Dolphins vs Pats- How We Match Up /for 2014?

[So Be]

This is based on ESPN's current depth charts for both teams, updated from the start of camp. The only change I made was Starks over Mitchell, which they based on camp. We all know this could change a lot by opening day but, gives us something to consider for now.

Offense

QB- Brady vs Tannehill. Pats but, age is sneeking up here, and this battle "could" be closer than most think.

TE- Gronk vs Clay. Pats, with some health concerns.

WR's- Amendola, Edelman, Tomkins, Dobson vs Wallace, Hartline, Gibson, Matthews/Landry. Dolphins, and do not see this as close.

RB's- Ridley & Vereen vs Moreno & Miller. Dolphins the edge here.

OL- Solder, Mankins, Wendell, Connolly, Vollmer vs Albert, Smith, Pouncey, Brenner, James. Pats easily.


Defense

DL- Ninkovich, Wilfork, Kelly, Jones vs Wake, Starks, Odrick, Vernon. Dolphins easily.

LB- Collins, Mayo, Hightower vs Wheeler, Misi, Ellerbe. Pats

S- McCourty, Harmon vs Jones, Delmas. Pats

CB- Revis, Dennard vs Grimes, Finnegen. Edge to Pats.


At this point, it does not appear that we made up any goround from a year ago to challenge for the division.

Agree or Disagree?

 

[KTDolphins]

Reserving judgment til camp, there are a few battles I am intrigued to see unfold.

 

[So Be]

Reserving judgment til camp, there are a few battles I am intrigued to see unfold.

Do you see any of the outcomes of those battles changing the advantages of the Pats? I cannot.

 

[PJack]

I don't think Brady has taken as much of a step back as much as the receiving talent around him has been flat out awful. I think he lost 6 of his top 7 receivers from the year prior at one point last year. If Tannehill doesn't take a big step, I think QB still drives the bus in the NFL and Brady is still a top end QB.

As far as D line...Wilfork being healthy or not changes their entire defense. If he's healthy and with us without Big Paul, I think that battle is closer than we make think especially against the run (remember our LB play last year?). How's that going to go without protection?

Regardless, I think we are better from top to bottom than last year, but the Pat's still have the edge with Brady taking snaps. Tannehill is the only one that could change this dynamic and right now that's really our biggest question for this year...and the next 5 for that matter.

 

[FSU Truth]

Player vs player of the same position is pointless...

See how they match up against the player they will be going against...o-line vs d-line...

 

[So Be]

I don't think Brady has taken as much of a step back as much as the receiving talent around him has been flat out awful. I think he lost 6 of his top 7 receivers from the year prior at one point last year. If Tannehill doesn't take a big step, I think QB still drives the bus in the NFL and Brady is still a top end QB.

As far as D line...Wilfork being healthy or not changes their entire defense. If he's healthy and with us without Big Paul, I think that battle is closer than we make think especially against the run (remember our LB play last year?). How's that going to go without protection?

Regardless, I think we are better from top to bottom than last year, but the Pat's still have the edge with Brady taking snaps. Tannehill is the only one that could change this dynamic and right now that's really our biggest question for this year...and the next 5 for that matter.

Agree on Brady but, the age is going to be a factor at some point. Just hoping it's sooner as opposed to later.

A healthy Wilfork does change things. I still do not see him and Kelly as as close to equal overall to Starks and Odrick, plus Mitchell.

I do agree that we are better overall but, the LB's are the same and changing positions, and the OL may or may not be.

 

[So Be]

Player vs player of the same position is pointless...

See how they match up against the player they will be going against...o-line vs d-line...

Good point. How do you think we match up O vs their D, and D vs their O?

 

[FSU Truth]

Good point. How do you think we match up O vs their D, and D vs their O?

It is going to be hard to tell....I think our defense matches up decently with their offense...if they can generate a good rush, good things will happen.

Out offense is a mystery so I can't even imagine how they will match up...

 

[miamiron]

Agree on Brady but, the age is going to be a factor at some point. Just hoping it's sooner as opposed to later.

9th in the NFL in rushing yards
10th in passing yards
7th in total yards

3RD IN POINTS 27.8 PTS PER GAME...8 PTS PER GAME BETTER THAN US
With terrible weapons

 

[So Be]

It is going to be hard to tell....I think our defense matches up decently with their offense...if they can generate a good rush, good things will happen.

Out offense is a mystery so I can't even imagine how they will match up...

Last year, Nickovich, Arrington. Gregory, and Ryan had VG games in our first contest, and Jones, Hightower, and Ryan in the second. Other than that, their individual play was average otr below. Wallace vs Revis should be something to watch. Advantage has to go to Revis but, all Wallace needs is a play or two.

 

[biggrouper]

Last year, Nickovich, Arrington. Gregory, and Ryan had VG games in our first contest, and Jones, Hightower, and Ryan in the second. Other than that, their individual play was average otr below. Wallace vs Revis should be something to watch. Advantage has to go to Revis but, all Wallace needs is a play or two.

Revis cant cover everybody by himself... We will have our chances...

 

[Gsmack_42]

Ask again after the 3rd preseason game.

 

[Fins_of_Fury]

I like our chances if we can put up 35 points on their D. I feel like our Run D may let us down against them though.

 

[BlueFin]

Way to early in my opinion to say or make your proclamation.

I will say this though...if our O-line comes together....Ilike our chances.

I don't see where the Pats greatly improved...Revis replaced Talib...not a huge upgrade.

 

[bird33]

tannehill missed a wide open wallace for a td that would have put us up 24-3 in the 3rd at ne, he then proceeded to play awful the rest of that game. the game in miami he was incredible...all comes down to tannehill. nothing will ever change until we start winning the qb battle when we play the cheats.