Can any NFL team go from a 1-15 Won-Loss record one season to divisional champion in the very next season? Yes , if that team is the Miami Dolphins. Theyre the squad that pulled off the incredible turnaround, in a single season.

With Hall of Fame former Head Coach Bill Parcells running the front office, and heavily involved in personnel decisions, the Miami Dolphins pulled off the miracle. After finishing the 2007-2008 Season as a divisional and league doormat with a pitiful 1-15 record, south Floridas boys in light blue shocked the competitive AFC South Division, and the entire NFL, by finishing ahead of the powerful New England Patriots playing without superstar quarterback Tom Brady , the Buffalo Bills , and the Brett Favre-led New York Jets.

Yes, the Dolphins finished first and won the division. And, in so doing, they completed the greatest turnaround in league history. So , just how did they do it?

There were a number of contributing factors. One, the Patriots never fully recovered after they lost Tom Brady for the season even though untested Matt Cassell stepped up , and by their aging defense. The Buffalo Bills were simply disappointing , and The New York Jets, after a fast start, were let down by mediocre quarterback play, from future Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre.

Add to that a very creative offense that managed to fool defenses all season by keeping them off-balance and guessing , a good defense , decent special teams, and the amazing Dolphins had just enough to stagger to the finish line in the AFC East, in first place.

While luck played a role in their turnaround, good coaching on the field and good planning in the executive office helped, as well. The Dolphins enjoyed one more very big benefit: in 2008-2009, they played a last place schedule. In other words, they played primarily against teams that were also coming off very poor 2007-2008 seasons. And that helped the resurgent Miami Dolphins a lot.

The new season, still a few months away, could bring dramatically different results to the boys from Miami. For example: they have graduated from a last place schedule to a first place schedule. That means theyll be lining up against teams outside their division that are much tougher than the competition they beat up last season. Additionally, the Patriots will be playing with Tom Brady this year , the Bills have upgraded many of their weaknesses , and the Jets have a dynamic new Head Coach, Rex Ryan, who has promised a Ravens-like attack defense. There will be no easy games for Miami inside their own division , none!

Fans of the Dolphins could find themselves smiling less next season as Miami loses much more often. And, if you bet, be aware that, especially early in the season, the Dolphins may be favored in some games , and they can be a bad favorite. Proceed with caution.