matty3054
☠️ Banned ☠️
Hey everybody…whats going on??
Now that I am going back to school for my Masters, I have some free time on my hands (funny how school work is just so much easier than having a job lol) so I’ve decided to hammer out a weekly preview of each Fins game, at least from my point of view. I figure it could lead to some good discussions on the board, so I’ll give it a shot.
WEEK 1: Dolphins at Steelers
The news earlier this week about Ben Roethlisberger missing the game shocked us all and I, like many here, have had mixed feelings about it. Although it may prove to make Miami’s task a little bit easier, I would have liked to see our defense go up against their HEALTHY offense. However, that is up to higher powers, not me.
Also of note is the slight chance that Steelers WR Hines Ward may not be able to play in the game. However, for arguments sake, I will assume that he will play on Thursday night.
Dolphins Running Game vs Steelers Rush Defense
I really feel that this match-up will determine how successful our offense will be on Thursday night. We all know that our OL struggled mightily throughout the preseason (*cough* Bennie Anderson *cough*). As much as I like to joke about Anderson’s struggles, it wasn’t just him…it was the unit as a whole. I know we all have faith in line coach Hudson Houck, but I for one am slightly worried. Looking at Pittsburgh’s front seven, everyone always talks about how talented and fast their LBs are. And they are. But when you watch tape of their D in action, you notice that it all begins up front with nose tackle Casey Hampton. At 6-1, 325, the man is a beast. He usually eats (not literally, although he looks big enough to) up 2 offensive lineman per play, freeing up those speedy LBs to make big plays against the run.
I know there has been a lot of talk about Ronnie Brown missing holes during the preseason games. However, I for one am not the least bit worried about Ronnie’s vision or ability. Quite simply, the man can play. I do not expect a huge game from him in week 1, however. There are 2 reasons for that: 1) Our OL still needs time to gel, and 2) Pitts LBs are very intelligent and speedy.
With that said, a 90-100 yard game is what I expect to see, with Ronnie making something out of nothing on more than one occasion.
Steelers Running Game vs Dolphins Rush Defense
The Steelers OL is a very effective unit. They been together for a little while and know what to expect out of each other. Of course, it all starts with pro bowl guard Alan Faneca.
Luckily for us, our DL is as big and talented as Pitts OL is. The addition of Dan Wilkinson will prove to be HUGE throughout the season. He simply is a monster. Last season, our D thrived against the run thanks to a DL that took on blocks, freeing up our LBs to make big plays. I expect the same thing this season, and definitely in this game.
The most important thing, though, is that I simply am not sold on Willie Parker. The man has speed, and you can’t deny that. However, I do not see him standing up to a physical front 7 like Miami’s. I look for Parker to find minimal running room.
Dolphins Passing Game vs Steelers Pass Defense
Just as in any other game, our passing game will only be as effective as our running game allows us to be. However, unlike in past seasons, if the running game does fail, we are, by no means, doomed. Just like all of you, I am very anxious about seeing Daunte Culpepper under center for this team. It truly does begin a new era in franchise history. However, I will be holding my breathe all game long praying that he doesn’t have to take a beating. Which brings me to my next point: our line NEEDS to be able to keep Daunte upright. It will be no easy task. Last season, Pittsburgh’s two outside LBs alone, Joey Porter and Clark Haggans, totaled 19.5 sacks. That’s truly ridiculous. And let’s not forget that crazy haired safety who had 3 sacks himself last season and who I’m sure would love to take a few cracks at Culpepper if he got the shot (Polamalu is a beast back there)!
With that said, Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend do not worry me all that much. I think that Chambers and Booker should be able to get open enough that Culpepper shouldn’t have to hold on to the ball for too long. Also, if the LBs over blitz, I expect McMichael to exploit Pitts safeties in coverage. All in all, I think that Daunte’s strong arm and accuracy should be able to successfully move the ball when needed to throughout the game.
Steelers Passing Game vs Dolphins Pass Defense
There’s no way that you can statistically prove how valuable Ben Roethlisberger is to this Steelers team. It goes a lot deeper than numbers. His loss for this game will be very tough to overcome, especially with Hines Ward not being 100%. However, you cannot sleep on Charlie Batch. He did not play too bad in the preseason, completing 59% of his passes for 217 yards and 1 TD, along with 2 INTs. Not overwhelming stats by any means, but it does show that he can be effective. He worked with the 2nd team unit, not the 1st, so he will benefit from having Ward and Cedrick Wilson as opposed to Willie Reed and Isaac West. Also, Batch has been in Pittsburgh for some time and has a familiarity with the playbook, which will benefit him.
With that said, I still expect a decent showing from out secondary despite the mediocre preseason showing from them. I feel that Will Allen’s speed should be enough to keep Hines Ward in check (especially with him not being fully healthy). Beyond Ward, I really do not worry about any of the other WRs.
Another thing to focus on would be our pass rush. I feel that we will attack Batch to force him to make quick decisions. If he doesn’t have all day in the pocket, Miami’s D could create some big plays. However, they must not let Batch to consistently have room to run upfield because the man can still move fairly well.
