Game 1 @ Falcons – This will be an enormous test for our safeties more than anything as Turner, Ryan, White and Gonzo (who seems to average a TD against us) come ready to go. A win in this one will be a huge confidence booster going into the second game VS the arguably the best QB in the league. A loss here would also be a nice test to how resilient our team can be by making the proper adjustments and bouncing back the next week VS the Colts. This game is a classic “stop the run first” and “rush the passer second” type game. The ability of our safeties to stop the run and TE will be the key to this game. The offense needs to be able to man handle a defense which is very young and inexperience. If we are not able to run against the Falcons D (which features a rookie on the line) then it will be hard to do much against most teams. If there was any defense that you would like to see day one, Atlanta is one of them. Overall Advantage – Miami.
Phins Record 1-0
Game 2 VS Colts – Monday Night – If you take a look at Peyton Manning on Monday night games you will see that this guys shows up like no ones business. When the lights are bright and everyone is watching, Manning shines. This will be a GREAT test to our secondary, but more importantly our pass rush. Everyone knows the Colts throw, throw, throw, and then throw a little more. They were last in rushing last year and while they will try to run more this year, Manning will still be the reason they win or lose. Their o-line is not as strong as years past and putting Manning on his back is how we win. This game should be used as a barometer of what kind of pass rush we truly have. While their D will also be improved it will be no where near elite but being early in the season and having a healthy Bob Sanders will put Ronnie to the test. If Ronnie wants to show he is elite, this is the game he really needs to show up in. He needs to grind the clock and keep the ball out of Manning’s hands. If you give Manning enough chances, he will make you pay, that much is guaranteed. Ball control will be one the most important aspect for us to win. With that said we have to win this game on defense not offense. Overall Advantage – Colts.
Phins Record 1-1
Game 3 @ Chargers – This is a team that looks great on both sides of the ball and has very good special teams. Hands down one of the most complete teams when healthy. Merriman will need to regain form, but I’m really not that sold on his return. What I think will make a huge difference for them is Cromartie being healthy. They guys is a flat out playmaker. Anyone who takes the ball 109 ¾ yards to the house deserves respect. He was injured for most of last season and I think that cost them a lot of games. But injuries seem to be a reoccurring problem with the Chargers. If its not Cromartie, its Gates or Merriamn or LT. They obviously don’t have our strength and condition program! One thing that is for sure is Rivers is climbing the ladder and trying to establish himself as an elite QB. While he is very good he is still not elite but I think it’s only a matter of time before that happens. Special teams will also be huge in this game as Sproles is lighting in a bottle and one or two missed tackles and that guy is so quick and talented he will take it to the house. The return of LT cannot be overlooked as well. He is a few years removed from an MVP season and being early in the season he will most likely be healthy and factor. It will take great play from all three aspects of our team for us to pull this one off. We need to play as a team more than ever in this one. Should be one of the hardest games this year. Overall Advantage – Chargers
Phins Record 1-2
Game 4 VS Bills – Top-notch special teams, decent defense, and solid playmakers on offense in Evans, Lynch, and T.O. Their main problem though will be the o-line, which will not have jelled 3 games into the season. I love our pass rush vs their o-line and I think Edwards is going to get smashed this game. I don’t see their defense shutting down our offense. They definitely have the edge in ST though I just hope that doesn’t break our back. These division games are what we must win to show that the division goes through Miami and not New England. Overall Advantage – Miami.
