Dolphins catch huge break; other notes

Baltimore poses a huge matchup problem for the Miami Dolphins this weekend, in a few different areas..

Offensively, they can run the ball to the tune of 131 yards per game, which is good for fifth in the NFL. The Dolphins run defense has been, um, terrible over the past two weeks. How bad? Well, going into week 12 they ranked 8th against the run. Now, 14 days later, they rank 21st. Why? Well, giving up OVER 400 yards over the past two games probably hasn't helped.

That's the first matchup problem for the Dolphins. The second?

Baltimore's defensive line. They're fierce, attacking, physical, and rank fourth against the run, giving up a measly 86 yards per game. They're going against a Miami offensive line lacking Branden Albert, which has forced Ja'Wuan James over to left tackle, and Dallas Thomas to right tackle. Yes, that Dallas Thomas.

So yes, this another huge problem for the Dolphins this weekend.

However, it just got a tad easier. Earlier today, Ravens DT Haloti Ngata was suspended four games for using adderall, effective immediately. Ngata is a pro bowler. He's a run stuffer. He's, as Daryn Colledge put it, "a car." This was going to be a massive (literally) problem for the Miami offensive line. It was last year, and it has been every single times these two have played.

This Ravens front will still be a problem on Sunday. They will still garner a lot of attention.

But luckily, it just got a bit easier to deal with.

And with everything on the line, Miami needs all the help they can get.


INJURY REPORT

The second to final injury report of the week came out today. It's as follows:

Jonathan Freeny and Jamar Taylor have been ruled out for Sunday's game.

Cortland Finnegan, Charles Clay, Brian Hartline, Samson Satele, and Mike Wallace are all questiionable. Among those, Finnegan and Clay are the only one's who may or may not play on Sunday.

I expect Finnegan to play, barring a setback, as reports, for now, are saying he will. Clay is more of a wildcard right now, and his status looks like it'll be more of a game time decision.

Brian Hartline, who suffered an injury in Monday's win, will play.


Three days.