‘FINS NOT SCARED
Miami may have just two wins on the season but they sure act like a team that’s undefeated. The Dolphins went back and forth prior to their last game against the Jets, taking on players and even head coach Rex Ryan. In Friday’s online article of the Miami Herald a pair of Dolphins players said the team is getting tired of hearing about the Saints greatness.
“Being off for a week and then having them play the Giants, you hear plenty of this [stuff] over the last 10 days, and quite frankly, I’m tired of hearing about it, to be honest,” sais Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor. “They’re going to run the ball, they’re going to throw the ball. We’re going to run the ball and throw the ball. We’re both going to play defense and we’re going to kick the ball when we have to on special teams. And may the best team win.”
“They deserve the recognition. They’re [5-0] and they’ve beaten some notable teams,” linebacker Akin Ayodele said. “You give them credit where credit is due. At the same time, we respect all, fear none. That’s always been our motto. We’re a team that’s very prideful so we understand the situation. We’re not going to lay down because they’re the almighty New Orleans Saints. They’re coming into our house. There’s a goal we’re trying to reach and they’re in our way.”
Saints head coach Sean Payton said those remarks and others made during the week are understandable and don’t bother him. ”I think paying attention to a lot of it, when you look at the dialogue, they’re looking forward to playing a game. Really if you study it closely there’s probably mutual respect with both terms of the capabilities. I don’t think we’ve really taken it that way looking closely at the dialogue,” said Payton. ” I think that both teams understand what’s necessary to win, the importance of eliminating mistakes in a game like this and being able to handle the weather. It will be warmer. I think they’re looking forward to playing a game just like we were. You get a little antsy.”
PAYTON’S KEYS
Friday after practice this was head coach Sean Payton’s answer when asked what he see will be keys in the game. “I think the early downs are important obviously for both teams in managing the third down situations and staying out of the third and longs. Avoiding the turnovers and the mistakes are key as well. This is a real good team we think, very good at running the football and so it’s a big challenge for us defensively and from that aspect. Offensively it’s a 34 front that’s big and strong and a little different look than we’ve had last week against the Giants in regards to type of scheme.”
HOW I SEE IT
The Saints are the better all around football team. They have better talent off the bus than the Dolphins. It doesn’t mean an easy win is coming however. Miami has had a week to rest up, study film, heal up. Their players for the better part of 10 days have answered questions about the Saints potency and dominance, so you probably have a group of players that will come out of the tunnel looking to be aggressive. The Dolphins play like the neighborhood kid looking for respect and does so by punching folks in the mouth.
The game plan is simple for Miami, keep the Saints offense off the field. The Saints game plan is simple as well, shed your blocks defensively and wrap up, while scoring enough points on offense to force Miami into a passing team.
Think the Buffalo game here, close and a battle through about three quarters. That’s when the Saints will hit on a big play or two and win the game. Saints fans needs to be patient. The Dolphins will move the ball against the Saints. An interesting stat I read in a Miami article this week. The Saints have faced a Wildcat type of run play six times this year. On those plays they’ve given up 49 yards. That’s over 8-yards per run.
This game I believe will fly by, because while Miami gets the attention for their rushing attack, the Saints are just as good. Miami, the top running team in the league, averages 177 yards per game. The Saints ground attack averages 157. Quarterback Drew Brees and company will look to do a little ball control themselves, and if they end those drives with touchdowns, the Dolphins are toast. It takes them a while to move the ball down the field, although quarterback Chad Henne could be an x-factor. He’s a much more gifted passer than Chad Pennington.
I see it 20-17 Saints in a much closer game than folks may think.
BUMPS AND BRUISES
RG Jahri Evans (toe), P Thomas Morestead, DE Jeff Charleston (rib), LS Jason Kyle (ankle/knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (shoulder), CB Leigh Torrence, and LB Jonathan Casillas (hip), are all listed as probable for Sunday’s game in Miami. were limited.
LB Scott Fujita, and CB Malcolm Jenkins (ankle), did not practice Friday and are listed as questionable.
Related posts: