Saturday, September 14, 2013

Week 2 AFC East game picks: Fins at Colts

Publisher Nick St. Denis, associate editor Dan Begnoche and senior contributor Sean Donovan pick the Miami Dolphins' road bout with the Indianapolis Colts.

Sean's take:
When these teams met last season, Andrew Luck converted 13-of-19 third downs, including an astounding six when the Colts needed 10 or more yards. To slow down Luck this time around, Miami will need a better pass rush and play from the secondary, two areas the team improved on this offseason. A solid defensive performance combined with better output from the offense results in a convincing Dolphins victory.
Prediction: Dolphins 27, Colts 17

Nick's take:
The Dolphins rushed for 20 yards on 23 carries last week. Things happen, but that's incredibly alarming. Miami's defense will keep it close, but the lack of a ground attack makes the Dolphins' offense one dimensional and ultimately spells doom for a team playing on the road for the second week in a row. The Dolphins will, however, end Indy's three-game turnover-less streak.
Prediction: Colts 21, Dolphins 17

Dan's take:
Following the news that Vick Ballard is likely out for the season with an ACL injury, corralling a banged up Colts rushing attack should be the easy part. Stopping Luck from going off for another 400-plus yards like in last season's meeting, however, is another story. Cameron Wake and the defensive unit will continue their high-pressure attack that yielded four sacks and three interceptions last week, while Tannehill and Brian Hartline's chemistry continues to sustain the solid passing game.
Prediction: Dolphins 24, Colts 21