Bottom Line
I look for the Dolphins to be able to run the ball enough to keep the Steelers defense honest, allowing Culpepper to make a few big plays down the field. Defensively, I look for Miami to contain Willie Parker and to create some big plays throughout the game, allowing Miami to come out of Pittsburgh with an opening night win.
Dolphins 24- Steelers 16
Around the NFL: Week 1 Musings
-It’ll be interesting to see all season how Drew Brees does in New Orleans considering the Brees/Culpepper offseason soap opera we all witnessed. I expect he should have a fairly decent game against a questionable Browns secondary.
-The Bills/Pats game has certainly grabbed my attention this week. I think that the Bills will be able to successfully run on the Pats depleted LB group, allowing Buffalo to keep the New England offense on the sidelines. And we cannot forget about the loss of Deion Branch. I would not at all be surprised to see Buffalo keep this game competitive throughout and possibly leave Mass with a win.
-The best game of the weekend will probably be Cincinnati visiting Kansas City. We will be able to gauge whether or not Carson Palmer’s knee truly is ready because I suspect Chief LB Derrick Johnson getting a few licks on Palmer. I’m also anxious to see how well Larry Johnson fares with a revamped (and not for the better) offensive line blocking for him. Personally, I see a shootout shaping up in this game.
-The Dallas/Jacksonville game has also caught my attention. And no, it is not because of T.O., although I will be curious as to how he has grasped the offense in his limited preseason practicing. However, other storylines surround this game. Is Vanderjact ready to kick or will he remain a resident of Parcells’s doghouse? How will Fred Taylor fare without being spelled by Greg Jones (who is a bigger loss to the team than some have made it out to be)? Most importantly, I will be interested in seeing a team like Dallas (who have Super Bowl aspirations) fares going to visit a team that has the best record on opening day in NFL history (Jax 8-3 .711). I feel that Jacksonville will make enough defensive stops to slip by Dallas.
-Sunday night, I will be interested in seeing if the Giant’s defense is as good as people seem to think it will be? I for one feel that Lavar Arrington is overrated, Same Madison has lost a step and it not as effective as he once was, and Will Demps isn’t a future star at safety. I look for Peyton Manning to slice and dice this new Giants defense.
-Most importantly, I am very anxious to see how ESPN’s play-by-play team of Tirico, Theisman, and Kornheiser perform together. I am hoping for big things from Kornheiser, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Thanks for reading, guys and gals!
Now that I am going back to school for my Masters, I have some free time on my hands (funny how school work is just so much easier than having a job lol) so I’ve decided to hammer out a weekly preview of each Fins game, at least from my point of view. I figure it could lead to some good discussions on the board, so I’ll give it a shot.
WEEK 1: Dolphins at Steelers
The news earlier this week about Ben Roethlisberger missing the game shocked us all and I, like many here, have had mixed feelings about it. Although it may prove to make Miami’s task a little bit easier, I would have liked to see our defense go up against their HEALTHY offense. However, that is up to higher powers, not me.
Also of note is the slight chance that Steelers WR Hines Ward may not be able to play in the game. However, for arguments sake, I will assume that he will play on Thursday night.
Dolphins Running Game vs Steelers Rush Defense
I really feel that this match-up will determine how successful our offense will be on Thursday night. We all know that our OL struggled mightily throughout the preseason (*cough* Bennie Anderson *cough*). As much as I like to joke about Anderson’s struggles, it wasn’t just him…it was the unit as a whole. I know we all have faith in line coach Hudson Houck, but I for one am slightly worried. Looking at Pittsburgh’s front seven, everyone always talks about how talented and fast their LBs are. And they are. But when you watch tape of their D in action, you notice that it all begins up front with nose tackle Casey Hampton. At 6-1, 325, the man is a beast. He usually eats (not literally, although he looks big enough to) up 2 offensive lineman per play, freeing up those speedy LBs to make big plays against the run.
I know there has been a lot of talk about Ronnie Brown missing holes during the preseason games. However, I for one am not the least bit worried about Ronnie’s vision or ability. Quite simply, the man can play. I do not expect a huge game from him in week 1, however. There are 2 reasons for that: 1) Our OL still needs time to gel, and 2) Pitts LBs are very intelligent and speedy.
With that said, a 90-100 yard game is what I expect to see, with Ronnie making something out of nothing on more than one occasion.
Steelers Running Game vs Dolphins Rush Defense
The Steelers OL is a very effective unit. They been together for a little while and know what to expect out of each other. Of course, it all starts with pro bowl guard Alan Faneca.
Luckily for us, our DL is as big and talented as Pitts OL is. The addition of Dan Wilkinson will prove to be HUGE throughout the season. He simply is a monster. Last season, our D thrived against the run thanks to a DL that took on blocks, freeing up our LBs to make big plays. I expect the same thing this season, and definitely in this game.
