Pittsburgh Steelers present interesting challenge for the Miami Dolphins
This weekend’s Miami Dolphins at Steelers game is fraught with history and interesting storylines. History? The Dolphins and Steelers have met three times in the postseason previously. Each time, the winner of that game has gone on to win the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately for either of these teams, the league won’t be handing over the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the winner this weekend. The road to that trophy will go through Foxboro most likely, so it will only get tougher from here.
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So, our Dolphins are a 10-point underdog to a team they have previously beaten rather handily in the regular season. So, what is Las Vegas thinking with this line? They’re thinking that the Reshad Jones, Jelani Jenkins, Byron Maxwell, and Isa Abdul-Quddus injuries all present some hefty losses.
Unfortunately for this rather thin roster, they’re not the only losses and the defensive performance recently has been, well, offensive to say the least. Perhaps the 10 point line is justified?
On the other side of the ball, I’ve heard experts saying that the Dolphins are a better offense with Matt Moore. I’m not sure about that. I saw an offense that clicked pretty nicely with Ryan Tannehill at the helm. On the other hand, the key to winning the offensive side of the line of scrimmage will rest firmly in the hands and on the back of Jay Ajayi.
He rushed for over 200-yards last time against the Steelers with an eight-plus yards per carry average. If he and the offensive line are clicking and getting it done then not a lot will be asked of Matt Moore in order to win. This Pittsburgh I would like to see more usage of DeVante Parker. He is the kind of guy that can “go up and get it” and Moore is the kind of guy that can chuck it up there. Why not?
The third piece of the puzzle? Special Teams. I’m going to give the edge to the Dolphins here based on the return game alone as I’m not keen on Andrew Franks in the clutch. The Steelers have been susceptible on coverage this year. I’d have Kenyan Drake handling return duties on kickoffs and punts.
Personally, he inspires more confidence than Jakeem Grant despite the potential explosiveness of Grant. We certainly can’t afford to have a turnover on a return and Grant has not exactly been on the “hands squad” the past few weeks. Let’s keep this clean.
I really hope that I’m writing up a happy recap on Sunday evening. I don’t want this run to end. What Dolphins fan does? Here’s to an enjoyable 1:00 game on Sunday. Have a great weekend everyone!
READ MORE: What Miami needs to win against the Steelers
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