Tough game at the Stick

This weekend the Miami Dolphins travel to San Francisco to play one of their toughest games of the year at Candlestick Park.  The 49ers have won 5 of the last 6 games, whereas the reeling Phins have lost 4 of their last 5 games.  Colin Kaepernick will make his fourth straight start for the 49ers, and if the Phins want to have any chance to win this game they will need to keep Kaepernick bottled up.

The Dolphins have had a tough time this season with QB’s that can scramble and run, a la Russell Wilson, Jake Locker, and Andrew Luck.  Kaepernick rushed for 84 yards last week, and might even be the best running QB they have seen this season.  In all honesty, I am afraid that the Phins are going to give up multiple big plays on the ground to Kaepernick.  I see the getting hurt on third and long by Kaepernick scrambling out of the pocket and running for first downs.  If the phins can find away to stop him, then they will be able to keep this game close and have a chance in the 4th quarter.

The other interesting side plot to watch in this game, is how rookie Jonathan Martin fairs filling in for the injured Jake Long.  Martin played his entire college career at the left tackle position, so the transition back to his natural position should not be too much of an issue.  However, the issue that will arise is that he will have to block the leagues sack leader; Aldon Smith.  This match up has all the makings of a nightmare day for Martin.  I would expect him to give up at least one sack, and at least one holding or false start penalty.  If Martin can some how slow Smith down, and play decent, then this might open the door for parting ways with Jake Long in the offseason.  Frankly after Long suffered another season ending injury, I just don’t see any reason why the Phins should invest franchise type money on him.  Hopefully Martin can perform admirably, and prove he is capable to replace Long.