Keys to a ‘Fins Win
Limit Big Plays
With the battery of quarterback, Phillip Rivers, and wide receiver, Vincent Jackson, San Diego has a strong passing tandem and has shown the ability to make big plays in the passing game. Through three games, the Miami defense has been susceptible to the long pass play. Three of the nine touchdown passes given up by the Dolphins’ defense have come from more than 20 yards out. Miami must force the Chargers to sustain drives and not allow San Diego to tear off large chunks of yardage. This will be especially tough considering the Dolphins are playing with a banged up secondary.
Win the Turnover Battle
Through three games, the Miami Dolphins have forced just a single turnover and are -4 in the turnover department. Chad Henne is doing a better job this season of taking care of the football, but the Miami defense is not taking it away. In each of the last two weeks, critical Miami turnovers may have made the difference as the ‘Fins dropped two very winnable games.
Finish Drives!
The Miami Dolphins have left so many points on the field through the first three weeks of 2011. In each of the last two weeks, Dolphins’ running backs have fumbled in the opposing team’s territory. Dan Carpenter has missed three field goals in the last two weeks while the Dolphins’ offense has made five trips inside the 10-yard-line this season without that drive resulting in a touchdown. The Dolphins simply are not good enough to let scoring opportunities slip away and still come away with wins. Miami must take advantage of every scoring opportunity presented to them on Sunday, or an 0-4 start will be a reality for the ‘Fins
