Miami Dolphins hope to slow New England Patriots’ red-hot offense
9 replies
Sceetoforum_veteranOPWhat it has added up to is an offense that is averaging 37 points per game, slightly ahead of the team’s own NFL-record pace of 36.8 in 2007, and 28.1 first downs per game, ahead of the record of 26 per game set by New Orleans last year
If there’s one element of the Patriots’ offense with which the Dolphins’ defense has some familiarity, it’s the hurry-up approach implemented by Brady and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who is back for his first full season after two years as coach of Denver and part of one as offensive coordinator in St. Louis.
Miami has used the hurry-up all season, but Ryan Tannehill typically spends 10 to 15 seconds each play surveying the defense before the snap. Brady needs no such interlude; against Denver last month, the Patriots ran off 94 plays. Miami has typically run 55 to 60 this year.
The Dolphins could catch breaks in that tight end Rob Gronkowski will be out because of a broken forearm and Julian Edelman is a question mark after suffering a concussion against the Jets.
I think the last quote is key. If Gronk and Edelman are out, that gives us a much better chance to win. Those are the type of guys that can kill us. They still have Welker, but with those guys out, it should be easier to contain Welker. Add in our solid run D and we just may have a chance.
Ophineratedforum_veteranEven without key players, the Patriots offense is always tough to slow down. The only way to truly slow them down is to hit Brady early and often. I hope Wake is ready for this one. We need him to frustrate the hell out of Brady the way that Jason Taylor used to, just to keep it close.
Their defense has been playing much better in recent weeks. We can not shoot ourselves in the foot in this one. No drive killing penalties, dropped passes for first downs etc. If we have to punt more than once or twice in this game, we probably won't win. I state that with the assumption that we don't turn the ball over as well. Tannehill is going to have to be sharp and willing to use his legs just like the second half of last weeks game.
Ohio FanaticsubscriberIt's more than hitting Brady, you have to pressure him with your front four, if you are blitzing too much, he'll pick us apart
testing
Ophineratedforum_veteranI agree with you on that. Odrick, Soliai, Starks and Wake need to have a huge day. My hope is that when Wake gets held early, is that he starts jawing and complaining to the refs to make sure they are paying attention to his side or he just flat out beats those holds. As it stands, he is really the only one that can get to Brady as fast as will be needed. That's why I mentioned him specifically in my previous post. He needs to frustrate the hell out of Brady the way Taylor used to.
vt_dolfansubscriber"Pandarilla wrote:
I had a dream...
Ok....we need to collect all of your posts .... and put them all together. Levity is definitely something we need more of in here!
"The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning"
Pele
OP Gronk is 100% out on sunday, Elderman I say will probably start. The bigger question is Volmer, if he plays I see the line being fine if he doesnt Brady could have a long day.
The G Manforum_veteranAt the risk of stating the obvious, if Brady has time he will absolutely pick us apart. The key to victory is definitely putting constant pressure on him with the front four, and a clever use of different blitz packages. Coyle was doing a great job of using DB's on blitzes earlier in the season. Hoping to more of that Sunday.
http://larrycsonka.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/071511-NFL-Larry-Csonka-PI_2011071516291173_660_320.jpg
Sceetoforum_veteranWhilst I totally agree with all the comments about different aspects of the Phins' D being the keys to victory, it will also really come down to Tanne. This is a huge game for him. He is going to have to make plays and lead them on scoring drives. You definitely can not beat the Pats with a low scoring close game of field goals, etc. The O is going to have to put up some points in order to win.
djphinfansubscriberMaybe this game our defense can at least get lined up in time..
Log in to reply.