MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Philadelphia Eagles have been notorious
for their strong finishes. The Miami Dolphins have been haunted
by their disappointing finishes.
On Monday night, the Eagles look to extend their winning streak
to nine games when they battle the Dolphins.
Under coach Andy Reid, the Eagles have made it a point to close
the season with a flourish. Since 2000, the Eagles are 11-3
after November, including a 5-2 mark on the road.
But it has been a different story for the Dolphins, who are just
8-7 under coach Dave Wannstedt during that same span. Miami
missed the playoffs last season when it lost its last two games.
Sparked by their winning streak which matches their longest run
since 1980, the Eagles already have secured a playoff berth and
hold a 1 1/2-game lead over Dallas in the NFC East. They are
chasing St. Louis (11-3) for the NFC's best record.
With a win against the Dolphins, the Eagles would match the
longest winning streak in franchise history, set in 1960.
Reid also has an impressive record in prime time games, posting
a 10-1 mark. He did receive his lone blemish in the opener
this season, a 17-0 defeat to Tampa Bay on a Monday night.
While the Eagles already have punched their postseason ticket,
the Dolphins are fighting for their playoff lives. They trail
Denver for the AFC's second wild card spot.
The Dolphins do play two of their final three contests at home.
They play at Buffalo next week before hosting the New York Jets
to close the regular season.
Miami quarterback Jay Fiedler aggravated a left knee injury in
last Sunday's 12-0 loss at New England, but will start on
Monday.
But the Dolphins may have to begin their their playoff push
without starting quarterback Jay Fiedler, who aggravated a left
knee injury in last Sunday's 12-0 loss at New England.
Miami will give the Eagles a steady diet of running back Ricky
Williams. Philadelphia has had major problems against the run,
allowing five 100-yard rushers over the last seven games.
The worst-rated passer in the NFL through six games,
Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb has returned to his Pro Bowl form.
He has thrown for 1,513 yards, nine TDs and only one
interception in the last six games, and was the NFC's Offensive
Player of the Month in November.
McNabb will receive a stiff test against the Dolphins, who boast
one of the NFL's top secondaries that features cornerbacks
Patrick Surtain and Sam Madison.
The Dolphins are looking to complete a season sweep of the NFC
East. They already have wins over the New York Giants, Dallas
and Washington.
At halftime, former Dolphins wide receivers Mark Clayton and
Mark Duper will become the 13th and 14th members of the Dolphins
Honor Roll.
Miami leads the series, 7-3, including a 5-0 mark all-time at
home.