Welcome to week 14 in the NFL..
A huge week. A giant, mega, super sized week for the Miami Dolphins.
A week where Ryan Tannehill has to put his big boy pants on. A week where the defense has to put their big boy pants on. A week in which the Dolphins can really, truly solidify their playoff run with three games to play.
How do they do it? How do they beat the Baltimore Ravens for the first time since 2007?
Funny you asked, because I have all kinds of answers!
1. TACKLE TACKLE TACKLE: I'm not going to come out and just say "stop the run." That's an obvious must today for the Dolphins. Instead, I'm going to tell you how to stop the run, and it starts with tackling. This has been a problem area for the Dolphins at times this season, and it's creeped up again over the past two weeks. This cannot happen again today. Not against Justin Forsett and this Ravens offense.
2. Contain the edge: This is something else the defense struggled with last week. Cam Wake, Olivier Vernon, and whoever else is playing out there must be careful not to over pursue, because they will get burned today if they do. Look at that Greg Salas reverse last week.. Look at the Percy Harvin end around.. Think the Ravens weren't taking notes? Must keep containment today.
3. Stay balanced, but exploit: Bill Lazor is going to have a fine line to walk today between how much he passes and how much he runs. Why? Well, the match ups scream pass due to the Ravens terrible secondary. However, this team is at their best when they're running the football and mixing it up on offense. Stay committed to the run, set up the play-action, and don't turn into a one dimensional team in the second half (something Lazor loves to do).
4. Make the big plays at the big times: Last week, the Dolphins missed ample opportunities.. Mike Wallace dropped a touchdown, the defense couldn't recover a fumble inside the five yard line, Tannehill later missed a wide open Wallace. These are plays you can get away with against the Jets. But it won't work today. Not against the Ravens. This team MUST take advantage of the plays when they're there for them. Step up, make the plays, and keep the pressure on.
5. Be more physical: This is the biggest, most important thing today for the Miami Dolphins. Why have they struggled with Baltimore over the years? It's simple.. they're the more physical team on both sides of the football, and especially on both sides of the line. If Miami wants to change this, and they have to today, then they're going to have to establish their physicality early on, and maintain it for the entire game. How do you beat the Ravens? You don't do it with finesse football, you do it with a hard hitting, physical style of play.
PREDICTION
So much is on the line today for both teams. Is this a true elimination game? No. They're still four week left. However, lets not sugar coat it here folks..
Miami plays in New England next week. IF they lose today, then that games become a must win...
Um, that ain't happening.
So yes, in a way today is an elimination game of sorts for the Miami Dolphins. They're at home for the first time in three weeks where they haven't lost since October, and they've won five of their last seven games, so everything seems to match up up for them, right?
Unfortunately, I just don't see it. I think the Dolphins are the better team, and I think they could absolutely win this football game. But I don't pick against the Ravens when it comes to Miami. I need to see it first, and I haven't seen it in seven years. Hopefully that will change today.
Final: Ravens 24 Dolphins 20
Come back in an hour or so for any last minute news, including the inactives for both teams.
Then, come back for the live blog, beginning after the first quarter.
2.5 hours.
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