As if the
Miami Dolphins defense didn't have enough run game issues to worry about for Sunday's game, it's not wise to ignore the contributions of Titans center
Kevin Mawae, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection.
It's Mawae who orchestrates Tennessee's dominate front line, which has allowed only 12 sacks this season, and paves the way for 165.3 rushing yards per game, which is ranked second in the NFL.
Paul Soliai, who will be starting his fourth game as
Jason Ferguson's replacement at nose tackle, openly puts his team's success against Tennessee's running game on his shoulders. He knows the Titans will likely try to exploit his inexperience with Mawae's savvy moves.
"This is my first year starting, and it's his 15th year. He's got a lot of veteran moves. The coaches bring his experience up to me a lot, but it really doesn't matter. A center's a center," said Soliai, who has contributed a career-high 19 tackles, deflected one pass, and forced one fumble this season, his third in the NFL.
"I've been watching film of Mawae and all he does is single block people. I hope he gives me the same [approach]," Soliai said. "If [the opponent] runs the ball well it's my fault, especially if they run it up the middle."
