Sunday, September 11, 2011

Preview: 'Phins host Pats in divisional match

Like so many divisional games, it doesn’t really matter how much better any one team is than the other. Playing one another at least twice a year allows division rivals to grow familiar with one another, design counter schemes, learn tendencies, etc.

The Dolphins-Patriots rivalry is no different. While New England is one of the obvious gun-slinging, point-scoring offensive factions heading into the season -- not just of the AFC, but of the NFL -- Miami stands more than just a chance. Last year saw the Patriots' only regular-season sweep of Miami since 2007. It’s actually pretty common for the teams to split, just as it is with all of the AFC East teams.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, the first game of a Monday Night Football doubleheader on ESPN.

When the Patriots have the ball:
Wide receiver Deion Branch is back, along with Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, Matthew Slater and Taylor Price. And we could never forget the big offensive acquisition of the offseason for New England, Mr. Chad Ochochinco. Expect the normal deep threats from the outside guys and expect plenty of the seemingly unstoppable under routes by the speedy inside guys. If Miami can't stop Brady early, expect a field day through the air until they do.

Also, no successful offense in the NFL is one dimensional, and the Patriots are well aware of that. Yet, if the Patriots are going to be effective at running the ball, which they are not consistently good at, it doesn’t matter who is lining up behind Brady at halfback. It seems to be a new guy carrying the majority of workload (and finding the end zone) each year, but if that's what it takes to pick up yardage and open up the passing game, then so be it.

The only hope the Dolphins have at stopping this Patriot offense is the same it’s been the past five years: pressure Brady as often and ferociously as possible, limiting his time and more importantly instilling a fear in him of defensive pressure (See last year's Patriots defeat by the Jets).

If the Law Firm [BenJarvus Green-Ellis], and fellow running backs (Danny Woodhead and rookies Stevan Ridley and Shane Vareen, if Ridley and Vareen are ready to go), get rolling and make the Dolphins' defense second guess, well, then Miami will simply be overwhelmed and blown out by 30. Don’t expect Dolphins coach Tony Sparano to let that happen.

When the Dolphins have the ball:
It seems that the Dolphins' options are pretty limited with a sketchy backfield headed by former New Orleans Saint Reggie Bush and a passing game relying on the questionable arm of Chad Henne, but have no fear, Miami fans, there’s always hope for the aqua green and orange.

Henne's arm and accuracy, I believe, are not as awful as many play them out to be, and his receivers certainly have what it takes to get into the end zone. Led by a proven vet in Brandon Marshall and surrounded by guys who are ready, willing and capable (Devone Bess, Brian Hartline, etc), the Dolphins’ passing game needs to flourish. The biggest question is, though, can they keep up with the Patriot offense? That remains to be seen, but to defeat the Patriots, the 'Phins need to be successful at all phases of the game. Special teams and defense will be the true difference-maker as long as the offense is productive in some way.

Just Iike the Patriots' game plan, the Dolphins need to open up the running game to open up the passing game. With a receiving corps that has sky-high potential, Miami can certainly be effective through the air if Henne can reach his targets, but without a productive ground game, don't expect much to get by the Patriots secondary, especially if Miami is playing one-dimensional ball.

Also, the big defensive acquisition by the Patriots was defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who is listed as questionable as of Saturday night with an illness. I expect him to be a go, but you never know with Big Ol’ Al.

Matchup to watch:
Personally, I’m looking forward to Henne vs. the Patriots' secondary. I’ve always enjoyed watching Henne play, since his years at Michigan and as he broke into the starting role in Miami. Unfortunately, that’s more than I can say about Brady, because in my pre-2000 years, I wasn’t much of a college football guy. Either way, it’s cool to see these two Michigan alumni square off.

Realistically, Henne vs. the Patriots D is a huge chance for Henne to show just what he and the Dolphins plan on accomplishing this year. Most analysts have the Dolphins finishing last or second to last in the division, a debatable toss up between them and the Bills. The Dolphins have a much different outlook, but supporting their hopes to be a contender in the division starts Monday vs. perhaps the toughest team in the AFC East.