Gundermerikan
10-23-2009, 03:35 PM
Posted: Friday, 23 October 2009 2:50PM
Deke: Look for the Saints to make it six straight
Deke Bellavia Reporting
I think we're all a little concerned about the Dolphins...due to a few factors. One, the Saints are coming off a huge win over New York, and this week they're taking on a team that's had two weeks to sit back and prepare for them. Two, anytime you go on the road and face a team that rushes the football as well as the Dolphins, that's plenty of reason for concern. But, if you look closely at the numbers, this match-up is as about as different as they come .
If the Saints continue to have balance on offense, they'll win this game pretty handily. On the other hand, if the Dolphins have some type of balance, they will get pounded. Miami's offensive play distribution is deceiving.
Miami's numbers indicate some balance on offense, as they've rushed the ball a total of 183 times and passed a total of 144. That's not bad balance. But, when they win games, there's not much balance.
Miami ran the ball 81 times against the Colts, compared to just fifty rushes in their two wins...where they stayed in the game by rushing the ball 49 times of their eighty-four plays. Miami does not want to have to pass the ball more than they rush.
I think this Saints team is well equipped. They can run and pass equally well and their defense is much better. And I ask you...if you had one coach to help your defense get ready for the Wildcat, wouldn't you call Greg Williams?
Williams says his group has been practicing against the Wildcat with Reggie running the ball on the other side. That practice will show up this week. If the Saints were to lose, which I don't think they will, it would be due to much more than not being able to stop the Wildcat.
The Saints have to continue to do what they've been doing. Run the ball, stretch the field with the passing game and give their defense a chance to pin their ears back and go after the QB.
I really do think the Saints offense will move the ball as long as they don't turn the ball over. What's not to like about our offense? We are blocking as well as anyone right now. We can pass. We can run. And, we have Drew. That makes me feel real good.
This one looks like the main key match-up involves the Saints defense being able to slow down the Dolphins rushing attack. With that said, don't under estimate QB Chad Henne. Henne is young, but against the blitz-happy Jets, he had a passer rating of 140. And Henne had two weeks to get ready for the Saints.
I think Coach Williams will be able to allow his corners to be alone more often in this game, and allow the safeties to creep up to aid with the run. It will be interesting to see how many times the Dolphins try to run the Wildcat.
It's not like the no huddle or the option...as they don't run it all the time. But, when they do, it's effective. But even if Miami gets off to a good start in this one, I like Williams' ability to make the proper adjustments and give his defense options in dealing with the unique formation. Plus, Coach Williams has an offense that is leading the league in scoring as back-up.
This is troubling, but you have to feel comfortable about the way the Saints have been playing...and confident that they've been winning 5 straight weeks. Look for the Saints to make it six straight. Lay the points and go with the Black & Gold.
My prediction: Saints 30 Dolphins 17
The SAINTS Breakdown
Simply put, the Saints are the best team in the NFL. New Orleans is getting it done on both sides of the ball. And, although their punt return game needs some work, special teams overall have been playing better this season.
This Saints-Dolphins game is even bigger than last weeks' game against the Giants, as two key divisional games appear on the schedule next week--beginning with the hated Falcons. As good as the Saints are...with a perfect 5-0 mark...they're still just one game ahead of the Falcons, and New Orleans needs to keep the pressure on Atlanta.
Don't let the Dolphins- record fool you. They're a good team that's lost three games--two against the 4-1 Falcons, one against the 6-0 Colts. Although the Falcons pretty much handled the Dolphins, Miami could have beaten the Colts.
This team has won two straight games. They seem to have their confidence back with wins over the Bills and Jets. In their last two games Miami dominated time of possession; they've rushed for a combined 401-yards, and they averaged five yards per rush combined in those two games.
Saints Head Coach Sean Payton knows when it comes to the Dolphins, it's all about the running games. "I think that you have to defend the run. They do a good job. They're first in the NFL in rushing the football, and that's really not by accident. They are right now running the ball better than any other team in the league. They're also a team that's in the top ten defending the run. Those numbers can relate right to time of possession and that's a big challenge for us."
So to me...of all the games the Saints have played thus far...getting off to a good start in this match-up with Miami is even more important. I also like the match-up the Saints offense has against the Dolphins Defense.
The Saints ability to protect Drew Brees has been impressive and I don't see why that trend will stop anytime soon. This offensive front is as prepared as any in the league, and they have a QB who's excellent when it comes to feeling pressure and knows when to release the football.
