Dolphan_B
Practice Squad
My take on the Bronco Phin game...
Let's start on the defenses since they will dominate this game.
DEFENSE
These defenses are very similar in the location of their talent. Both teams rebuilt their defensive lines and brought on a stud OLB. However, both have a thin secondaries which fall off after their best DB. Denver is playing two rookies at nickel and dime.
RUN D - While it is risky to base predictions on preseason performance, it appears that Miami did a better job fortifying their run defense. The only significant gains given up by the first string Phins D were a couple bounces to the outside where the CB took the wrong angle in a 3-4 set - most notably the Pitt run for 37 ards past Madison. Mostly, Miami's starting front seven shut down the run. In contrast, Denver's starting D had given up over 4 YPC to most RBs they have faced.
PASS D - In the preseason, Miami's starting D did a much better job masking their weaknesses in the secondary than did their Denver counterparts. Saban has implemented a multiple front zone blitz scheme that allowed Miami's starters to pick up 6 sacks compared to the 2 picked up by their Denver starting counterparts. As a result, Denver gave up 3 passing TDs to opposing starting QBs compared to none by the Phins D.
SCORING D - Indeed, Miami's starting D did not give up a single TD during the four regular preseason games. Denver's D gave up four.
Miami should have the advantage on defense in this one, especially at home in the summer heat.
OFFENSE
OL - Denver should have a distinct advantage in their OL play over Miami. However, Miami's starting OL did put in a solid game against a very good Bucs D when the OC actually game planned. In the preseason, Frerotte took 3 sacks compared to 2 for Plummer. The RBs for both teams also had holes to run through.
OL is a key for the game. If Miami's OL can play like they did against the Bucs, Frerotte will stay out of the dirt and Brown will have holes to run through. Conversely, the way to shut down Denver's offense is to get into the backfield at Plummer and the RBs. If Denver's can keep the Miami's blitz at 2 sacks or less, they will have done well.
QB - This match-up features two of the more inconsistent QBs in the league. Both flashed early in their careers and then tailed off. With more starting experience, Plummer should have an edge here. However, Plummer can be rattled easier than Frerotte.
QB is the second key for the game. The team who gives up the fewest picks will probably win this game.
RB - Both teams are deep at this position, but Miami is without Ricky. Brown played very well in limited action during the preseason, but now this is for real. Miami needs the rookie to be able to carry the rock about 25 times into the 4th Q when the Ddenver D will wilt in the heat.
I am thankful that Denver is going with Anderson instead of Bell. Anderson does not have the speed to elude the Miami defense and break a big one, Bell does. Hopefully, Bell does not see much playing time.
WR/TE - Miami has a distinct advantage here. Smith is old and Lelie/Watts are inconsistent. Miami needs to attack the NB/DB with Boston and Booker while Bailey is occupied with Chambers. McMike can pull a LB off the line and help open up the run.
INTANGIBLES
HEAT - Denver is practicing in dry weather in the mid 80s up here in Colorado. Miami is practicing in a Sauna turned up to high. Denver has not dealt with the heat well in the past and will begin to fade by the half. If Miami can keep this to one score through the first half, they should win this game based on the heat alone.
RESPECT - In a press conference earlier this week, Carter was asked how the Miami defense would handle the Denver rushing game. Carter flashed a little temper and asked how the Denver rushing game is going to handle this Miami defense. Given their success in the preseason, this is a valid point. Vegas has Denver by 5 points and every pundit is predicting Denver to win. This is a great upset opportunity so long as Miami's QB and OL play competently.
MIAMI 17, DENVER 13
:D
Let's start on the defenses since they will dominate this game.
DEFENSE
These defenses are very similar in the location of their talent. Both teams rebuilt their defensive lines and brought on a stud OLB. However, both have a thin secondaries which fall off after their best DB. Denver is playing two rookies at nickel and dime.
RUN D - While it is risky to base predictions on preseason performance, it appears that Miami did a better job fortifying their run defense. The only significant gains given up by the first string Phins D were a couple bounces to the outside where the CB took the wrong angle in a 3-4 set - most notably the Pitt run for 37 ards past Madison. Mostly, Miami's starting front seven shut down the run. In contrast, Denver's starting D had given up over 4 YPC to most RBs they have faced.
PASS D - In the preseason, Miami's starting D did a much better job masking their weaknesses in the secondary than did their Denver counterparts. Saban has implemented a multiple front zone blitz scheme that allowed Miami's starters to pick up 6 sacks compared to the 2 picked up by their Denver starting counterparts. As a result, Denver gave up 3 passing TDs to opposing starting QBs compared to none by the Phins D.
SCORING D - Indeed, Miami's starting D did not give up a single TD during the four regular preseason games. Denver's D gave up four.
Miami should have the advantage on defense in this one, especially at home in the summer heat.
OFFENSE
OL - Denver should have a distinct advantage in their OL play over Miami. However, Miami's starting OL did put in a solid game against a very good Bucs D when the OC actually game planned. In the preseason, Frerotte took 3 sacks compared to 2 for Plummer. The RBs for both teams also had holes to run through.
OL is a key for the game. If Miami's OL can play like they did against the Bucs, Frerotte will stay out of the dirt and Brown will have holes to run through. Conversely, the way to shut down Denver's offense is to get into the backfield at Plummer and the RBs. If Denver's can keep the Miami's blitz at 2 sacks or less, they will have done well.
QB - This match-up features two of the more inconsistent QBs in the league. Both flashed early in their careers and then tailed off. With more starting experience, Plummer should have an edge here. However, Plummer can be rattled easier than Frerotte.
QB is the second key for the game. The team who gives up the fewest picks will probably win this game.
RB - Both teams are deep at this position, but Miami is without Ricky. Brown played very well in limited action during the preseason, but now this is for real. Miami needs the rookie to be able to carry the rock about 25 times into the 4th Q when the Ddenver D will wilt in the heat.
I am thankful that Denver is going with Anderson instead of Bell. Anderson does not have the speed to elude the Miami defense and break a big one, Bell does. Hopefully, Bell does not see much playing time.
WR/TE - Miami has a distinct advantage here. Smith is old and Lelie/Watts are inconsistent. Miami needs to attack the NB/DB with Boston and Booker while Bailey is occupied with Chambers. McMike can pull a LB off the line and help open up the run.
INTANGIBLES
HEAT - Denver is practicing in dry weather in the mid 80s up here in Colorado. Miami is practicing in a Sauna turned up to high. Denver has not dealt with the heat well in the past and will begin to fade by the half. If Miami can keep this to one score through the first half, they should win this game based on the heat alone.
RESPECT - In a press conference earlier this week, Carter was asked how the Miami defense would handle the Denver rushing game. Carter flashed a little temper and asked how the Denver rushing game is going to handle this Miami defense. Given their success in the preseason, this is a valid point. Vegas has Denver by 5 points and every pundit is predicting Denver to win. This is a great upset opportunity so long as Miami's QB and OL play competently.
MIAMI 17, DENVER 13
:D
