Dissecting Most Crucial Matchups in Miami Dolphins Week 6 Contest with Green Bay

[DKphin]

DE Cameron Wake vs. RT Bryan Bulaga

The key to beating the Packers is simple: get to Aaron Rodgers.
This is much easier said than done, as Rodgers is elusive in the pocket and contains a quick release. However, when he does get bothered, the Packers become beatable, as evidenced by his Week 1 performance against the Seattle Seahawks.
Rodgers was sacked three times against Seattle and was constantly under pressure from the Seahawks defense. Miami's defense isn't as elite as what the defending champions possess, but the Dolphins do have a true superstar pass-rusher in Cameron Wake.
Wake will match up with right tackle Bryan Bulaga on Sunday, which should be a favorable matchup for him. Per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Bulaga allowed two hurries against Seattle; however, he has improved in each game since. He is credited with only allowing two of Rodgers' 12 sacks this season, although one came in Week 2 against the New York Jets, a game that saw Rodgers get sacked four times.
Since then, Green Bay's pass protection has improved, but they have not faced a team with a strong defensive front since their Week 3 matchup against the Lions (when they allowed two sacks).
Wake is arguably the best individual pass-rusher they've seen all season, and he should give Bulaga plenty of issues on Sunday.


Joe Philbin vs. Mike McCarthy

Here's the biggest matchup of the game, the battle between coaches.
Philbin coached under McCarthy for six years before becoming the head coach of the Dolphins, and one wonders what Philbin took from McCarthy and if he has an insider's edge into the Packers offense.
If he does, he should use this against the Packers, giving tips to defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle. However, it should be noted that while Philbin was in Green Bay, McCarthy handled most of the play-calling, not Philbin. A lot could have changed in the three seasons since Joe went south.

Read more:http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...-miami-dolphins-week-6-contest-with-green-bay

 

[KTOWNFINFAN]

I have to believe this article is wrong. If the biggest matchup is Joe vs Mike we might as well not even show up. We win this game between the lines not between the ears. We have to show up and enforce our will and run the ball down their throats. If this game becomes a chess match between Mike and Joe we are in for a long game.

 

[nick1]

Its bleacher report what do you expect.

 

[Bumpus]

My most crucial match up during every Dolphins game is: beer vs. liver ... followed closely by elastic bladder vs. commercial break.

 

[Sons Of Shula]

I have to believe this article is wrong. If the biggest matchup is Joe vs Mike we might as well not even show up. We win this game between the lines not between the ears. We have to show up and enforce our will and run the ball down their throats. If this game becomes a chess match between Mike and Joe we are in for a long game.

That comment doesn't makes any sense. Just because you or the average fan does not understand what happens off the field in terms of gameday preparations doesn't mean it's importance is to be disregarded. When Joe was with the Packers he was the one in charge of the game planning, ran the scout team vs the Packers defense, etc. and they were extremely successful with him on staff. As in, won the Super Bowl successful. The criticism that Philbin didn't call the plays is extremely over blown. Especially considering that it is now Lazors job to do so anyways. Fact is, the part of the game that is played "between the ears" is one of Philbin's most respected and strongest attributes.