For Miami Dolphins, Sunday's Sequel Must Surpass its Predecessor

Do you remember when The Hangover first hit the big screens some five years ago?

It was a masterpiece. It broke box office records. It set new ones. It captivated us. Enthralled us. Left us wanting more.

And then, we got more. We got The Hangover 2. And suddenly, as badly as we wanted wanted, needed, a sequel, we quickly wished it had never happened.

It was awful. We felt angry. We felt tricked, duped, and let down. They sucked us in with the opening act, and then crushed us with the sequel.

See where I'm going here?

On Sunday, the sequel to Miami's eye-popping opening act must out perform the original. In fact, it's nothing short of imperative that it does.

Too many times have fans been let down. Too many times have we been sucked in only to be spit out in ruthless fashion.

Last year is just the latest example, when an undefeated September turned into a winless October in the blink of an eye. It was soul crushing. Heart wrenching.

It was just plain disgusting.

But it was also invaluable, because, for the most part, the same core that went through that in 2013 is still here in 2014. And now they have a chance to redeem themselves, to show that they've learned from it, and are now stronger because of it.

And what better time, and team, to redeem yourself against then the Buffalo Bills? The team that contributed to not one, but both of Miami's failed sequels a season ago.

In fact, I'd argue that, while last week's game was big, players have had this one circled for months now. Because this is the team, and the venue, where yet another failed Miami Dolphins sequel took place.

Remember? Of course you do. Who doesn't?

Beat the Jets, and the Steelers, and then, the Patriots. Control your own destiny. Quarterback's playing great. Offense is clicking. The city is rallying around their 8-6 team. The playoffs are all but assured.

Last December, these Miami Dolphins gave us a sensational three weeks. They had the league buzzing. Football was relevant once again in South Beach.

And then.. Buffalo.

Rinse. Wash. Repeat.

You see, it's rather easy to come out with a great movie, a great opening act. There are no expectations, no stakes. Everything is new, exciting, and, if you flop, so what?

But when you start talking about sequels, everything changes. People are interested now, they expect more, they expect better.

On Sunday, Miami MUST be better. Ryan Tannehill has to hit Mike Wallace when he's open. Lamar Miller has to hold on to the football. Dion Sims has to catch touchdown passes when they hit him in the hands.

The Miami Dolphins were impressive on Sunday, there's no doubting that. It was as impressive of a premiere as I've ever seen from this franchise.

But if Sunday's sequel is more Hangover 2 then it is Empire Strikes Back, then ask yourself this:

Does the opening act really matter?