In First Meeting, Some Dolphins Felt Disrespected by Patriots Running Up Score

Now that the weather has become more of a factor during the final third of the season, we don't hear so much about the Patriots blowing out opponents. The elements make it damn near impossible.

But New England's opponent later today, the Miami Dolphins, had the misfortune of facing the best team in football back in October -- in Miami -- and were summarily steamrolled 49-28. A beatdown that included five first-half touchdown passes courtesy of Tom Brady. Shockingly, not everybody in the Dolphins organization was psyched about New England hanging 48:

Guard Chris Liwienski said several Dolphins were upset and felt disrespected when the Patriots passed with a 42-7 lead in their first meeting. But, countered cornerback Andre' Goodman, "If they're running up the score, that just tells us how bad we are.''

Andre' Goodman should win some kind of award for brutal honesty. He's right, of course. I'm not crazy about the Pats throwing when they're up by five touchdowns, or going for it on fourth downs twice in the fourth quarter, but unlike high school -- or even college -- these guys are professionals. Plus, with the salary cap, the NFL is all about parity (Lions fans might disagree). If you get your ass handed to you ... well, it's on you.