Huge day today for the Miami Dolphins. They passed their first test last week in a 37-0 drubbing of the San Diego Chargers. As I wrote yesterday, today begins the first of two massive tests in the next four days.
How do they go to Detroit and defeat the six win Lions?
Glad you asked:
1. Prove your worth: The Miami defense has been getting a lot, and I mean a lot, of hype over the past week. As I told you yesterday, NFL Network even went as far as to call them a championship defense. Today, it's time to back that up. Keep the big plays to a minimum, put constant pressure on Matt Stafford, and contain Reggie Bush. Do it for 60 minutes, and prove you belong.
2. Stay hot: And what I mean by that is stay hot in the turnover game. Three picks last week, two the week before, two the week before that. Mix in a couple fumbles that I'm sure I'm forgetting, and you have a defense that's showing a knack for finding the football right now. That MUST continue today.
3. Step up: Lamar Miller will play today. However, he's going to be limited. There's no way around that. Damien Williams and Daniel Thomas MUST fill in for Miller. Without a legitimate running attack, you become one dimensional, and when you become one dimensional against the league's best defense, um, things don't end well. Williams and Thomas have to compensate for a less than 100% Lamar Miller today.
4. Stay hot, Part two: Who I'm talking to this time is Ryan Tannehill. The kid is in the midst of his best stretch of football right now. He's been accurate, deadly accurate, actually. He's been smart, he's been decisive, he's been a leader. Simply put, he's had the hot hand. Time to stay consistent today. If Tannehill can limit the bad plays, and stay accurate with the medium range throws, this offense should move.
5. Bounce back: With all that being said, Tannehill will get hit today. I don't care how solid your offensive line has been, when you're playing this front four, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Tannehill can't get rattled if and when he does take a hard hit. I've seen him get a little anxious in the past when the sacks start to pile up- i.e.. Buffalo- and this offense cannot afford that today. Bounce back, and lead this team to a win.
PREDICTION
I expect this to be a relatively low scoring game today. I don't see any team getting into the 30's, and I expect special teams to playa factor. Going on the road, against the best defense in the league, coming off a bye nonetheless, is no easy task. However, something just tells this Dolphins team is hot right now. The defense is playing with a chip on their shoulders. Ryan Tannehill is playing lights out. And, to be honest, I don't buy the whole "team coming off a bye week having the advantage" wise tale.
Are they under dogs? Absolutely. Would a loss shock me? Not in the least bit. But something just tells me to go with the hotter hand right now. And that's the Miami Dolphins.
Pick: Dolphins 20 Lions 17
Alright, big couple of hours ahead of us. Come back in a bit for the full inactive list, including any last minute news. THEN, come back throughout the game and follow the live blog.
2.5 hours.
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