Congratulations! You've made it!
Welcome to the first game day of the season, Dolfans. In just three short hours, your Dolphins will kick things off with the New England Patriots in a HUGE AFC divisional matchup here in week one.
For Miami, there's so much at stake in this game, most notably, respect. As I wrote earlier this week, the Dolphins' collapse at the end of last season lost them a lot of respect around the league, but a win today would earn it all back.
So how do the Fins get said win? Well, glad you asked:
1. Create pressure WITHOUT blitzing. This is, without a doubt, the number one key in today's game. Tom Brady is a hall of fame QB, no arguing that, but he doesn't do well under pressure... ESPECIALLY with a shaky calf. The Miami defense MUST find a way to pressure Brady WITHOUT blitzing. IF they can do that, then expect this defense to have their way with the New England arial attack all day long.
2. Use the HEAT. I spoke to a Patriots writer, who will remain nameless, a while back during a Dolphins practice, and he said something that stuck out to me: The South Florida heat is NO JOKE. People make fun of it, and cast it aside, but I can tell you from first hand knowledge that the Patriots are NOT used to the heat they're going to be dealing with today. That's not just me talking; that's from somebody who covers the team on a daily basis. Miami MUST find a way to take a lead into the 4th quarter. IF they can do that, maybe, just maybe, they can wear Brady and company out and get the win.
3. Use Knowshon. It's no secret that the running game the Dolphins threw out there a season ago simply didn't cut it. However, I believe they have found the solution to the problem in RB Knowshon Moreno. Yes, he only played in one preseason game. And yes, he's allegedly splitting time with Lamar Miller. But make no mistake about it, Knowshon Moreno can absolutely be a difference maker in today's game. How? Use him early. Use him often. And, use him in different looks. IF the Dolphins can find a way to mix Moreno into this game plan, creatively, then they have a chance to catch the all mighty Bill Belichick WAY off guard.
4. Be emotional. Listen, this team has something to prove. I wrote about it earlier this week, and truly believe it. They lost the final two games last season....with a playoff spot on the line. That left a sour taste in EVERYBODY'S mouth. Use that emotion to your advantage. Harness it. Come out early, make a play, and set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
5. Eliminate GRONK. Pretty simple here, folks. No, I don't believe he'll be in there every single play. And no, I don't think he's 100%. HOWEVER, when he IS in there... ELIMINATE HIM. Easier said than done, I know, but if the Dolphins are to win today they MUST find a way to contain and eliminate Ron Gronkowski. IF they can do that, and that's a huge IF, than I believe this Dolphins defense can ultimately overtake the New England offense. Because, lets be honest, after Gronkowski, they're just not that scary.
PREDICTION
I've gone back and forth on this game for months now. I really have. Miami has SO many things going there way today:
The weather.
The new offense.
The home field.
However, I just cannot go against Bill, Tom, and Rob. I just can't do it. Would a Miami win shock me? Absolutely not. But I need to see it first. I know what I'm getting out of Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. I know what I'm getting out of Darrelle Revis. Do I know what I'm getting out of Ryan Tannehill? Do I know what I'm getting out of a relatively injury plagued Dolphins defense?
Too many questions right now. Too many unknowns. I just can't do it.
Final: Patriots 27 Dolphins 24
Kickoff is mere hours away, folks. We've made it... we're there!
Check back just before kickoff for any last minute news and any updates.
Until then...
GO DOLPHINS
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