Gameday: Three keys to a 2-0 start PLUS prediction

(Courtesy of Dolphins.com)

It's game day in Indianapolis, as the Fins and Colts are just under three hours away from kicking off week two in the NFL.  Both teams are coming off victories, and one will leave today's game with a big and pretty 2-0 record.  Who will it be?

If it's to be the Fins, here how they do it:


1.  SACKS, SACKS, SACKS.  I told you about it earlier in the week, and I'll reiterate it here:  Simply putting pressure on Andrew Luck IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH.  He showed us that last season, and he'll show us again today if Miami fails to take him down.  Don't let the kid break away.  Wrap up, and bring him down.

2.  Establish a ground game.  0.9 yards a carry won't work in pee-wee football, much less the NFL.  Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas, and the offensive line NEED to correct this issue today, and they should against a shaky Colts run defense.  Ryan Tannehill, as we saw last week, can win a football game for his team without a running game, but that was against the Cleveland Browns.  The Fins must find a way to establish a ground attack today, or that Indy front four will feast on Tannehill.

3.  Get Mike Wallace INVOLVED.  The star WR has only played in Indianapolis once before, but he had a big game for himself, catching 5 passes for 144 yards, and a TD. The Fins must utilize the artificial turf with Wallace's speed, and create some big plays out of it.  And if the long ball isn't working, ADJUST.  Slant routes, bubble screens, crossing patterns, etc.. GET HIM THE BALL.  No excuses not to get your best playmakers involved.  Period.


PREDICTION

I like the Miami Dolphins in this football game.  They have the better defense, and, more importantly, the better defensive line.  I expect those front four guys to get after Andrew Luck today, early and often, and create havoc for the second year QB.  If they can do that on a consistent basis, and the offense can run the ball against a vulnerable defense, and get Mike Wallace involved, then I think the Miami Dolphins have a great shot at winning this football game.

Final: Dolphins 27 Colts 24


Come back later for last minute news, plus the inactives for both teams.  There will be NO live blog today, so check back after the game for all your news and analysis. Kickoff is less than three hours away!

GO FINS