Welcome to week six, and welcome to our first look at Dolphins football in TWO WEEKS.
Today, Miami's NFC North swing begins, with the Packers in town today followed by a trip to Chicago tomorrow. What does this mean?
Well, Miami MUST find a way to pull at least one of these games out if they're to keep pace in the AFC, and, while next weeks opponent may be a tad easier, what better time to start then TODAY?
How do they pull it off?
Glad you asked:
1. Ground, pound, repeat: I've talked about this all week long. RUN THE FOOTBALL. The stats are pretty cut and dry, Miami is the fifth ranked running team in the league, Green Bay is the 30th ranked run stopping team in the league. Run it early, run it often, and then hey, run it some more.
2. Rush four, no more: Between Cameron Wake, Randy Starks, Jared Odrick, and Olivier Vernon, this group needs to get after Aaron Rodgers today. This is even more pertinent today because, if you blitz Rodgers he will beat you, and he will beat you badly. The front four MUST get into the backfield today, because if they don't create pressure, it could be an air show in South Beach.
3. Contain, contain, contain: This one is almost like 2b, because when that front four rushes Aaron Rodgers today, they must keep one thing in mind: HE CAN RUN THE FOOTBALL. They MUST contain the edges, and not allow Rodgers to get outside the pocket. IF they can keep him in the pocket, they'll have a chance.
4. Welcome back, Mike: This offensive line has been solid all season long, and should only get better today when Mike Pouncey makes his triumphant return. They'll have their hands full, however, as the Packers have some players named Matthews and Peppers who I hear are pretty good? This line needs to be on their game today, for a full 60 minutes.
5. Sluggish or slugfest: I can see this game going one of two ways today. Either the Dolphins come out rusty and sluggish, like they have in three of their four games this season, or they'll be in a shootout from the word go. IF they're to win, the Miami Dolphins absolutely cannot afford another slow start. Lets hope this one looks more like the ladder.
PREDICTION
Call it stupid. Call it idiotic. Call it blinded by optimism. But I'm picking the Miami Dolphins to win this football game today. Yes, I know, "Aaron Rodgers." I get it, he's the best. BUT, as I've said all week, he's not the biggest story in this game...
The Miami running game is, and I think they can absolutely take advantage of a porous Green Bay defense, and if/when they do that, I think they can control this game, keep Rodgers off the field, and, somehow, find a way to beat the almighty Green Bay Packers. It'll take an A+ effort, but coming off a bye week, I think this team will be up for it.
Final: Dolphins 30 Packers 27
Alright, you know how it works. Come back before kickoff for any last minute news, including the inactives for both teams.
Then come back after the first quarter and follow the live, quarter by quarter, blog throughout the game.
Until then..
2.5 HOURS.
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