NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
The sky might be falling for the Miami Dolphins after week 1, but it’s the division that might give them a chance to rebound. Sunday’s first home game will feature the Dolphins against the division rival New England Patriots.
Coaching Experience Could Be Key
Mike Vrabel vs Mike McDaniel. McDaniel has only been a coach for the Dolphins where Vrabel is taking on his second gig with the team he once played for. Not only will he have the benefit of being a long-standing head coach, but he’ll also know the division rival well. It wasn’t too long ago that Vrabel coached the Tennessee Titans to a comeback victory over the Miami Dolphins that started their downward spiral of agony. The Mike McDaniel-led Dolphins haven’t been the same since. Is this their chance at revenge or will Vrabel prove what most of the league thinks, that they’ve figured out Mike McDaniels’ offense?
The Run Around
If every Miami had a silver lining to look forward to, it’s that New England couldn’t get the ball moving against the Raiders. 18 carries for 60 yards with their leading rusher (TreVeyon Henderson) only gaining 27 yards. The Dolphins on the other hand allowed 156 yards rushing and could not do much in the passing defense either. If the Dolphins can sit on the passing game and get their pass rush under control, they have a real chance at rebounding on defense alone.
Make Or Break
Everyone and their brother has written the Dolphins off, and rightfully so. Miami did not look good against the Daniel Jones-led Colts. Mike McDaniel and company need to get their act together or the hot seat they’re already on will be getting hotter. If Miami can’t come out and essentially dominate, then the chances of a hard reset will likely increase. If Chris Grier still has a job, he’d have to start fielding phone calls almost immediately. The Dolphins need to show they can still get it done or it’s a lost cause.
The Miami Dolphins will be live from Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday at 1 pm. New England gave up 333 yards in the passing game. If Tua can bounce back, the opportunities will be there. However, New England has always featured a strong defense and can’t be taken easily.