Phins Record 2-2
Game 5 VS Jets – Monday Night – This will be one of the most anticipated games of the season with Crowder and Rex taking shots this offseason. Being at home give us a natural edge in division games. If we stop the run this game then I think that will pretty much tilt the scale in our favor. With the run stuffed (which wont be easy against that o-line), if the Phins pass rush isn’t salivating with the idea of a rookie QB then I don’t know what else they want. Sanchez is not Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco and it will show this season when he throws just as many picks as TDs if not more. One thing that cannot be overlooked is how good the Jets o-line is. The o-line will be the main reason this team has a chance week in and out. But I still think our pass rush should be good enough against the rookie and that will lead to great secondary play. The Jets defense will be good, but I just don’t think it will be elite like everyone else does just because Rex Ryan is there. I definitely think that our offense can put together a few good drives and get points against a solid defense. Special teams are the only reason I see us suffering in this game. Also Leon Washington has game breaking ability written all over him. He will have a good year. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 3-2
Bye Week
Game 6 VS Saints –The Saints coming off a game vs the Giants - who have an elite pass rush - I expect them to be a bit banged up and that should help us out quite a bit since we will be coming of 13 days of rest. I see this type of game being very similar to the Colts game except the Saints will “run” it more in the sense of screen passes and passes to the flats. We have another elite QB coming to town with some great weapons in Colston, Bush, Shockey, and Thomas. Similar to the Colts while they have a much-improved defense they are still going to be middle of the pack and that should allow the offense enough opportunities. The play of our corners and safeties will play a much more important role in this game than vs the Colts as far as tackling bescause they will be counted on making a lot of tackles in open space. Not to beat a dead horse and sound so repetitive, but pass rush needs to be lights out – AGAIN. They get the edge on STs. This will be a tough game to win, but being at home and rested should improve our chances quite a bit. If this game was in a short week for us and the Saints were coming off a bye, I don’t think we’d win. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 4-2
Game 7 @ Jets. – It’s not easy to beat a team twice in one season, but the Jets are due. They beat us a straight 8 times in a row over a 4-year span and now its time for some payback. Jason Taylor and Joey Porter will make sure the rookie QB gets a second serving of dirt. And as Porter said last year “He’s a rookie, it will be nice to go up there and get a win.” . We all know the growing pains for a rookie QB. There is already a big rivalry here and it only gets bigger as we go back to NY where we won the AFC East crown last year. The Jest will be out for blood this game so I expect it to be a very physical game. One thing to add is the Jets being at home for this one may improve their odd but not enough. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 5-2
Game 8 @ Patriots – NE is coming off of a bye week and will be pumped to show the NFL that they are still the team to beat in the EAST by trying to beat the champs. They are at home and will be very prepared having two weeks to break down film and study. Billacheat will have something up his sleeve as revenge from the bitter taste in his mouth from last year’s Wildcat. The offense will put up points, but they just need to be limited in the amount they put up. Having JT back will prove to be a huge help as he has Brady’s number. It’s funny that the one-year JT is gone; Brady doesn’t even get a chance to experience it. Oh the irony. The defense is average at best and will allow for a solid game on offense. If we try to play shootout we will lose. Ronnie will need to have a HUGE game for us to win this. I’d say STs is a draw. Overall Advantage – NE
Phins Record 5-3
Game 9 – VS Bucs – The Bucs are in a complete rebuilding mode and will prove to be a below average team by this time. The defense, which has been a strong point in the past, will be decent, but the offense will be struggling to score any points through the air. Their running game will be somewhat good with Caddy and Ward who make for a solid rushing attack, but it isn’t enough to beat the Miami defense. Miami has a better offense, defense, and seems like a draw in STs. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 6-3
Game 10 @ Panthers – Thursday Night – Miami will be coming off of a short week and on the road, but Carolina is also playing in a short week just like Miami. There is no competitive advantage there either way except for home field. The Panthers have a very formidable rushing attack behind the slippery Williams, Stewart, and Goodson. These two guys combined for 2,300 yards last season!! We all saw Williams’s ability to shed a few tackles and take it to the house against our own Phins. Along with a solid rushing attack they do have a bonafide #1 receiver in Smith (who gets 100+ yards and a TD against us every time for some reason) and a capable QB in Delhomme. While they did pick up 3 defensive players with their first 3 draft choices, I don’t see this defense being top 10 next year. Everett Brown will be a player, but he’s not going to be better than Peppers next year. Our offense should be able to run versus these guys and I am not afraid of any of their corners (although Gamble is not bad). The defense needs to take the ball out of the RBs hands and make Delhomme win the game for them. IF we can get that to happen before the 4th quarter starts this one is in the bag, but that is a BIG if when you are playing a great rushing team. Overall Advantage – Panthers.
