Dolphins must key on Griese to win on Sunday

By Hugo Guzman  |   Wednesday, October 12, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Miami Dolphins
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While the fans and media focus on Cadillac Williams, the coaching staff is likely figuring out ways to pressure Brian Griese. I believe that it is Griese's play and not Cadillac's that will determine if the visiting Miami Dolphins can pull out a victory against the 4-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Why? Because while the Dolphins have virtually shut down every running back they have faced, including one of the league's top young backs in Willis McGahee, they have had a lot of trouble defending the pass. There best weapon against the pass has been a rather-ferocious pass rush that has recorded 10 sacks in four games.

Now here comes Brian Griese. He had a very impressive showing last season, completing nearly 70% of his passes for 2632 yards with 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a hefty 97.5 passer rating. This year Griese has struggled out of the gate, completing only 63% of his passes and throwing just 6 touchdowns and 7 interceptions for a pedestrian 75.8 passer rating. His worst two games thus far this season have come in the past two weeks, and its no coincidence that his highest sack totals also came in the past two weeks.

Miami Dolphins fans know just how ineffective Brian Griese can be when he's under pressure. Remember that he had a brief stint as the Dolphins' starter in 2003. After a hot start versus a putrid San Diego unit, Griese was sacked 11 times in 3 1/2 games and also fumbled a handful of times. He threw just one touchdown and 7 interceptions in his final three appearances and was given the hook in the middle of a game against Washington.

The Dolphins know that pressuring Griese will result in turnovers, and that's exactly what you need when you're on the road facing a ball control team with a solid young running back. That's why while everyone is talking about Cadillac, the Dolphins defense will be eyeing Griese.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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