Browns, Dolphins Have Different Incentives for Tonight’s Game

The Miami Dolphins, amid recent reports of widespread drug use on the team, will try to regain respect while the Cleveland Browns will attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive in tonight’s game at Joe Robbie Stadium.

“The Dolphins’ image is going to be tarnished, whether we like it or not,” safety Glenn Blackwood said of recent stories linking the Dolphins and drugs.

Blackwood’s locker is next to wide receiver Mark Duper’s, who was suspended 12 days ago for violating the National Football League’s substance abuse policy. Speculation following Duper’s suspension about drug use on the team, coupled with a 5-game losing streak, has left the Dolphins (5-9) in turmoil.

“We’re just looking to smile these days,” linebacker John Offerdahl said. “A win would give us at least something to go home and be happy about for Christmas.”

The Browns (9-5) can’t win the AFC Central Division for the first time in 4 years but they’ll be assured of a wild-card playoff berth at home if they beat Miami and Houston.

“We’re still in a position where we control our destiny, and I don’t think in this business you can ask for anything more than that,” Cleveland Coach Marty Schottenheimer said.