Dolphins Can Do More Than Win Tomorrow
By Sal Biase
Sep 16, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) scores on a 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Raiders 35-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
As I have said on this site before, I have lived my whole life in Jets territory. For the most part it has never been that big of a deal for me. Jets fans are generally a sad group of people, devoid of any type of happiness, but filled to the brim with baseless over confidence. I know this because I am friends with tons of Jets fans. I lived with a Jet fan for two years in college… it was tough to watch his agony. And while Dolphins fans have suffered often in recent years as well, at least we have our dignity.
It is my close personal relationships with so many die hard J-E-T-S, Jets fans that makes this week so important to me. Every year, regardless of the Dolphins record there are two games I mark on my calender unlike all the rest. One of those weeks is finally here. Both teams are 1-1 heading into their week 3 clash at Sunlife Stadium and on paper they seem pretty evenly matched, but the New York media is predicting a beat down. I am here to tell you not only do the Dolphins stand a chance against the Jets; they may just have the potential to spoil the entire Jets season if they can win tomorrow.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Jets are the slight favorite this Sunday, but the way NFL analysts talk about the Dolphins leads me to question whether any of them have even watched a Dolphins game. Don’t get me wrong, the Dolphins are not a Superbowl contender by any stretch of the imagination, but they are capable of keeping games competitive against good teams. The Dolphins D has been stout against the run and they have been limiting big plays. The offense has been running with authority and Ryan Tannehill hasn’t looked all that awful outside of the second quarter in against the Texans.
Tomorrow’s game is a very winnable one for the Dolphins. Tony Sparano’s offense is a ground and pound and that plays right into the Dolphins strength. If Miami can force the Jets to the air they can pressure Mark Sanchez and force mistakes. The Jets offensive line won’t be capable of limiting pass rushers like Cam Wake and Randy Starks.
As long as Ryan Tannehill can make smart throws and limit turn overs we should see a close game that can turn in the Dolphins favor. If rookie Jonathan Martin and the rest of the O-line can play like they did last week there should be plenty of running lanes for Reggie Bush to take advantage up.
If the Dolphins can win this week it could change the seasons for both teams. The Jets leave Miami and head home to face the San Francisco 49ers and then the Texans, a loss to the Dolphins would make a 1-4 start a real possibility for Gang Green. The Dolphins have three winnable games against Arizona, Cincinnati, and St. Luis, so a win could propel them to a huge start.
While most of the media want to assume this is going to be a Jets blow out there is a reason the games get played. This match up isn’t too bad for the Phins and a victory would be very sweet for south beach. I am predicting a 21-14 victory for the Dolphins that send the Jets on a tail spin for the rest of the season. Let me know your predictions in the comment box. Phins up.