(Photo courtesy of Dolphins.com)
They are a mere FOUR hours away from kickoff in Cleveland, as the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns are just about set to do battle on the NFL's opening Sunday. This is a big time game for the Fins, for two reasons.
Number one, they need to gain the respect of the national media. I don't know why this has been bugging me, but it has. 90% of national media outlets have the BROWNS winning this football game, and I just can't see why.
Number two, it's no secret that the Fins have a BRUTAL schedule for the next month following this game. Winning today would take a whole lot of pressure off this football team.
So, how do they win today, you ask?
Great question! Here's the answer(s):
1. Win the turnover battle. I feel like a broken record here, but this is, and will be, the MOST important key ALL SEASON LONG. Joe Philbin has preached it since day one, and for good reason. Teams who don't turn the ball over on offense, and cause turnovers on defense, win the majority of games they play. Ryan Tannehill did a great job of this in the preseason, and must continue today. Defensively, take advantage of young (old?) Brandon Weeden and cause a couple TO's. If the Fins are plus in this category by the end of today, then they'll be 1-0. Count on it.
2. Pressure Brandon Weeden. I like Weeden, I really do, but the kid doesn't handle pressure well. Get some guys on him, like, for instance, a Cameron Wake or Dion Jordan, and things can go south real quick. Take away a clean pocket for Weeden, and you're in business. Besides, who's he going to throw to?
3. Start strong, end strong. Another thing Joe Philbin has preached all preseason is starting fast. The offense did this somewhat against Tampa Bay, but besides that they were sloppy out of the gate. Imagine the momentum this team would have if Ryan Tannehill and company get the ball, drive down the field, and put up a quick six points. Same thing can be said for the end of the game. If this one comes down to a final possession for the Fins, whether they need a TD or just a first down to end the game, FINISH STRONG.
4. Establish a ground game. What's the best way to ease a QB into a new season? Give him a sound running game to lean on. Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas will both see their fair share of snaps today, and both need to step up and provide another option for Ryan Tannehill to go to, because if this offense becomes one dimensional, it could be a long, long day for the sophomore QB.
5. Eliminate Trent Richardson. Listen, no disrespect to the Browns, but I've analyzed this team up and down, and I just can't find another playmaker on offense OTHER than Trent Richardson. Davone Bess doesn't scare me, neither does Brandon Weeden. The only person who does concern me is the sophomore RB. So, it would seem to me that if the Fins eliminate Richardson as a threat, then they should have a field day with the rest of the Cleveland offense. Take away Richardson, focus on Weeden, and win the game. Plain and simple.
PREDICTION
The more I look at this game, the more I like the Miami Dolphins. They have the better QB, the better WR core, and the better defense. Yes, winning on the road is tough, especially on opening day, but I just don't see that as enough of a reason to go against the Fins in this game. Put some points on the board, don't turn the ball over, and let your defense take over. That's the formula the Fins should LIVE by this season, and that's the formula that should get them the "W" today.
Final: Dolphins 27 Browns 16
Check back right before kickoff for any last minute news, including the full list of inactives for both teams. And, as always, follow the live, quarter by quarter, blog of today's game.
Kickoff is set for 1:05.
We've made it, folks. Football is back.
GO FINS!
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