Dolphins host Seattle in week #10
The Dolphins (4-4) face off Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks (2-6), losers of four of their past five games, with their lone victory coming over the lowly San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, Miami has won two straight games against AFC playoff contenders Buffalo and Denver.
When the Dolphins throw the ball
Seattle is ranked 31 st in pass defense, the second worst in the league. However, while the Seahawks have given up plenty of yards through the air, they have managed to apply pressure to the passer, tallying 20 sacks. However, Seattle will be missing their best pass rusher, Patrick Kerney, who is out with a shoulder injury this week. Marcus Trufant is a top flight corner and should be able to shut down either Ted Ginn or Greg Camarillo. Also, Julian Peterson has the ability to take Anthony Fasano out of the game.
The Dolphins passing game has improved of late. Greg Camarillo had 11 catches for 111 yards last week against the Broncos and Ted Ginn Jr. hauled in 7 catches for 175 yards a week earlier against Buffalo. Tight ends Anthony Fasano and David Martin have also been effective targets. Look for the Dolphins to target cornerback Josh Wilson in the passing game who plays opposite Trufant. Also, expect the tight ends to play a major role when the Seahawks blitz.
While the Seahawks have the personnel to stop the Dolphins passing attack, their track record this season indicates otherwise.
Advantage: Dolphins
When the Dolphins run the ball
Seattle’s defense has been ineffective against the run this season, allowing over 115 yards on the ground per game. However, Miami has struggled to run the ball lately, especially since teams have begun to figure out the wildcat offense. Last week against Denver, which has one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, Ronnie Brown managed only 59 yards on 20 attempts. While the Seahawks have struggled against the run due to their defensive line play, Julian Peterson and Lofa Tatupu are two of the best linebackers in the league and Miami has not run the ball effectively in weeks. Look for Seattle to stack the box and make Pennington beat them.
Advantage: Seahawks
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When the Seahawks throw the ball
Seattle’s offense has sputtered due to a rash of injuries. To start the season, the Seahawks were without their top 4 receivers, two of whom had been lost for the season to injury including starter Nate Burleson. While slot receiver Bobby Engram has returned, Deion Branch is out with a heel injury. To make matters worse for Seattle, Matt Hasselbeck has been out with knee and back injuries and will miss Sunday’s game. Seneca Wallace has struggled while filling in for the veteran signal caller. Seattle is dead last in the NFL in passing.
The Dolphins pass defense has been improving nearly each week, excluding the debacle in Houston against the Texas. Last week, Miami shut down Denver’s vaunted passing attack, forcing Jay Cutler into 3 interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Joey Porter has been a terror of the edge and leads the NFL with 11.5 sacks.
Advantage: Dolphins
When the Seahawks run the ball
The Dolphins rank 9 th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game. However, Seattle has had success on the ground this season. The Seahawks ability to the run the ball will be essential for victory. Without it, they will have little chance of beating Miami. Therefore, look for Miami to stack the line and force Seneca Wallace to beat them.
Advantage: Dolphins
Special Teams:
Dan Carpenter is one of the worst in the league at kickoffs while Olindo Mare still has one of the strongest legs in the league. Both are reliable on field goals from 45 yards and in. Look for Seattle to win the field position battle, as the Dolphins have struggled both covering and returning kicks this season.
Advantage: Seahawks
By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Miami Dolphins Correspondent