(4-5) Miami Dolphins Vs. (4-5) Carolina Panthers (-3.5)
When the Dolphins and Panthers line up across from each other on Thursday night they will have to feel like they are looking in a mirror. They are each other’s counterparts in their respective conferences. Both seemingly so close to getting over the hump yet still have a couple holes to fill before they officially arrive. Both teams are 4-5, on their 3rd attempt to get to .500, in a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive, boast excellent running games, suspect passing attacks and solid run defenses. You can expect each team to be entering the game with nearly the exact same game plans: stop the others ground game and force the quarterback to beat you. The team that finds the most success in doing so is likely to walk away 5-5 and very much alive in their respective playoff races while the other will be sent reeling and essentially preparing for the Draft.
WHEN MIAMI HAS THE BALL:
Ronnie Brown means to the Miami offense what Khloe Kardasian’s booty means to her career. Losing him to a foot injury is devastating, especially when there have been recent whispers that it may be season ending. Ricky Williams will now be asked to shoulder the bulk of the carries for the #4 ranked offense in the league at 156.2 yards per game. Ricky should be fine as he’s been as impressive as ever, 105-558-6 with an impressive 5.3 yards per carry average. Miami should be able to run on Carolina who ranks 25th in the league against it, provided Chad Henne can keep them honest early with crisp passes down the field to the wide receivers and in the seams to the tight ends that have been used sparingly. Ted Ginn very well may get the start this week and it’s important for Head Coach Tony Sporano and Henne to get him involved right away to build his confidence. Unfortunately, they may have to hand it off to him to get it in his hands but he does need touches and opportunities to be successful, which will open things up for both the underneath routes to Davone Bess, Greg Camarillo and Brian Hartline and give rookie Kory Sperry, yeah I don’t either, a chance to prove that last week’s performance was no fluke.
WHEN CAROLINA HAS THE BALL:
It’s no secret that Carolina will be depending on DeAngelo Williams and James Stewart to carry them to victory. Carolina is just ahead of Miami averaging 156.6 yards per contest. Losing LT Jordan Gross for the season is a huge loss for the Panthers offense and one that Randy Starks and the Dolphins need to exploit. The good news for Miami is Carolina treats the ball like a 14 year old boy treats a Playboy when his Grandma walks in leading the league with 18 total fumbles and 10 lost fumbles and ranking 4th with 14 interceptions. Like Miami, it will be important for Jake Delhomme to soften up the Dolphins defensively and not allow them stack the box with 8 or 9 guys. Star wide receiver, Steve Smith, will certainly keep Miami on their heels with his explosive rout running and playmaking ability. Vontae Davis and Sean Smith have proven they are legitimate corners in this league but they certainly have to be sharp or Smith will make them pay.
KEY MATCH UP:
Randy Starks vs. Mackenzy Bernadeau
It appears the Panthers will shift LG Travelle Wharton to LT in place of the injured Gross and bring in Bernandeau to fill Wharton’s spot. That can’t be good news for Carolina. If Starks does his job right Bernadeau will be spending Thursday night trying to check in at a shelter for battered women. FEARLESS PREDICTION: This game will be over in record time with both teams trying to pound the ball down the others throat moving the chains and eating clock. All of the sudden this game on the schedule poses a serious threat to Dolphins, in fact, Miami finds themselves as -3.5 point underdogs. The deck is stacked against Miami to say the least after losing Brown and coming off a grueling nail biter then traveling on the road on a short week. Even without Ronnie I think the Dolphins grind it out well enough to keep the game close with the Dolphins defense stepping up and forcing a couple turnovers from mistake prone Delhomme to secure the win.
Dolphins 16
Panthers 13
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