

Yet here we are; with three weeks to go, not only are the Dolphins in great shape to win at least nine times, they're legit contenders for the AFC East title. But it gets better: it looks like they'll be getting a second-round pick for unloading Jason Taylor on the Redskins this summer.

At the time, Washington made the move because they needed defensive line help (and because Danny Snyder can't not make a deal for a big-name player). Taylor's struggled with injuries for most of the season and has been ineffective as a result (that's the excuse I'm going with, anyway).

So in addition to a mid-round pick in the second round of the upcoming draft, there's this, courtesy of the Sun Sentinel's Ethan Skolnick.

Who would have guessed before the season that the Dolphins would be in better position to make the playoffs after 13 games than Taylor (Redskins), Zach Thomas (Cowboys) or Chris Chambers (Chargers)? Or that the season may come down to a Meadowlands field goal by Jay Feely, against the Dolphins?

Pretty amazing, actually. I know the Falcons have had a remarkable season, but Tony Sparano is getting my imaginary Coach of the Year vote.