Entering the Lions Den
The Miami Dolphins travel to Detroit today to take on the NFC North leading Lions, and regardless of who wins, sports gambling fans can pretty much guarantee that this is going to be a dog fight right until the last whistle blows. Both teams defenses are in the top 5 of the league, which bodes well for a smash mouth low scoring game.
On offense the Dolphins must find a way to have a balanced rushing and passing attack that can move the chains and put points on the board. This sounds simple enough, but Detroit’s defense is one of the best in the league, and if Miami does not have Miller in the lineup, who is questionable with a shoulder injury, then Miami’s rushing attack is going to suffer. This may be a game where the passing attack needs to set up the running game, by throwing a lot of quick slants, hitches, and all kinds of screens. This will keep the Lions’ aggressive defensive line in check, and will create some more space when it is time to run.
Tannehill probably had one of his best games as a pro last week, however this season he has been the model of inconsistency for him. So the key is for Tannehill to get into a grove and a rhythm early. The last few games he has been able to do this with short to medium range passes. Lazor needs to continue this formula, so Tannehill can start the game with positive plays. In addition Tannehill needs to continue to make the right decisions in the read option, and let his legs and athletic ability make some plays.
On defense the Dolphins need to find a way to shut down the Lions’ passing game. Calvin Johnson will be returning after missing 3 games with an ankle injury, so he will be fresher than normal, and itching to make plays. The problem for the Dolphins defense is that the Lions have multiple weapons besides Johnson in the passing game. The Dolphins will have to find a way to also shut down Golden Tate, Reggie Bush, Joique Bell, Eric Ebron and Brandon Pettigrew. The best way for Miami to defend against the Lions passing attack, is with a ferocious pass rushing attack. If the D-line can continue to terrorize the QB, then Stafford can be rattled into making poor throws, because he has too much faith in his receivers ability to go up and get the ball.
The best sportsbooks in the world currently have the Dolphins as a +2 ½ point underdog, and the line has pretty much been around +3 and +2 ½ all week. The action is been coming in pretty split, but with slightly more on the home town favorite. My heart says Miami can win, but my head says Miami will probably lose a close fought game by a field goal.
