Contrasting worlds collide for Dolphins and Ravens

By Adam Sweeney  |   Friday, October 17, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Miami Dolphins
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The old adage is that defense wins championships in the NFL, an idea that definitely worked for the 2000 Baltimore Ravens. With this week's game between the Dolphins and the Ravens, the football gods have seemingly smiled on those who enjoy low-scoring games.

Commentary: With that said, Miami currently ranks 10th in the NFL in total offense, much of that being credited to the "Wildcat'' formation and steady play of quarterback Chad Pennington. The Ravens, meanwhile, are doing what they've always done best -- busting offenses in the mouth. The Ravens' No. 1-ranked defense only gives up 66.4 rushing yards a game.

Whether the Dolphins will be able to resort to the same trickery that has left opponents grasping at grass remains to be seen. The Ravens are an aggressive team that will do everything it can to blow up plays in the backfield. Most of the plays, like the "Wildcat" flea flicker from Pennington to Patrick Cobbs last week, take a little bit of time to develop. That isn't so easy with an all-out blitz coming. The plus side is that Miami, with misdirection plays, may be able to abuse Baltimore's tendency to over-pursue. Either way, you have to think that the Dolphins will be in the game until the end.

The Dolphins also won't be without bulletin-board material. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh commented about offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's performance last season in Miami by saying, "He was an effective [head] coach in Miami last year. Even though the results weren't what people were looking for, he did a great job there with what he had to work with."

Fan Pulse: Dolphins fans are expecting their team to improve to 3-3, but they know it won't be easy: http://www.phins.com/phorum/read.php?3,7000.

Fantasy Football Commentary: Wide receiver Greg Camarillo is beginning to look like a decent bench player for most fantasy squads. He faces a weakened Baltimore secondary; so consider picking him up.

Injury Watch: There are no key injuries to the Miami roster.
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About Adam Sweeney

Adam Sweeney spent 4 years as an opinions and arts & entertainment columnist with the Lone Star Lutheran, also working with Sports Illustrated.com. Along with his work on Realfootball 365 he currently is a contributor for Film School Rejects, SLAM Online, Talkhoops.net, and C-Heads Magazine.
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