Dolphins must key on blocking and pass defense

By Hugo Guzman  |   Saturday, September 24, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Miami Dolphins
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!
If the Miami Dolphins want to secure their second home victory in as many tries, they will have to find a way to stop the Carolina Panthers pass rush and passing attack. The game has finally been sold out (an extension was required) so it will be shown on local TV. Kickoff is set for 1 pm EST.

Last week, the Miami Dolphins had a lot of trouble blocking DE John Abraham. The result was a sub par passing performance by Gus Frerotte and only seven points of offense. This week the Dolphins will face Carolina's Pro Bowl end Julius Peppers. Vernon Carey will have the first true test of his short NFL career lining up across from the versatile Peppers. How he and the rest of the Dolphins' O-line fares will go a long way towards determining who will win on Sunday. It would be nice if they could open up some more running lanes for a struggling Ronnie Brown as well. Having a 100-yard day on the ground can only help matters and I think that Brown is due for a break-out performance.

On the other side of the ball, the Miami Dolphins had a lot of trouble containing the Jets passing attack last week despite the fact that Chad Pennington's arm was less than cannon-like. Reggie Howard was especially suspect, but Travis Daniels and Sam Madison were also victimized at times. The safeties didn't help matters much and left several possible interceptions slip past them. This week their task will be to shut down explosive Panthers wideout Steve Smith and create a couple of momentum-building turnovers. QB Jake Delhomme has looked steady thus far this season, but has shown a propensity to make errant throws when put under pressure. He threw a wounded duck right at Patriots' LB Mike Vrabel last week. Hopefully, the Dolphins can benefit from similar misfires.

The Dolphins have looked great against the run thus far. I expect to continue that trend against yet another strong running attack that features Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster.

History shows that the Miami Dolphins are tough to beat at home in September. If the offensive line can at the very least contain Julius Peppers and the rest of the Panthers' defensive front as well as assert themselves when defending against the pass, the Dolphins should come away victorious on Sunday.
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report