It's gameday here at the Dolphinsider, and with the Fins and Rams set to kickoff in just over three hours from Sun Life Stadium, we've got all your pregame coverage ready to go. So, without further adue, here are the three keys to a Fins victory today. Enjoy.
1. Re-establish the running game. Yes, the stats say the Dolphins never really lost the dominant running game, as they rank in the top ten in rushing yards with 136 yards per game. But, lets not kid ourselves here, folks, the ground game in the last two weeks is not what it once was. Reggie Bush has been battling a knee injury, and the Fins have run into two highly respected defenses, but, with that being said, finding that dominant running game again today will be critical. If Reggie Bush and Lamar Miller can once again get going on the ground against a Rams defense that ranks 18th against the run, then expect a big day out of the Fins offensively, as not only will the Rams be vulnerable in the trenches, but also through the air with the play action pass with Ryan Tannehill.
2. Win the turnover battle. Here's a stat for you, the Fins have won 12 of their last 13 games, 6 straight, when forcing 3 turnovers, as they did last Sunday in Cincinnati. What's this mean? Force turnovers! Sam Bradford lost his top receiver last week, Danny Amendola, to a shoulder injury, and that means the young QB will be working with an unproven receiving core. The Fins secondary, led by Sean Smith, Reshad Jones, and Nolan Carroll, must capitalize on this and be agressive in the backfield, because if they establish themselves early on then it could be a long day for the third year QB out of Oklahoma. Mark my words, if Miami wins the turnover battle, then they will come out on top, it's just a proven fact.
3. Win the red zone battle. I touched on this earlier in the week, and I'll stress it again here, when the Fins find themselves inside the 20, whether it be on offense or defense, they must take advantage of it. Offensively, Miami ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to red zone scoring, as they come away with a TD 53% of the time, good for 15th in the league. Ryan Tannehill must not settle for average today against a defense like the Rams, because he may not get that many opportunities, so when he does, he must find a way to capitalize. A touchdown could mean the difference in tightly contested, defensive battle like many expect this one to be, and with the way Dan Carpenter's been kicking the ball, it's in the Fins best interest not to leave it up to him.
Adversely, on the defensive side of the ball, the Dolphin defense must continue to take on that bend, but don't break, attitude. They've done it all year, especially last week against the Bengals, and it's been the game changer many a time. If Miami can hold Sam Bradford and company to a field goal more times than less inside the 20, then the Fins have a great chance at winning this ball game.
PREDICTION
The Dolphins are favored for the first time this year today, and for good reason. If the Ryan Tannehill doesn't turn the ball over, is allowed time in the pocket, and is helped out by his running game, then the Fins should do alright offensively. Defensively, Miami must create turnovers, stiffen up in the red zone, and continue to limit the rushing yards, forcing Sam Bradford to throw to an untested receiving core. The Fins should be able to do all these things, and I expect they will, but I caution anybody who takes the Rams lightly, just ask the Cardinals. However, I don't see this Joe Philbin team doing that, and at the end of the day, I believe the Fins will get back to .500 heading into the bye week.
Final: Rams 17 Dolphins 24
Remember to check back in right before kickoff for all the inactives for today's game and any last minute updates. And don't forget to follow the live, quarter by quarter, blog of today's game!
Until then, go Fins!
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