Phins Record 6-4
Game 11 @ Bills – As I said before it is difficult to beat the same team twice in a season, but this is the Bills we are talking about. At this point they will be .500 at best and once again to show we are the class of the division this is a must win game. We beat the Bills two times last season and I see no reason why we can’t do it again. Our pass rush will once again prove to bee too much for this inexperienced o-line. Evans, TO, and Lynch will keep this game close as they will want revenge for the first loss, but Edwards will ultimately cost them the game. He may do a bit better now that the Bills will be running a no huddle offense which should keep the defense a little more off balance, but there will be enough game film by this point to take advantage of their weaknesses. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 7-4
Game 12 VS Patriots – Ah the Patriots come to town with one win against us already at their house. Well its time to show the Patriots we will not just die into the night and hand the crown over. If the Patriots want to be champs they will need everything they’ve got when they come into our house and I just don’t see them beating us twice, especially with Parcells in the house. While this will be a tough game I see us splitting the season series with this guys. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 8-4
Game 13 @ Jaguars – While this is a road game I don’t expect it to be a huge advantage over us since it is so close and I’m sure quite a bit of Phins fans will show up too. The Jaguars were injury ridden last year along the o-line, which turned their season upside down. They never got their pass protection issues fixed with the patchwork line and it proved to be deadly (I really admire the work Sporano did last year with what we had – we are lucky to have him). MJD is as explosive as any player in the league and behind a much better o-line this guy will have a great year, but ultimate I believe our defense is up to the test. As good at MJD is, it is important to remember that Fred Taylor is no longer there to spell him and MJD just might wear down a little bit more with a heavier load. This will be something to keep and eye one. The Jags have one of the better d-lines in the league and we have all seen how far that can take a team. Our o-line will need to do a much better job than it did in the preseason. Mathis is their best corner, but he is not anything special. There isn’t really anyone in the secondary that sticks out and that should play to our favor. This is one of our most winnable road games this year. Overall Advantage – Jaguars
Phins Record 8-5
Game 14 @ Titans – I see the Titans as a team that will take a bit of a step back this year, but that doesn’t mean this still wont be good. While they lost Haynseworth they showed last year that they could definitely win without him. They have one of the best coaches in Fisher and he is always well prepared for games. He truly is one of the more underrated coaches in the league. The defense that finished last year 9th overall will still be in the top 10 next year. The have a great DE in Van Den Bosch and a very underrated secondary. The offense on the other hand is a different story. They do have a two-headed monster in White and Brown who make for a very good rushing attack behind a very good o-line. Mawae is getting old in age at center so that may be the only concern along the line for them, but their LT is a great and our pass rush will really be working hard. I think this may be one of the few games where our secondary might actually be the reason if we win the game. This will be a hard fought battle against a very physical team. Overall Advantage – Titans
Phins Record 8-6
Game 15 VS Texans – Boy did that game last year leave a bas taste in my mouth. The Texans are the only team in the NFL that the Phins have never beat and I am sure the players will be smelling blood as Andre Johnson and Mario Williams roll into town. Beating us on the very last play of regulation last year was a dagger and Crowder will need to make up for that play. Steve Slaton is poised for a breakout year and we all know what A. Johnson can do. I still remember that amazing catch he had last year on two Goodman and Bell. (I think it was them two?) Mario Williams will be a tough match up but we did well against him last year and having seen plenty of GREAT pass rushers by this point in the season we should be able to handle it. The d-line is good but not great and the secondary is not anything special yet. Daunte Robinson is a good corner, but is still trying to bump himself into the great category. I like our chances. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 9-6
Game 16 VS Steelers – I think everyone is hoping that by this team next year the Steelers will have locked up the division and will not be playing their starters much. While they do have the lowly Browns in the division, they also have a Bengals team that could be a real sleeper along with a great Baltimore team who I think would have beaten the Cardinals as well last year had the gone to the SB. But ultimately the Steelers take a step back after winning the SB (as does almost every SB winner), so this will be a critical game for them and they will bring everything they’ve got. The defense is top 3 in the league in just about every category and this will be a hard game to win. Stopping the run will be equally as important as stopping the pass in this game, which is why they are so good. Big Ben may not be Manning or Brady but the guy flat out makes plays. He can wins games if he needs to. Their STs are often overlooked but they are as good as anyone in the league. Overall they hold an advantage over the Phins on O, D, and STs. We just have home field advantage. Give the Champs the respect they have earned. Overall Advantage – Steelers.
