Good teams can put away bad teams. Right now the Dolphins are an average team, which has beaten a few above-average teams, and struggled to put away some bad ones.

Sun-Sentinel columnist Dave Hyde talks about the need for this team to take the next step in this column.

The Dolphins need to jump on St. Louis early before the Rams actually start believing they can win its third game of the season. Why give them any reason to think they are playing for anything more than a lower draft pick?

The Rams will have it's three big horses - quarterback Marc Bulger, tailback Steven Jackson, left tackle Orlando Pace - to steer the way for the offense.

And the Dolphins will be a bit shorthanded.

Not only is this the first game the Dolphins will play without leading receiver Greg Camarillo, but left tackle Jake Long is playing on a gimpy right ankle, and expect the Rams to work hard to exploit that.

The Dolphins will also be without DT Paul Soliai (suspension) and CB Jason Allen (hand), who is a late surprise scratch for the game.

Nate Jones will likely replace Allen as the nickel cornerback, and expect Rams receiver Donnie Avery to challenge Miami's secondary. But who replaces Allen as the gunner on special teams? Could this lead to another big special teams breakdown?

This could be a problem for Miami's suspect kickoff and punt coverage units. Allen usually shares that gunner role with receiver Brandon London and Jones, but this game will feature both players being called on to contribute more with the base offense and defense.

Here is my Edge Box for the game and prediction. While I struggled to give St. Louis one edge (boy have they been bad) as I've previously posted I've got a bad feeling about this game. It's a trap game.

It'll also be interested to watch the matchup of Longs, as No. 1 pick Jake Long faces off against No. 2 pick Chris Long.

For those looking for an Internet feed for the game here you go.

One side note: I need some help from the Mob. One of your brethren is up for South Florida bachelor of the month and my boy, WSVN sports reporter Donovan Campbell, needs your support. Click here to vote for him. It only takes a second and both he and I would appreciate it.

So, what will you be watching for in today's game against St. Louis?

Deuces.