Not the Same Old Dolphins?
This Sunday is the Dolphins 13th game of the 2014 season, however most football gambling fans would consider this a playoff game, because both Miami and Baltimore are tied in the playoff hunt with a 7-5 record, but the winner will get a huge boost in the playoff race, and the loser will be in trouble. Miami has been dominated by the Ravens over the last decade, but now they have the chance this Sunday to show the Ravens that they are not the same old Dolphins and that there is a new sheriff in town.
The Ravens are known for their toughness and being a physical team, which means Miami needs to show the Ravens they can be even more physical, and it starts in the trenches. On defense, Miami’s D-linemen most stop the run, and not let the Ravens run all over them like the Broncos and Jets just did. The Ravens have one of the better running backs in the league in Justin Forsett, however he is listed as questionable for the game, and was limited in practice on Friday, so even if he does play he may not be at full strength, which could be a huge advantage to the Dolphins. Hopefully this week the Miami coaching staff was focusing on tackling, because a big reason why Miami has been decimated on the ground is because they are missing a lot of tackles. In addition to stopping the run, Miami needs to find a way to put pressure on Flacco, who has only been sacked 15 times this season.
On the other side of the ball Miami’s offensive line must win the battle in the trenches and give their QB Ryan Tannehill time to throw the ball. They need to contain Suggs and Dumervil, who led an aggressive pass rush that has produced 31 sacks this season, and terrorized Miami last year for 6 sacks. If Miami can win this battle in the trenches, then Tannehill and the passing game is poised for a huge game, because the Ravens secondary is banged up and allowing a ton of yards and touchdowns. This could be a game where Tannehill can win this game with his arm.
The best sportsbooks in the world have the Dolphins as the home -3 point favorite. As a result the action has been heavily coming in on the underdog Ravens. Most football gambling fans tend to look at past performance, so after seeing Miami struggle against the 2-10 Jets, there is little faith out there that Miami can win and cover at home, this week against a significantly better team like the Ravens. Usually when the action is more lopsided on the underdog, then the favorite not only wins, but ends up covering comfortably. I believe this Dolphins team will show that they are not the same old dolphins, and will play like they did against San Diego, and prove that they belong in the playoff hunt.
Philbin pussies out in the 1s Q on 2nd and 1, then on 3rd and 1, and elects to kick a FG for 3 points.
Harbaugh on 4th and 1 in his own 40yd line elects to go for it.
That right there tells everything about this team and why they are not going anywhere. That plus the lack of talent.
Phin Freak please do us all a favor and go cheer for the Jets. We have heard enough of your negativity here.