Phins Record 9-7
Phins Record 1-0
Game 2 VS Colts – Monday Night – If you take a look at Peyton Manning on Monday night games you will see that this guys shows up like no ones business. When the lights are bright and everyone is watching, Manning shines. This will be a GREAT test to our secondary, but more importantly our pass rush. Everyone knows the Colts throw, throw, throw, and then throw a little more. They were last in rushing last year and while they will try to run more this year, Manning will still be the reason they win or lose. Their o-line is not as strong as years past and putting Manning on his back is how we win. This game should be used as a barometer of what kind of pass rush we truly have. While their D will also be improved it will be no where near elite but being early in the season and having a healthy Bob Sanders will put Ronnie to the test. If Ronnie wants to show he is elite, this is the game he really needs to show up in. He needs to grind the clock and keep the ball out of Manning’s hands. If you give Manning enough chances, he will make you pay, that much is guaranteed. Ball control will be one the most important aspect for us to win. With that said we have to win this game on defense not offense. Overall Advantage – Colts.
Phins Record 1-1
Game 3 @ Chargers – This is a team that looks great on both sides of the ball and has very good special teams. Hands down one of the most complete teams when healthy. Merriman will need to regain form, but I’m really not that sold on his return. What I think will make a huge difference for them is Cromartie being healthy. They guys is a flat out playmaker. Anyone who takes the ball 109 ¾ yards to the house deserves respect. He was injured for most of last season and I think that cost them a lot of games. But injuries seem to be a reoccurring problem with the Chargers. If its not Cromartie, its Gates or Merriamn or LT. They obviously don’t have our strength and condition program! One thing that is for sure is Rivers is climbing the ladder and trying to establish himself as an elite QB. While he is very good he is still not elite but I think it’s only a matter of time before that happens. Special teams will also be huge in this game as Sproles is lighting in a bottle and one or two missed tackles and that guy is so quick and talented he will take it to the house. The return of LT cannot be overlooked as well. He is a few years removed from an MVP season and being early in the season he will most likely be healthy and factor. It will take great play from all three aspects of our team for us to pull this one off. We need to play as a team more than ever in this one. Should be one of the hardest games this year. Overall Advantage – Chargers
Phins Record 1-2
Game 4 VS Bills – Top-notch special teams, decent defense, and solid playmakers on offense in Evans, Lynch, and T.O. Their main problem though will be the o-line, which will not have jelled 3 games into the season. I love our pass rush vs their o-line and I think Edwards is going to get smashed this game. I don’t see their defense shutting down our offense. They definitely have the edge in ST though I just hope that doesn’t break our back. These division games are what we must win to show that the division goes through Miami and not New England. Overall Advantage – Miami.
