SB Nation User Blog: shula13

Keys to Dolphins Victory

shula13 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:26:41 -0000

This is the biggest test of the year for us, and hopefully we'll show up to play with the complete effort that's been missing the last couple of weeks. I'm not looking for the Wildcat to be used a lot. While we did score from the Wildcat last time we played New England, those plays originated, for the most part, in the red zone. This means that our base offense did a great job in the first contest. I doubt anybody will be fooled in this game, articularly since division opponents know each other so well. It'll come down to execution, which excites me because New England has many people banged up.

1) Generating a pass rush and containment with the front 4. With the exception of Joey Porter, our linebackers probably will be dropping back into coverage to take away the underneath throws to Welker. If we can't get pressure from our front linemen, Cassel will either find the open man or take off with his legs. He's becoming more confident running the ball, and don't think he'll just sit back there. Porter needs to have a good game. Sure, he had a sack on the last drive, but that's already after TE Dustin Keller did a great job all game blocking him. Porter needs to shed the extra blocker.

2) Stopping the run. Last week was a nice tuneup for a strong running game. Cassel has been impressive, but if we force New England to be one-dimensional, our defense will tee off on him.

3). On offense, winning the 1st Down battle. I mentioned this yesterday. Our strentgh all year has been the ability to pass with great results on 1st down. We need to continue this trend to prevent 3rd and long situations.

4). Time of Possession is key. New England has an old defense, with several guys banged up, and in their mid 30's. We need sustainable drives to keep their defense on the field. Even if we don't score all the time, we need to have consistent drives of several converted 1st Downs.

Wildcat Gets the Press but conventional offense will be key

shula13 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:51:15 -0000

The Wildcat formation gets the most press, but as the season progresses, the success of the formation has dwindled somewhat. Miami may introduce new plays to get extra yards, like the inside run featured by Patrick Cobbs last week, but we will only win this game if our base offense plays well. Here are my keys to the game:

Offensive Line - we need to control the trenches. I'm particularly concerned about the interior, with Samson Satele and Ndukwe going against Vince Wilfork. This will be a big test.

Tight Ends - With Rodney Harrison out, look for Miami to try and take advantage with the matchup problems that Fasano and David Martin can give New England. Look for those seam passes that have worked so well in the past.

Most of our success has come with Miami throwing on 1st down, getting the 6-7 yards and setting up short distance on 2nd and 3rd Down. Every team this year has stacked the box on 1st down against us, allowing Pennington to pick apart the secondary. This has played into Chad's hands, since he's great when his receivers have one on one coverage. I see New England putting more people in coverage on early downs, forcing us to prove we can run the rock. If we win the 1st down battle, I foresee good, long, sustainable drives. Otherwise, if the Pats force us into 2nd or 3rd and long, we may have a long day.

As for Defense:

We need to double team Moss with Jason Allen (a bigger corner) and a safety over the top. That will allow Will Allen to guard the receiver who is likely to get most of the throws, like Jabbar Gaffney last week. If we defend the run like we have in the past couple of weeks and force Cassel to be one-dimensional, this can likely work in our favor.

Our Next Pick

shula13 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:52:55 -0000

I think all the talk about us taking Henne or Flacco is a smokescreen to prompt other teams to get nervous. I believe the regime is happy with the QBs this year - if we did select a signal caller, it will be in the later rounds.

While Quentin Groves would make a nice addition, we still need to address the OLG position, perhaps that stud Chelius ?

As for Taylor, I agree with John Clayoton - unless we get a 1st rounder, i believe he stays.