The most important thing, though, is that I simply am not sold on Willie Parker. The man has speed, and you can’t deny that. However, I do not see him standing up to a physical front 7 like Miami’s. I look for Parker to find minimal running room.
Dolphins Passing Game vs Steelers Pass Defense
Just as in any other game, our passing game will only be as effective as our running game allows us to be. However, unlike in past seasons, if the running game does fail, we are, by no means, doomed. Just like all of you, I am very anxious about seeing Daunte Culpepper under center for this team. It truly does begin a new era in franchise history. However, I will be holding my breathe all game long praying that he doesn’t have to take a beating. Which brings me to my next point: our line NEEDS to be able to keep Daunte upright. It will be no easy task. Last season, Pittsburgh’s two outside LBs alone, Joey Porter and Clark Haggans, totaled 19.5 sacks. That’s truly ridiculous. And let’s not forget that crazy haired safety who had 3 sacks himself last season and who I’m sure would love to take a few cracks at Culpepper if he got the shot (Polamalu is a beast back there)!
With that said, Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend do not worry me all that much. I think that Chambers and Booker should be able to get open enough that Culpepper shouldn’t have to hold on to the ball for too long. Also, if the LBs over blitz, I expect McMichael to exploit Pitts safeties in coverage. All in all, I think that Daunte’s strong arm and accuracy should be able to successfully move the ball when needed to throughout the game.
Steelers Passing Game vs Dolphins Pass Defense
There’s no way that you can statistically prove how valuable Ben Roethlisberger is to this Steelers team. It goes a lot deeper than numbers. His loss for this game will be very tough to overcome, especially with Hines Ward not being 100%. However, you cannot sleep on Charlie Batch. He did not play too bad in the preseason, completing 59% of his passes for 217 yards and 1 TD, along with 2 INTs. Not overwhelming stats by any means, but it does show that he can be effective. He worked with the 2nd team unit, not the 1st, so he will benefit from having Ward and Cedrick Wilson as opposed to Willie Reed and Isaac West. Also, Batch has been in Pittsburgh for some time and has a familiarity with the playbook, which will benefit him.
With that said, I still expect a decent showing from out secondary despite the mediocre preseason showing from them. I feel that Will Allen’s speed should be enough to keep Hines Ward in check (especially with him not being fully healthy). Beyond Ward, I really do not worry about any of the other WRs.
Another thing to focus on would be our pass rush. I feel that we will attack Batch to force him to make quick decisions. If he doesn’t have all day in the pocket, Miami’s D could create some big plays. However, they must not let Batch to consistently have room to run upfield because the man can still move fairly well.
Bottom Line
I look for the Dolphins to be able to run the ball enough to keep the Steelers defense honest, allowing Culpepper to make a few big plays down the field. Defensively, I look for Miami to contain Willie Parker and to create some big plays throughout the game, allowing Miami to come out of Pittsburgh with an opening night win.
Dolphins 24- Steelers 16
Around the NFL: Week 1 Musings
-It’ll be interesting to see all season how Drew Brees does in New Orleans considering the Brees/Culpepper offseason soap opera we all witnessed. I expect he should have a fairly decent game against a questionable Browns secondary.
-The Bills/Pats game has certainly grabbed my attention this week. I think that the Bills will be able to successfully run on the Pats depleted LB group, allowing Buffalo to keep the New England offense on the sidelines. And we cannot forget about the loss of Deion Branch. I would not at all be surprised to see Buffalo keep this game competitive throughout and possibly leave Mass with a win.
-The best game of the weekend will probably be Cincinnati visiting Kansas City. We will be able to gauge whether or not Carson Palmer’s knee truly is ready because I suspect Chief LB Derrick Johnson getting a few licks on Palmer. I’m also anxious to see how well Larry Johnson fares with a revamped (and not for the better) offensive line blocking for him. Personally, I see a shootout shaping up in this game.
-The Dallas/Jacksonville game has also caught my attention. And no, it is not because of T.O., although I will be curious as to how he has grasped the offense in his limited preseason practicing. However, other storylines surround this game. Is Vanderjact ready to kick or will he remain a resident of Parcells’s doghouse? How will Fred Taylor fare without being spelled by Greg Jones (who is a bigger loss to the team than some have made it out to be)? Most importantly, I will be interested in seeing a team like Dallas (who have Super Bowl aspirations) fares going to visit a team that has the best record on opening day in NFL history (Jax 8-3 .711). I feel that Jacksonville will make enough defensive stops to slip by Dallas.
-Sunday night, I will be interested in seeing if the Giant’s defense is as good as people seem to think it will be? I for one feel that Lavar Arrington is overrated, Same Madison has lost a step and it not as effective as he once was, and Will Demps isn’t a future star at safety. I look for Peyton Manning to slice and dice this new Giants defense.
-Most importantly, I am very anxious to see how ESPN’s play-by-play team of Tirico, Theisman, and Kornheiser perform together. I am hoping for big things from Kornheiser, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Thanks for reading, guys and gals!