Phins Record 2-2
Game 5 VS Jets – Monday Night – This will be one of the most anticipated games of the season with Crowder and Rex taking shots this offseason. Being at home give us a natural edge in division games. If we stop the run this game then I think that will pretty much tilt the scale in our favor. With the run stuffed (which wont be easy against that o-line), if the Phins pass rush isn’t salivating with the idea of a rookie QB then I don’t know what else they want. Sanchez is not Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco and it will show this season when he throws just as many picks as TDs if not more. One thing that cannot be overlooked is how good the Jets o-line is. The o-line will be the main reason this team has a chance week in and out. But I still think our pass rush should be good enough against the rookie and that will lead to great secondary play. The Jets defense will be good, but I just don’t think it will be elite like everyone else does just because Rex Ryan is there. I definitely think that our offense can put together a few good drives and get points against a solid defense. Special teams are the only reason I see us suffering in this game. Also Leon Washington has game breaking ability written all over him. He will have a good year. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 3-2
Bye Week
Game 6 VS Saints –The Saints coming off a game vs the Giants - who have an elite pass rush - I expect them to be a bit banged up and that should help us out quite a bit since we will be coming of 13 days of rest. I see this type of game being very similar to the Colts game except the Saints will “run” it more in the sense of screen passes and passes to the flats. We have another elite QB coming to town with some great weapons in Colston, Bush, Shockey, and Thomas. Similar to the Colts while they have a much-improved defense they are still going to be middle of the pack and that should allow the offense enough opportunities. The play of our corners and safeties will play a much more important role in this game than vs the Colts as far as tackling bescause they will be counted on making a lot of tackles in open space. Not to beat a dead horse and sound so repetitive, but pass rush needs to be lights out – AGAIN. They get the edge on STs. This will be a tough game to win, but being at home and rested should improve our chances quite a bit. If this game was in a short week for us and the Saints were coming off a bye, I don’t think we’d win. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 4-2
Game 7 @ Jets. – It’s not easy to beat a team twice in one season, but the Jets are due. They beat us a straight 8 times in a row over a 4-year span and now its time for some payback. Jason Taylor and Joey Porter will make sure the rookie QB gets a second serving of dirt. And as Porter said last year “He’s a rookie, it will be nice to go up there and get a win.” . We all know the growing pains for a rookie QB. There is already a big rivalry here and it only gets bigger as we go back to NY where we won the AFC East crown last year. The Jest will be out for blood this game so I expect it to be a very physical game. One thing to add is the Jets being at home for this one may improve their odd but not enough. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 5-2
Game 8 @ Patriots – NE is coming off of a bye week and will be pumped to show the NFL that they are still the team to beat in the EAST by trying to beat the champs. They are at home and will be very prepared having two weeks to break down film and study. Billacheat will have something up his sleeve as revenge from the bitter taste in his mouth from last year’s Wildcat. The offense will put up points, but they just need to be limited in the amount they put up. Having JT back will prove to be a huge help as he has Brady’s number. It’s funny that the one-year JT is gone; Brady doesn’t even get a chance to experience it. Oh the irony. The defense is average at best and will allow for a solid game on offense. If we try to play shootout we will lose. Ronnie will need to have a HUGE game for us to win this. I’d say STs is a draw. Overall Advantage – NE
Phins Record 5-3
Game 9 – VS Bucs – The Bucs are in a complete rebuilding mode and will prove to be a below average team by this time. The defense, which has been a strong point in the past, will be decent, but the offense will be struggling to score any points through the air. Their running game will be somewhat good with Caddy and Ward who make for a solid rushing attack, but it isn’t enough to beat the Miami defense. Miami has a better offense, defense, and seems like a draw in STs. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 6-3
Game 10 @ Panthers – Thursday Night – Miami will be coming off of a short week and on the road, but Carolina is also playing in a short week just like Miami. There is no competitive advantage there either way except for home field. The Panthers have a very formidable rushing attack behind the slippery Williams, Stewart, and Goodson. These two guys combined for 2,300 yards last season!! We all saw Williams’s ability to shed a few tackles and take it to the house against our own Phins. Along with a solid rushing attack they do have a bonafide #1 receiver in Smith (who gets 100+ yards and a TD against us every time for some reason) and a capable QB in Delhomme. While they did pick up 3 defensive players with their first 3 draft choices, I don’t see this defense being top 10 next year. Everett Brown will be a player, but he’s not going to be better than Peppers next year. Our offense should be able to run versus these guys and I am not afraid of any of their corners (although Gamble is not bad). The defense needs to take the ball out of the RBs hands and make Delhomme win the game for them. IF we can get that to happen before the 4th quarter starts this one is in the bag, but that is a BIG if when you are playing a great rushing team. Overall Advantage – Panthers.
