It is gameday here at the Dolphinsider as the Patriots and Dolphins are just a few hours away from kicking it off in South Florida. Until then, take a look at who I think should be watched closely for both teams today, and, as always, I'll offer up my prediction on the game.
Enjoy.
1) Watch out for Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez. The third year man out of Florida has been on and off the field for most of the year due to injury, but don't let that fool you, he's still a force to be reckoned with when healthy. The Fins have ALWAYS struggled with tight ends, and you can bet Bill Belichick knows this. Expect Hernandez to play a big role in this game.
2) Watch out for Dolphins RB's Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas. The Patriots run defense has been stellar this season, only letting up right around 100 yards a game on the ground, and forcing teams to become one dimensional. This cannot happen today, as the last thing you want to do is force the rookie QB to shoulder the load. Running backs Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas will have to carry the momentum over from last weeks performance, where they nearly ran for 200 yards against Seattle, and keep it going into todays' game if the Fins are to be successful.
3) Watch out for Patriots WR Wes Welker. The former Miami Dolphin has quietly put together another solid year, catching 80 passes, and nearing the 1,000 yard mark for yet another season. Welker has always given the Fins trouble (99 yard TD ring a bell?), and must be watched closely today, especially on third downs.
4) Watch out for Dolphins TE Charles Clay. The second year man out of Tulsa had an explosive performance a week ago, catching 6 passes for 84 yards, and a huge 29 yard TD in the fourth quarter. Clay can be a special player in this Miami offense, as he can line up as receiver, full back, or tight end, and can pose matchup problems all day for the Patriots secondary. Hopefully OC Mike Sherman continues using Clay like he did last week, because this could be the matchup to watch today on offense.
5) Watch out for Patriots LB Brandon Spikes. The former University of Florida standout has put together another solid season, and is tied for 4th in league in fumbles caused with five through the first 11 games. Who is he tied with? Teammate Rob Ninkovich. Yikes. Spikes has a knack for finding the football, and with Reggie Bush known to cough one up from time to time, don't be surprised to see this come into play today.
6) Watch out for Dolphins DE Cameron Wake. Everything you need to know here can be found in my article I posted on Thursday. Wake will absolutely be the difference in this game, and if the Dolphins ever needed a monster game from the for CFL standout, today would be the day. If Wake can generate constant pressure on Brady, then expect this one to remain close all day.
No, I did not mention Tom Brady, or Ryan Tannehill, as these two should be the obvious players to watch. But, mark my words, one of those seven up there will make a difference in this game.
Lets just hope it's the even numbers..
PREDICTION
Joe Philbin has said it all week, this game will be a true measure of where this team is at right now. Win and you get the attention of the entire NFL, not to mention the wild card contenders. Lose and you're essentially playing for 2013. I don't see this being the runaway game for the Patriots like some have made it out to be, not after the Fins emotional walkoff win last Sunday. The key will be to run the ball effectively, not turn it over, and put pressure on Tom Brady. IF the Fins can do all these things they can absolutely win this game, but, unfortunately, those are a lot of ifs.
Final: Patriots 34 Dolphins 23
Check back in right before game time for any last minute news, including the inactives.
And, as always, follow the live, quarter by quarter, blog of today's game.
Until then, GO FINS!
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