Miami Dolphins Vs Denver Broncos: 6 Pack Of Key Match Ups
The Miami Dolphins visit the Denver Broncos in week 12, seeking to upset the 7-3 Broncos and gain another conference victory. The Dolphins need to get of to a fast start in the Mile High City if they plan on earning another road victory and beat Peyton Manning on his home field. The Broncos are coming off of a tough loss against the St. Louis Rams and are battling injuries getting ready to defend their home turf against the visiting ‘Fins. This game has a multitude of playoff implications, a victory here would put the Miami Dolphins in a good position down the stretch.
In order for the Miami Dolphins to earn a victory, a few match-ups will have to go their way, but a few seem to stand out more than others making up this week’s Key Match Ups 6 Pack.
Match Up 1: DeMarcus Ware vs. Ja’Wuan James
James looked good last week, shutting out the Bills’ Jerry Hughes, he protected Tannehill’s blindside and gave him ample time to find receivers. Their struggles with sacks last week were no fault of his. This week he does against one the best to ever do it, Ware is a nightmare on the weak side playing with his hand in the dirt. Big, fast, and crafty, Ware is going to be the most difficult test James sees to finish the year. If the Dolphins are going to be productive on the offensive side of the football, James is going to have to neutralize Ware in 1 on 1 match ups.
Match Up 2: Von Miller vs. Dolphins O-Line
Von Miller puts so much pressure on an offense due to his versatility to play in space as well as on the line. On any given play, he is attacking the back field from a different angle. The Broncos employ him in so many roles, as the weak side ‘backer stacked behind Ware in chase and pursuit or opposite of Ware with his hand in the dirt against a RT. The Dolphins are going to have to get their guards out pulling and getting a hat on Miller in the run game and Dallas Thomas needs to have a much better game than he had last week when he relinquished 2.5 sacks to Mario Williams.
Match Up 3: Olivier Vernon Vs. Ryan Clady
Olivier Vernon is quickly developing into one of the most dominating forces n the league at right defensive end. While his sack number won’t wow anyone, his ability to get consistent pressure, make big plays, and be a two way player who is maybe even more devastating setting the edge versus the run. Ryan Clady has struggled regaining pre injury form and while he is still an elite talent, Vernon should be able to put a lot of pressure on Manning and be a burden for Clady to block. Let’s just hope the thin air of Mile High doesn’t surprise the Miami native.
Match Up 4: Mike Wallace vs. Aqib Talib
Mike Wallace is due for a big game. Playing against a Denver team that knows how to score points, the Dolphins need their biggest big play threat to be in sync with Tannehill and help the offense fire on all cylinders. Wallace and Talib have some duels in the past and Wallace has gotten the best of him in some regards. Look for the Dolphins to try to exapnd their offensive game plan and take some shots down field.
Match Up 5: Brent Grimes vs. Demaryius Thomas
Thomas is one the hardest wide receivers to cover in the league, his ability to run after the catch is second to none. He is a challlenge to defend on screens and short routes because he is so quick and phyical, he has deep speed that you have to respect and even if you are in position to make a play on the football as a defender, Thomas’ superior size and jumping ability make him virtually impossible to cover. Grimes is playing at an all pro level and if anyone has the skill set in the league to match up with a player of Thomas’ caliber, it would by Grimey!
Match Up 6: Ryan Tannehill vs. Himself
Ryan Tannehill has been playing very good football this year, improving in all aspects of the game across the board. The Miami Dolphins are one of the hardest teams in the league to beat. Tannehill just needs to continue the development and become consistent, only he can make that happen, it’s up to him.
FINS UP!