The 2-0 Miami Dolphins have wisely done their talking on the field and plan to do just that when they graciously host Rex Ryan and his colorful, to say the least, 1-1 New York Jets Sunday night on National television. Snooki and Angelina get along better than these two and for good reason.
The history is rich let alone all that has transpired over the past year including Ryan flipping his big fat Pterodactyl middle finger off at Dolfans during an MMA event, the acquisition of the best defensive player in Miami team history, Jason Taylor, the 2 day signing of our WR castoff Patrick Turner strictly for download purposes and of course the glitz and glamor that comes with being glorified on HBO’s “Hard Knocks”. I assure you, Miami is using all of that as fuel to the fire. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if every single Dolphins player has burned every green item of clothing they own just to cleanse themselves of the filthy thought of “that green team up north”.
Conversely, I’m sure New York has not forgotten the that the Dolphins swept the Jets last season in large part due to the play of Ted Ginn. You heard me, that Ted Ginn. Imagine that. The same Ted Ginn that makes “Rudy” look like Lawrence Taylor. Motivation isn’t an issue. Both teams will undoubtedly bring their A-game. Hatred alone assures that.
I do have a confession to make though. I like Rex Ryan. There I’ve said it. I don’t care that he’s on the most hated nemesis imaginable. Don’t get me wrong, I hate him in New York and hope he loses every game he ever coaches there and gets publicly embarrassed and falls victim to a classless firing. But I’ll like him when he’s gone. He’s that guy you loathe unless he’s on your team. Since he’s not, I hope he burn in hell. For all those Dolfans that want to kill me for liking Ryan just need to have a coke and a smile and remember that Chad Pennington once just as much of an enemy as Ryan.
WHEN MIAMI HAS THE BALL: Not much good news here, folks, when you look at the numbers. The Dolphins and their vaunted 27th ranked offense face a Jets defense that has allowed only 1 touchdown and 1.8 yards per carry on the ground in 55 rushes against them. That’s impressive in the NFL against the bottom feeders let alone the Ravens and Patriots.
Miami must play Dolphins football, which is a mistake free, ball control approach to win the field position battle and obviously not to turn the ball over. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will be stubbornly run regardless of their effectiveness and I think that’s a good thing despite the backlash from fans bashing the play-calling of OC Dan Henning. This defense is not the defense you want to open it up and start slinging it all over the place even without Derrelle Revis playing. Miami fully anticipates to win this game in a low scoring field position battle and are not going to jeopardize things by taking huge risks against one of the best defensive units in the league.
I do think, however, Chad Henne, will be asked to go deep on a few occasions to Brandon Marshall and I 
fully anticipate a trick play out of the Wildcat to be called. Henne will need to maintain his decent 85.1 rating and should have plenty of opportunity on the quick stuff underneath to Davone Bess, Brian Hartline and Anthony Fasano in an attempt to avoid the big drops that may result in sacks and turnovers.
Henne should beware though because our old friend Jason Taylor will likely play a great game coming home with a huge point to prove to the Dolphins organization and Bill Parcells specifically. It will be key to not let JT get an edge and make a game changing play like he’s done so many times wearing the orange and aqua.
WHEN NEW YORK HAS THE BALL: Far better news here, folks, when you consider that the Jets are the 29th ranked offense and the Dolphins defense has only allowed 20 points this season. Mark Sanchez boast an impressive 96.3 rating and DC Mike Nolan will look to stop the run early forcing Sanchez to make plays for his team to win. The way the Dolphins secondary has played thus far lead by the resurrection of Jason Allen and the star making of Vontae Davis I like this match up.
Koa Misi and Cameron Wake will have their chances to make plays with the Jets offensive line in disarray with the absence of Alan Faneca. The pressure is on D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Damien Woody to prevent the big plays on the outside. Woody struggles against speed rushers, Wake must be licking his chops. Nolan will exploit that weakness until they prove they can block it. I suspect a massive mix of creative stunts and blitzes both inside and out from Nolan and most likely things that Dolphins have yet to run this season that they saved just for this game, which is often the case when these teams play. It goes both ways, for that matter, on both sides of the ball as well. Generally makes for a heck of a football game.
Karlos Dansby could put up massive numbers in this game in all area. The Jets will pound it on the ground and Dansby will mop up much of that as well as rushing the passer and dropping back into coverage. If Dansby plays a monster game the Dolphins should be in good shape defensively.
KEY MATCH-UP: Brandon Marshall Vs. Antonio Cromartie This is an interesting battle from the standpoint of finding out exactly how much Ryan believe in Cromartie. Obviously the Dolphins plan to exploit the Jets through the air with The Beast and how they defend it just might determine the game. If Cromartie can handle Marshall one-on-one it allows the Jets to stay true themselves and show off that exotic blitz package of theirs. If Marshall proves to be too much to handle the Jets will be forced to drop backers into coverage to help Cromartie and protect from the big play. This game just may come down to one big play so will Rex gamble? I say he does, that’s Rex. I also say he gets burned because Marshall is too physical and just too damn good to stop one-on-one. This is the game Marshall scores his first Dolphins touchdown and show the league exactly why they gave up two 2nd rounders to get him. Because he changes games.
FEARLESS PREDICTION:
As much as both teams hate to admit it, these teams are mirror images of each other. Run the football, smothering defenses and extremely physical on both sides of the ball. These teams are so evenly matched that I truly believe that Brandon Marshall will prove to be a lethal weapon. Another certainty is the team that turns the football over has no chance. This game will come down to one play and that play will be a huge turnover. Who gets it?
Dolphins 20-13
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