Phins Star Corners Nicked… But Ready To Go!

M.J.

4 years ago

The backbone of the Phins defense is good coverage

Recovering from offseason surgery, Star cornerback Xavien Howard was considered a longshot to make the opener against the Patriots. Miami’s other star corner Byron Howard has been limited with a sore Achilles Tendon. The tea-leaves looked ominous that the Phins could be down their top two cornerbacks to kick off the season…

… But, the situation has made a 180-degree turn!

The latest injury report has Jones and Howard ready to play. For Phin fans hoping to upset New England, this as good a news as Miami could get.

The Achilles injury of Jones is a bit concerning though

I love that everyone is playing besides Safety Clayton Fejedelem. But, the Achilles issue with Byron Jones, is a bit concerning. While players can battle through and get over sore Achilles, it can also go the other way. Anyone who has had a sore Achilles knows how it feels. It doesn’t take the Best Pay Per Head Reviews to know a torn Achilles is a career killer for a cornerback. Given the abuse that corners put on the tendon coming out and going into breaks, we aren’t out of the woods yet... so keep your fingers crossed.

This Phins defense is made or broken by the pass defense

The 2020 Miami defense lacks elite pass rushers, but that’s not a big deal given their scheme. This defense isn’t like past Miami defenses that depended on instant pressure from the edge with players like Cameron Wake. Similar to the Patriots, Miami wants coverage to lead the defense.

Brian Flores loves man-coverage and zero looks to eliminate the quick throw for cheap yards. The pass rush is designed for the most part to be a slow boil this is why the secondary must force the QB off his first read. Interior pressure, while maintaining gap integrity, is the primary focus. Stunts are then added in to compensate for the lack of elite athletes. But, this pass rush design demands that the coverage buy time for the rushers.

This is why Chris Grier has spent so much cap space and blue-chip draft picks to fill the secondary with talent.

Most of Miami’s pass rushers are big and even their edge rushers rely on strength as much as speed to generate pressure. If Miami can field Byron Jones, Xavien Howard, Nick Needham, and Noah Igbinoghene with Bobby McCain over the top and Kyle Van Noy underneath, this pass rush will be fine.

Even if Xavien Howard can provide 10-15 snaps Sunday, Miami will be in a very good position to keep it a game into the 4th Quarter. You can’t ask for more than that up in Foxborough, Brady or not.

Cam Newton on the move

Miami has had problems with mobile quarterbacks for years. And Cam Newton has proved he can hurt you on the move. But, a popular misconception is that despite his cannon of an arm, Newton isn’t at his best on deep throws. The strength of his game is throwing on the move and short intermediate routes. In many ways, the scheme won’t change that much from Brady to Newton. Of course, Newton brings a whole new facet to the offense. His mobility and ability to throw on the move is a dangerous addition to the Pats’ offense.

This sounds like a recipe for disaster…

… But, if Miami can have quality man coverage, then they can use the free defender to spy on Newton. Keeping Newton penned in is key to the Phins success. If they can keep him between the tackles and force him into his second or third option, then an upset is far more likely.

With a healthy secondary, Newton new to the offense, and Flores’s knowledge of New England, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least that Miami starts off 1-0. Why not? Go Phins!!!

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The backbone of the Phins defense is good coverage

The Achilles injury of Jones is a bit concerning though

This Phins defense is made or broken by the pass defense

Cam Newton on the move

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