It's gameday here at the Dolphinsider, as the Fins and Titans get ready to kick things off from Sun Life Stadium . Until then, take a look at who I think has the edge in today's matchup, followed by my prediction. Enjoy.
When the Dolphins pass the ball: The Titans pose the league's 27th ranked passing defense, giving up nearly 275 yard a game, while the Fins boast the league's 20th ranked passing offense. However, I believe Ryan Tannehill and company hold a clear edge in this category, especially with the way Tannehill has played in the last five weeks. He hasn't turned the ball over since OT in Arizona, and has had a QB rating of above 90 in each of the last four games. Brian Hartline came back to life last week, catching seven passes, and I don't see any reason for a setback today. The Fins offense should put up a lot of points today, and I see Ryan Tannehill being a big contributor in that. EDGE: Dolphins
When the Titans pass the ball: Jake Locker will make his first start in nearly a month today after suffering a shoulder injury in week four. This could be both positive and negative for the Fins defense. Locker, when healthy, could put up big numbers. Look at his week three numbers against a very good Detroit defense- 378 yards, two TD's, and 35 rushing yards. Those are big numbers in both the passing and running game for Locker, which could be a problem for the Fins. They struggled last week against a young, mobile QB in Andrew Luck, and, while I don't see them looking quite as bad today, I wouldn't be surprised to see Locker put up good numbers. There is a chance that the young QB could be rusty coming off a month of inactivity, so that does bode well for Miami. However, the secondary must be cautious today. EDGE: Even
When the Dolphins run the ball: This is where the Dolphins must, MUST, expose this Titans defense today. Tennessee ranks near the bottom of the league, 29th, in stopping the run, while the Fins rank 13th in running the ball, putting up nearly 112 yards a game. Reggie Bush has shown sparks in the last few weeks of breaking the big, game changing run, but hasn't quite pulled it off yet. I think that could change today. Ryan Tannehill is 4-0 when he attempts 30 passes or fewer in a game, and he's 0-4 when he attempts more than 30 passes. This is a direct reflection of the running game. If Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas can get it going today against a very, very shaky Titans run defense, and take the pressure of young Tannehill, than the Fins could literally run away with this one. EDGE: Dolphins
When the Titans run the ball: The Fins defense seems to be getting things back on track after a poor week six performance against the Rams, but I expect it to be tested today. Chris Johnson has rebounded from a shaky start to the season and seems to be closing in on 1,000 yards after a string of solid games on the ground. Tackling will be critical today for the Fins, as Johnson is most dangerous when he gets out in space. Cam Wake and Jared Odrick will also be relied on heavily to keep outside containment on the front line, as Johnson is known for bouncing outside for the big gain. This will be a true test for both "CJ2k" and the Fins defense, and the winner of this matchup could very well determine the winner in this game. EDGE: Even
Special Teams: Is there a better team special teams wise right now than the Miami Dolphins? In the past two weeks they've recovered an onside kick, blocked two field goals, a punt, and, if not for an iffy penalty call, returned a big punt last week against the Colts. Marcus Thigpen has proven very reliable as a punt returner, and Olivier Vernon has been spectacular on the punt and field goal teams, blocking kicks and scoring touchdowns left and right. The Dolphins have turned into one of the premier teams in the league on special teams, and I expect that to continue today. EDGE: Dolphins
PREDICTION
This is a big rebound day for the Miami Dolphins. They have a huge week ahead of them starting with the Titans, and could set themselves up nicely for a postseason push starting today and going into Buffalo on Thursday. The run offense and defense will be the key to a win today, as Chris Johnson is coming in hot after a good month of running the football, and Reggie Bush is looking to continue his push to 1,000 yards rushing against a mediocre Titans defense. If the Fins can run the ball, stop the run, and have Ryan Tannehill continue his smart play, then they could once again move over .500 after today's game.
Final: Titans 16 Dolphins 27
Remember to check back in right before game time today for all the last minute news, including the inactive list for the Miami Dolphins, and don't forget to follow the live, quarter-by-quarter, blog of today's game.
Until then, Go Fins!
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