Phins Record 6-4
Game 11 @ Bills – As I said before it is difficult to beat the same team twice in a season, but this is the Bills we are talking about. At this point they will be .500 at best and once again to show we are the class of the division this is a must win game. We beat the Bills two times last season and I see no reason why we can’t do it again. Our pass rush will once again prove to bee too much for this inexperienced o-line. Evans, TO, and Lynch will keep this game close as they will want revenge for the first loss, but Edwards will ultimately cost them the game. He may do a bit better now that the Bills will be running a no huddle offense which should keep the defense a little more off balance, but there will be enough game film by this point to take advantage of their weaknesses. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 7-4
Game 12 VS Patriots – Ah the Patriots come to town with one win against us already at their house. Well its time to show the Patriots we will not just die into the night and hand the crown over. If the Patriots want to be champs they will need everything they’ve got when they come into our house and I just don’t see them beating us twice, especially with Parcells in the house. While this will be a tough game I see us splitting the season series with this guys. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 8-4
Game 13 @ Jaguars – While this is a road game I don’t expect it to be a huge advantage over us since it is so close and I’m sure quite a bit of Phins fans will show up too. The Jaguars were injury ridden last year along the o-line, which turned their season upside down. They never got their pass protection issues fixed with the patchwork line and it proved to be deadly (I really admire the work Sporano did last year with what we had – we are lucky to have him). MJD is as explosive as any player in the league and behind a much better o-line this guy will have a great year, but ultimate I believe our defense is up to the test. As good at MJD is, it is important to remember that Fred Taylor is no longer there to spell him and MJD just might wear down a little bit more with a heavier load. This will be something to keep and eye one. The Jags have one of the better d-lines in the league and we have all seen how far that can take a team. Our o-line will need to do a much better job than it did in the preseason. Mathis is their best corner, but he is not anything special. There isn’t really anyone in the secondary that sticks out and that should play to our favor. This is one of our most winnable road games this year. Overall Advantage – Jaguars
Phins Record 8-5
Game 14 @ Titans – I see the Titans as a team that will take a bit of a step back this year, but that doesn’t mean this still wont be good. While they lost Haynseworth they showed last year that they could definitely win without him. They have one of the best coaches in Fisher and he is always well prepared for games. He truly is one of the more underrated coaches in the league. The defense that finished last year 9th overall will still be in the top 10 next year. The have a great DE in Van Den Bosch and a very underrated secondary. The offense on the other hand is a different story. They do have a two-headed monster in White and Brown who make for a very good rushing attack behind a very good o-line. Mawae is getting old in age at center so that may be the only concern along the line for them, but their LT is a great and our pass rush will really be working hard. I think this may be one of the few games where our secondary might actually be the reason if we win the game. This will be a hard fought battle against a very physical team. Overall Advantage – Titans
Phins Record 8-6
Game 15 VS Texans – Boy did that game last year leave a bas taste in my mouth. The Texans are the only team in the NFL that the Phins have never beat and I am sure the players will be smelling blood as Andre Johnson and Mario Williams roll into town. Beating us on the very last play of regulation last year was a dagger and Crowder will need to make up for that play. Steve Slaton is poised for a breakout year and we all know what A. Johnson can do. I still remember that amazing catch he had last year on two Goodman and Bell. (I think it was them two?) Mario Williams will be a tough match up but we did well against him last year and having seen plenty of GREAT pass rushers by this point in the season we should be able to handle it. The d-line is good but not great and the secondary is not anything special yet. Daunte Robinson is a good corner, but is still trying to bump himself into the great category. I like our chances. Overall Advantage – Miami
Phins Record 9-6
Game 16 VS Steelers – I think everyone is hoping that by this team next year the Steelers will have locked up the division and will not be playing their starters much. While they do have the lowly Browns in the division, they also have a Bengals team that could be a real sleeper along with a great Baltimore team who I think would have beaten the Cardinals as well last year had the gone to the SB. But ultimately the Steelers take a step back after winning the SB (as does almost every SB winner), so this will be a critical game for them and they will bring everything they’ve got. The defense is top 3 in the league in just about every category and this will be a hard game to win. Stopping the run will be equally as important as stopping the pass in this game, which is why they are so good. Big Ben may not be Manning or Brady but the guy flat out makes plays. He can wins games if he needs to. Their STs are often overlooked but they are as good as anyone in the league. Overall they hold an advantage over the Phins on O, D, and STs. We just have home field advantage. Give the Champs the respect they have earned. Overall Advantage – Steelers.
Phins Record 9-7
