Hey everyone, Thought i'd swing by again now that the season has progressed a little further (and sure, yeah...it doesn't hurt that the Patriots are on a 6 game win streak! ). Interesting thread over on Patsfans (Oxymoron alert!!): http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...eads/phins-donkeys-rooting-for.1113537/page-2 It seems that the Patriots fans distaste for Peyton Manning and the Broncos overwhelms intradivision rivalry. Personally, i'm kind of torn - Miami does hold the H2H over New England right now and we do have a tough run-in so its not like the division is anywhere close to wrapped up. On the subject of the game; Manning has looked pretty old the last few weeks- and it certainly isn't down to 'protection problems' - even though the Denver O-line hasn't been great it has been okay. Manning now seems stuck in a loop of the same offensive concepts - endless crossers (with the usual pick plays galore), bubble screens and then mix in the odd deep post floater in case one of his WR's is due his weekly concussion. I have to think that Miami's D (which is better than the Patriots by my own admission) can shut Peyton down - there is no Denver running game and Fivehead seems locked into the same repeating cycle every game. I'm most interested in how the Miami offense matches up to the Denver D - the shine is fast disappearing off that Denver unit as well as the season wears on. Can Tannehill and co put up the 24+ that I think it will take to beat Denver? I understand that Tannehill has been much improved lately - seems he often starts games with huge streaks of completions - even using his feet on some designed plays. My only concern for Miami is 'situational football' - I don't particularly rate Philbin as a HC - seems very passive - the main way I can see Denver winning is Miami making numerous mistakes or not being quick enough to move on from a strategy that isn't working.
They were saying the same thing about Brady when he had a slow start of the season.Now look where they are.You can never count out a future HOFer. We have a chance to win the game if we dont leave any points on the field whilst we are in the redzone.And we must put relentless pressure on Manning. I have to agree with your concern.Its mine too .If the game is close at the end of the game ,Philbin is likely to go conservative and predictable .And he hasnt mastered the timeouts thing yet.Hopefully he has learned from his mistakes.We could easily be 8-2 without those mistakes. Thanks for your opinion.
hope it plays out like the discussion on paper. while our D definitely gives us a better chance to win than what I would have thought several weeks ago, I'm still worried that playing on road in Denver will be too much and we'll lose another very close game in the final minutes.
The way Miami have made adjustments after half time has been amazing this year. As long as we are within 10 points at half time I like our chances. What scares me is how flat Miami have been in first halves.
BTW I love the overconfidence the Pats fans have that they can easily beat the Dolphins at Foxboro . IMO the Dolphins match up very well against the Pats and will beat them again....in Foxboro .....as long as they dont pull another snowplow stunt and the refs are fair. http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-...1113537/page-2
A lot of that confidence probably comes from the fact that the Patriots have beat the Dolphins the last 5 times at Foxboro and 7 of the last 8. I don't think many Patriots fans underestimate how hard it is to win in Florida, by the same token we feel like we have a pretty huge advantage over a warm weather team in the wind and snow in New England. Also coaching tends to be an even bigger factor in the post-season - Belichick has the advantage in that regard, in terms of experience and achievement. Having said all that, no Patriots fan should approach any post-season game expecting an 'easy game' - they are nearly always slug 'em out affairs.
I get the feeling your don't own a Manning jersey . I think the Dolphins can win this one which is way better than I felt three weeks ago. Still Peyton is a field general and it's in home town advantage Denver. Go Phins!
Your breakdown of the Denver offense was hilarious, yet so true. I hate how the media worships Manning, can't wait to hear they're excuses for how we beat that ***.
Miami has won three of the past four against NE and our defense has been playing at ridiculous levels all year long. If we do manage to topple Denver, then our match-up could ultimately decide who takes the division crown. I think that's enough motivation to make both teams show up in spectacular fashion.
This team has the capability of beating anyone in the league on any Sunday. It totally depends which Dolphins team shows up.... That is our #1 problem.. Consistency..
Thank goodness. It's essential I know Pats fans opinion, they are the unparalleled football minds of this generation. In all seriousness, the Pats are afraid of us and they know it. They're just trying to keep their distance in the division so we are no threat when game 2 rolls around.
It's always nice to hear the perspective of a fan of another team. Specially a division rival team. Which games are you worried about on your schedule. If I was you, I would be worried about the Lions, Packers and Dolphins. I'm expecting at least 2 losses from those games with one of them being from the Dolphins of course.
Hey man. Honestly speaking - @ Packers, @ Chargers are the two I have circled. Matt Stafford is 0-15 in away games against opposition that finishes with a winning record plus their offense hasn't been great (despite plenty of talent) this year. The Patriots just need to avoid multiple turnovers and I think they'll eventually put enough points up to win - 24 should be enough. I'm pretty confident about Miami @ Home - Miami are improved, no doubt, this season - but its still a cold weather game at home to a warm weather team. As applied to any game in the NFL - any given Sunday of course! I think Jets had their best chance already vs the Pats - I think we'll win the away game easy enough - same for the Bills.
