In 2008, Miami had one of the best O-Lines in the NFL, but still lost in the trenches.
The strength of the Ravens team lies in the trenches of their defense.
The main theme for the Miami Dolphins 2016 off-season was to beef up the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Sure, a great QB goes a long way in this league, and pay per head sportsbook fans don’t need to look any further then at the recent list of Super Bowl Winners, which all have had Hall of Fame worthy QB’s. However, QB or not, in order to consistently win games in this league, teams must win the battle of the trenches’
Just look at what Miami was able to do in the few games where they had all 5 of their starting offensive linemen!
Now, about the opponent.
Baltimore Ravens have lived, and been successful, through this century on the above mentioned formula of being tough in the trenches — the Ravens have only had 4 losing seasons in the last 16 years, and have won 2 Super Bowls in that time span.
The Ravens defensive line is led by the ageless Terrell Suggs, who is still one of the most feared and productive pass rushers in the league. Despite recovering from a serious injury, Suggs has tallied 8 sacks and forced 3 fumbles this season.
Ravens may dominate the defensive trenches, but the same can’t be said on offense.
Suggs has shined playing against the Dolphins over the last 14 years, where he has totaled 28 tackles, 8.5 sacks and an interception. Suggs has always been a problem for the Dolphins, and considering that even if Branden Albert does play he will not be 100%, then there’s a solid chance for Suggs to have another impact game against the Dolphins.
So, Miami can make huge inroads by simply limiting Suggs.
In addition, the Ravens defense as a unit is currently ranked as the number one defensive team against the rush, allowing a mere 74.9 yards per game. The run game is going to be an extremely tough key to turn to unlock this game.
But, there’s light shinning through the darkness.
Miami’s running game is one of the main reasons for their recent resurrection, however over the last 3 games teams have found a way to limit its impact — most is due to injuries in combination of facing tough defensive fronts. But, with Albert and Laremy Tunsil returning, even at less than a 100%, this gives Miami a huge boost.
Miami has the beef and talent with Albert and Tunsil returning to muscle out a win.
Coach Adam Gase must make sure to stick with the run game for 4 quarters, even if it’s not paying dividends early on, because in the late game a chunk-run could break, and time of possession is always relevant. Miami does have depth given the experience that Steen, Urbik and Young have received, so this too could bolster the Dolphins trenches. And if you add in massive Dion Sims, the Dolphins have the talent and beef to stand up to the Ravens front seven, and as the game progresses, they might just turn the tides on the Ravens.
Another strong positive is that even though the Dolphins defense is at times vulnerable to the run — where they are ranking 30th in the league, allowing 132.6 yards per game — the Ravens have not been their usual selves on the ground, and are currently ranked 28th in the league running the ball, averaging 87.8 yards per game.
While Mike Wallace always puts the top of a defense in jeopardy, this game will come down to the trenches and the wearing down of the body and will of the opponent. The Ravens formula of success is now the Dolphins — it will be very interesting to see if the student becomes the master. Go Fins!!!