The Dolphins have some play-makers on defense. Brees and his offensive teammates say they'll be challenged this week. "They're extremely physical. And any time you play a 3-4 team, the personnel that it takes to play in that system - you look at guys like Jason Taylor and Joey Porter--guys that easily could put their hands down and play defensive end, but all of a sudden they're these stand-up, pass-rush linebackers...and they bring a physical presence. Both safeties are very aggressive, get up in the front a lot and make a lot of tackles," said Drew.
For the third straight game the Saints will face one of the NFL's best rushing teams in Miami. The Eagles, Jets and Giants could all rush the ball well, but Miami is the best in the game today.
Saints defensive coordinator Greg Williams says it all starts with the Dolphins offensive line and their running backs. "They have a really good run game in all facets. I think Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both very, very, very dynamic runners, no matter what kind of offense you put them in."
The Saints offense will move the ball with great success, and Drew Brees will have no trouble getting a lot of his weapons involved, as last week he hit seven different players in the first seventeen minutes of the game.
Conference: NFC
Division: NFC South
Head Coach: Sean Payton (4th Year 31-24 overall)
2008 Record: 8-8
The DOLPHINS Breakdown
The Miami Dolphins are a good team. Tony Sparano has done a masterful job of advancing a franchise that was in complete disarray before his arrival. The job he did last season was historic as he took a 1-15 team and guided them to an 11-5 record and the AFC East Title.
Sparano says his players deserve a lot of credit. "I think our players have done a good job of staying the course and keeping their heads down. They understand that hard work is what gets you there. They understand that the way to turn things around is to put your head down and keep grinding."
For the second straight week Coach Payton faces an organization that he has ties with. Sparano and Payton worked together under Bill Parcells. "Sean, first of all, I have a great deal of respect for him and I know he knows that. I have not been with Sean in a few years and he has not been with me in a few years. They're doing different things," Sparano said. "He has his team going one way. I'm trying to get my team going in that direction. We have been together for a little while. We're good friends, but I think some of that stuff can get overplayed."
Sparano and his Dolphins have become the poster child in the NFL, when it comes to rushing the football. The Dolphins are averaging a staggering 177-yards rushing per game this season.
A big reason for those numbers has to be credited to Miami's offensive line and their running backs. After an injury plagued start to his career, Ronnie Brown has been rejuvenated the last two seasons and so has former Saint Ricky Williams.
Miami is also getting solid play from their young QB Chad Henne. Henne has not done anything spectacular, but has done a good job of guiding his offense. And, he's made some keys plays.
In their game winning drive against the New York Jets, Henne was solid and came up with a couple of nice throws, including a key pass to WR Greg Camarillo to convert on a third and long.
Saints Coach Sean Payton has been impressed with the play of Henne this season. "He's a talented player. He's a guy that we liked a lot when he was drafted. He has won a lot of games, when you look in his past. He has a big arm. He has good size. He's smart, and you can see his location. I think he has a bright future. He's a talented player."
On the defensive side of the ball Miami allows 303.3-yards per game. The Dolphins are giving up an average of 115.7-yards on the ground and they allow 187.7-yards passing per game.
The Dolphins secondary will be tested this week as the Saints were on fire last week passing the football. Miami's best chance against the Saints offense will depend on the success of their offense.
The more the Dolphins offense can control the clock the better it will be for their defense. CB's Sean Smith, Will Allen and Vontae Davis will be challenged as much, if not more than they were, when the Dolphins faced the Colts in the second week of the season.
Another key in this game will be the Dolphins' ability to put pressure on Drew Brees. If Miami does not have a decent pass rush, it could be a long day for the Fins. Veteran's Joey Porter and Jason Taylor will come hard from the edges, but the Saints have been doing a great job of protecting Drew Brees.
The Saints did not allow the Giants to disrupt or pressure Brees last week; he was not sacked. The one sack the Saints allowed was on back-up QB Mark Brunell. If Brees has time, he will pick apart the Dolphins defense.
New Orleans will once again look for good balance on offense as they have been able to keep defenses guessing with the success of rushing the football at a high level. Miami's best game plan will be to try and control the ball and keep Brees and company off the field as much as possible. That was their formula against the Colts. The Dolphins controlled the ball for over forty-five minutes, but they still lost the game.
Conference: AFC
Division: AFC East
Head Coach: Tony Sparano
2008 Record: 11-5
Noteworthy
Although the Saints and Dolphins last regular season meeting was back in 2005, these teams have been getting together in each of the last three seasons in the final pre-season game for both teams in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Coach Sean Payton once again faces a staff that he knows a lot about, as Dolphins Coach Tony Sparano and Sean Payton worked together in Dallas with the Cowboys. The Saints are shooting for their first ever win against the Dolphins in Miami.
Miami-s numbers say they have some balance on offense; they-ve rushed the ball a total of 183 times and passed a total of 144. That-s not bad balance, but when they win games there is not much balance.
