Colonoscopy Complete, Starks Readies For Brady
By Brian Miller
Nov 17, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Randy Starks (94) celebrates their 20-16 win over the San Diego Chargers at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins’ Randy Starks has had his moments this year. He was none to thrilled with his training camp demotion nor his benching as the teams starter in week one. He then decided to “playfully” flip the bird to the Dolphins bench during a game following a big sack. Presumably towards his coaches. On Sunday, Starks got a colonoscopy from Steelers center Cody Wallace.
Anytime you find yourself on the receiving end of an impromptu fist job you’re going to get some heat. For Starks, the events on Sunday are being played out in the locker room with his friends. Wallace felt the need to try and ram his fist “between the cheeks” of Starks following the strip sack fumble recovery by Starks. It was clearly seen on video and while many players have talked about odd things going on beneath the pile of a fumble, rarely has it been caught on tape.
This week Starks will face the New England Patriots who are not known for groping. They are more the voyeuristic type of team if you know what I mean. Tom Brady and company are riding into Miami one game out of home field advantage. They hold the tie-breaker against Denver. A win this week clinches the division for the Patriots while a loss by Miami could knock them out of a legit shot at the playoffs. In other words, this game has a lot riding on it.
Randy Starks will anchor a defensive front with two tasks. Stop Tom Brady and stop the Patriot rushing attack. Brady is without his number one target Rob Gronkowski, a victim of a Dustin Keller type hit last weekend against Cleveland. The Patriot receiving corp is not all that threatening on paper but Brady has the ability to use any small amount of strength to his advantage and has made Aaron Dobson look good at times. The bread and butter for New England however is their ability to utilize their RB’s out of the back-field to enhance their passing game.
Last week, Shane Vereen posted a 156 yard receiving day. The Dolphins have struggled to contain backs on wheel routes and screen most of the season. The ability of Starks and the defensive line to disrupt the play of Brady will go a long way to posting a victory for the team. The Dolphins would be smart to let Starks and company do their thing and put a LB shadow on the Patriots RB to eliminate that area of their game plan. As odd as it sounds, the best option Miami has to win is to make Tom Brady beat them through the air.
That will start up front. With Randy Starks and the rest of the defensive line. Rectal exams are optional.
You can view Starks’ exam here.