Gameday: The "X" factors' in today's game PLUS prediction

The Fins and Bengals are set to kick it off from Paul Brown Stadium in just a few hours.  Until then, let's start week five off right with some pre-game analysis here at the Dolphinsider.  Here are the "X" factors' in today's game.  Players who I believe will play a big part in deciding the outcome.  Enjoy.


Jake Long, T:  The Cincinnati Bengals are second in the league with 16 total sacks through four games, only one behind last weeks opponent, Arizona.  Jake Long hasn't had a bad year by any standards, but at the same time, the pro bowl tackle hasn't been all that great either. Long has given up a team leading three sacks in the Fins first four games, this after allowing just sixteen in his first four seasons.  Long must protect Ryan Tannehill today, because a rookie QB under duress, on the road, in a hostile environment, never bodes well for anybody except the defense.

A.J. Green, WR:  Green is having himself a phenomenal sophomore season in Cincinnati, as he trails only Brian Hartline for most receiving yards in the league.  The Fins rank in the bottom three of the NFL in passing defense, giving up nearly 300 yards a game through the air.  It's hard to imagine a scenario where Green has a big game and the Fins still win, so knowing where the big time receiver is at all times will be a must today.






Brian Hartline, WR:  Speaking of Brian Hartline, the Fins receiver is coming off a record breaking week four performance, and while he probably won't put up numbers quite that impressive today, he's still going to play a huge part in this one.  Hartline must continue to stretch the field and provide Ryan Tannehill with big play opportunities, along with freeing up fellow WR Davone Bess on the other side of the field.  When Hartline and Bess are hot, this Fins offense is tough to stop, so Hartline must not have a letdown game today.






Andy Dalton, QB:  Who said there was such a thing as a sophomore slump?  Don't try to tell Andy Dalton it exists, as the second year QB out of TCU is having himself a fine season thus far, throwing for over 1,100 yards, 8 TD's, and a QB rating in the three digits.  If the Fins are to win this game, containing this X factor will be as crucial as any of them.

Cameron Wake, DE:  Wake had a fine day last week in Arizona, sacking QB Kevin Kolb 4.5 times and pressuring him throughout the day. The pro bowl defensive end must continue this play today, as Andy Dalton, like most QB's, benefits from a pretty pocket to throw out of, and if Dalton is given this pocket today, then expect a long day on the defensive side of the football.

Michael Johnson, DE:  The defensive end for the Bengals trails Cameron Wake by .5 sacks to begin the day, and could be a force in the Miami backfield.  Containing Johnson will be a must today, and if the Fins fail to do this, then expect a lot of sacks, and a lot of interceptions thrown by Ryan Tannehill.



Ryan Tannehill, QB:  Speaking of the rookie QB, didn't think I'd forget him, did you? Tannehill put up monstrous numbers last week, torching the Arizona defense for over 400 yards en route to a career day.  However, with that being said, Tannehill must limit his turnovers today.  The rookie threw two interceptions last week, one in overtime, and fumbled once late in the fourth quarter.  The rookie must correct this today or that Cincinnati defense will feast on him from the word go.

Reggie Bush, RB:  I believe this to be the biggest factor of the day for the Miami Dolphins. OC Mike Sherman must expose the Bengals subpar run defense, and with Reggie Bush close to full health for the first time in two weeks, I believe he can.  If Bush can put up  a performance like he did in week two vs Oakland, then the Fins will have a huge leg up in this one.







Prediction:

Another tough one today for the Fins, but they matchup well with the Bengals.  The key today will be containing A.J. Green, and this is especially true since the secondary will be without CB Richard Marshall, who is out with a back injury.  Offensively, RB Reggie Bush will play a huge factor in this one.  I believe that in order for a Fins win, Bush has to have a day like he did a few weeks ago against Oakland, and with the Bengals only ranked 22nd against the rush this is a real possibility.  Like I said, I like this matchup today for the Fins, and believe they've played too well over the course of the last three games to lose again.

Final: Dolphins 23 Bengals 17

Remember to check back right before kickoff for any last minute updates and the inactives list.  And don't forget to follow the live, quarter by quarter, blog of today's game!

Until then, Go Fins!