When these two teams met back in Week 3, both had yet to win a game. Who knew that eight weeks later, things would pretty much be the same.

Ugh.

To their credit, Miami has continued to play hard under head coach Cam Cameron, losing three of their last four games by only three points each, including last week’s Monday Night Quagmire in Pittsburgh — only problem was that the Phins were shutout. As a matter of fact, the last two contests between the Jets and Dolphins have been three-point margins, including last year’s Christmas present from Leon. . .

Fittingly, the bookies are calling this game a “Pick ‘em” — more like “Puke ‘em,” really. But hey, it’s still Miami, so it at least it means something in the rivalry and pride department.

Cheerleader check: Well, they at least still have something good going for them.

Record: 0-11, dead last in the NFL.

Barometer: Steady, as the Dolphins again played last week well enough to keep it close but not good enough to actually win.

Questions: Being Jets fans, we all know without a doubt that the Dolphins will break through and win against the Jets this week, it’s only a matter of how — rookie quarterback John Beck exploding for his first TDs and 300-yard game, or journeyman running back Patrick Cobbs running amok like Mercury Morris (or Kenny Watson)? Or will it be often-mocked first-round pick Ted Ginn returning a few kicks for TDs? The possibilities for misery seem endless.

Key injuries: Linebacker Zach Thomas continues to be sidelined with a concussion. Defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday is being hampered by an ankle injury. Running back Jesse Chatman (ankle) should play.

What to expect from the Dolphins offense: In the time since these teams last met, the woeful Dolphins offense has lost its two biggest playmakers — running back Ronnie Brown to a season-ending injury, and wideout Chris Chambers to a trade. With Trent Green essentially knocked out of a career, Cameron has turned the team over to Beck, who has thrown for 241 yards in two games with 0 TDs and 0 interceptions. The rest of the backfield is a mess as the prodigal son Ricky Williams blew in and out for a few carries last week before tearing a pectoral muscle and ending his season. Jesse Chatman, when healthy, has been okay (409 yards, 4.26 average, 1 TD); if he can’t go fully this week, expect to see lots of Cobbs. Wideout Marty Booker is the top receiver with 34 catches for 394 yards, while Ginn — who made his first reception against the Jets — has chipped in 15 for 240. Beck has managed games well so far, but like any rookie, is susceptible to mixed coverages and pressures — the Steelers dropped him four times last week, but some of that may have been due to the horrific conditions.

Jersey watch (offense): The development of #9 Beck should be of interest to Jets fans over the rest of this season and into next.

What to expect from the Dolphins defense: My, how the mighty have fallen. Once one of the most feared units in the NFL, the Dolphins defense is an aging shell of itself — 27th in scoring (25.2 points a game) and 30th against the run, surrendering 148.5 yards a game. That being said, it should be more than enough of a challenge for the anemic Jets offense. The line is banged up a bit (Holliday), but reigning defensive MVP Jason Taylor is still productive (6 sacks, 1 interception) despite not playing up to last year’s level. Much was made of acquiring Joey Porter, but the mouth that roared hasn’t been the linebacker that makes plays (only 1.5 sacks). Channing Crowder has been productive (72 tackles) since taking over for the concussed Thomas. The secondary is a patchwork unit that has played well at times. Overall, the defense hasn’t given up more than 17 points in its last four games, but two of them (versus the Giants and Steelers) were aided dramatically by poor field conditions.

Jerseys watch (defense): Still #99, but you know that already.

What to expect from the Dolphins special teams, especially since they don’t have Mike Westhoff any more: The Dolphins drafted Ginn with the No. 9 overall pick this past April, and aside from an 87-yard TD punt return a few weeks ago, has not been particularly exceptional returning kicks or punts. When given an opportunity, Jay Feely has been good, converting 14 of 16 field goal attempts. Punter Brandon Fields is averaging 43.3 yards a kick and netting 35.3 yards.

What to expect from the broadcast booth: Everything and anything to somehow make this game relevant, probably focusing around Miami’s chances for victory.

What’s being said in the Dolphin blogosphere:

• The Phinsider breaks down the targets in the passing game.
• Dave’s Bitchin’ Look at the Miami Dolphins asks after Ricky Williams’ brief tenure with the team “what else could happen?“
• FinsNation is calling for Cameron to “unleash the Mormon.”
• Phinaticism recaps last week’s muddle in the mud versus the Steelers.
• Phinfever is, uh, excited to be facing the Jets.
• The Miami Herald’s Dolphins in Depth wonders why the Dolphins didn’t put in a claim on Kareem Brown.
• Miami Sun-Sentinel tries to see the sunny side of last week’s game in the muck.

The pressure is on: The Dolphin offense to get on track and somehow put points on the board — heck, after the Jets performance on Thanksgiving, a single TD may be enough.

Bottom line: It’s the Dolphins, they’re 0-11 and extraordinarily desperate. Nothing would make their season more than at least beating the Jets, which we all know in our hearts they will do.

Miami Dolphin Quick NFL Ranks:
Overall offense – 27th (290.1 yards/game)
Passing – 26th (180.9 yards/game)
Rushing – 15th (109.2 yards/game)
Scoring – 24th (16.6 points/game)

Overall defense – 16th (325.1 yards/game)
Passing – 3rd (176.6 yards/game)
Rushing – 30th (148.5 yards/game)
Scoring – 27th (25.2 points/game)

Turnovers: -5
18 giveaways (11 interceptions, 7 fumbles)
13 takaways (9 interceptions, 4 fumbles)

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