Miami Dolphins need to cap a near perfect weekend of football
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins will play today to open the trifecta of games on Christmas Day but it’s Green Bay that will bring their weather.
Currently, it’s in the 40s with some rain. Hardly south Florida weather, even for December. Still, it’s better than the garbage they played in up in Buffalo last week.
A win today against the Packers could cap what may turn out to be one of the best weeks of football for Miami. It was nearly perfect in terms of the playoff chase.
On Thursday, the Jets lost to the Jaguars. That loss allowed the Jaguars to move into a tie with the Titans for the AFC South division. On Saturday, the Titans lost to the Houston Texans.
In the AFC East, Miami fans watched as the Patriots attempt at a comeback against the Bengals fell short. The win keeps the Bengals at the top of the AFC North and the Ravens one game ahead of Miami should they win today. The Ravens beating the hapless Falcons wasn’t a surprise and the only thing that didn’t go Miami’s way this week so far.
On Monday night, the Chargers will be playing to secure a playoff spot. If they win, they are in.
Today’s game will be important for both teams. A Packers loss could eliminate them from the playoff chase or at the very least make it nearly impossible. They are playing for their playoff lives today.
The Packers have the 2nd best passing defense in the league behind only the 49ers and they will likely try and model their approach to stop Tua, Waddle, and Hill the same way the Chargers did by playing two-safety coverage over the top and physical at the line of scrimmage.
The Packers are far worse at defending the run and the Dolphins will need to make this a big part of their game plan.
Defensively, Miami needs to get pressure on Aaron Rodgers who has been off his game most of the year. He doesn’t have major threats at WR and his line is banged up. Rodgers can move around the pocket well enough but he isn’t going to use his legs to make big plays often. The “pocket passer” can make time with his mobility in and around the pocket.
With a win, the Dolphins will take a two game lead over the Jets and Patriots and snap a three game skid of their own. The victory will likely set up a win and you’re in scenario next weekend when they travel to New England where early weather predictions could see the game played in 60 degree weather.