Miami ran the ball 81 times compared to just 50 rushes in their two wins and against the Colts. The Dolphins stayed in the game by rushing the ball 49 times of their 84 plays. New Orleans has never won a regular season game in Miami.
New Orleans Saints (5-0) @ Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Sunday, October 25th @ Land Shark Stadium
Noon First Take / 3:05 Kickoff on WWL 870 AM / FM 105.3
Series Record: Dolphins lead Series 6-3
Last Meeting: October 30, 2005 - Miami 21 New Orleans 6 @ Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge
If you're still reading this I think he made no mention of the fact Saints have been giving up 8.3 yards a play average when facing a Wildcat type offense. Sure, their league ranking looks great, until you see they've been playing an overall losing combined record so far this season. Another thing to remember..
I think we may even see Miami running the ball out of the conventional set. It looks like NO can stop the run on paper, but their numbers look better against the run than they really are. Because those are all yardage-based rankings. Its not very often their opponents are trying to run on them, playing from behind. When they are looking at a 2 - 3 TD defecit they go the most efficient possible means to get back in the game, not accumulating rushing yardage.
Deke: Look for the Saints to make it six straight
Deke Bellavia Reporting
I think we're all a little concerned about the Dolphins...due to a few factors. One, the Saints are coming off a huge win over New York, and this week they're taking on a team that's had two weeks to sit back and prepare for them. Two, anytime you go on the road and face a team that rushes the football as well as the Dolphins, that's plenty of reason for concern. But, if you look closely at the numbers, this match-up is as about as different as they come .
If the Saints continue to have balance on offense, they'll win this game pretty handily. On the other hand, if the Dolphins have some type of balance, they will get pounded. Miami's offensive play distribution is deceiving.
Miami's numbers indicate some balance on offense, as they've rushed the ball a total of 183 times and passed a total of 144. That's not bad balance. But, when they win games, there's not much balance.
Miami ran the ball 81 times against the Colts, compared to just fifty rushes in their two wins...where they stayed in the game by rushing the ball 49 times of their eighty-four plays. Miami does not want to have to pass the ball more than they rush.
I think this Saints team is well equipped. They can run and pass equally well and their defense is much better. And I ask you...if you had one coach to help your defense get ready for the Wildcat, wouldn't you call Greg Williams?
Williams says his group has been practicing against the Wildcat with Reggie running the ball on the other side. That practice will show up this week. If the Saints were to lose, which I don't think they will, it would be due to much more than not being able to stop the Wildcat.
The Saints have to continue to do what they've been doing. Run the ball, stretch the field with the passing game and give their defense a chance to pin their ears back and go after the QB.
I really do think the Saints offense will move the ball as long as they don't turn the ball over. What's not to like about our offense? We are blocking as well as anyone right now. We can pass. We can run. And, we have Drew. That makes me feel real good.
This one looks like the main key match-up involves the Saints defense being able to slow down the Dolphins rushing attack. With that said, don't under estimate QB Chad Henne. Henne is young, but against the blitz-happy Jets, he had a passer rating of 140. And Henne had two weeks to get ready for the Saints.
I think Coach Williams will be able to allow his corners to be alone more often in this game, and allow the safeties to creep up to aid with the run. It will be interesting to see how many times the Dolphins try to run the Wildcat.
It's not like the no huddle or the option...as they don't run it all the time. But, when they do, it's effective. But even if Miami gets off to a good start in this one, I like Williams' ability to make the proper adjustments and give his defense options in dealing with the unique formation. Plus, Coach Williams has an offense that is leading the league in scoring as back-up.
This is troubling, but you have to feel comfortable about the way the Saints have been playing...and confident that they've been winning 5 straight weeks. Look for the Saints to make it six straight. Lay the points and go with the Black & Gold.
My prediction: Saints 30 Dolphins 17
The SAINTS Breakdown
Simply put, the Saints are the best team in the NFL. New Orleans is getting it done on both sides of the ball. And, although their punt return game needs some work, special teams overall have been playing better this season.
This Saints-Dolphins game is even bigger than last weeks' game against the Giants, as two key divisional games appear on the schedule next week--beginning with the hated Falcons. As good as the Saints are...with a perfect 5-0 mark...they're still just one game ahead of the Falcons, and New Orleans needs to keep the pressure on Atlanta.
Don't let the Dolphins- record fool you. They're a good team that's lost three games--two against the 4-1 Falcons, one against the 6-0 Colts. Although the Falcons pretty much handled the Dolphins, Miami could have beaten the Colts.
This team has won two straight games. They seem to have their confidence back with wins over the Bills and Jets. In their last two games Miami dominated time of possession; they've rushed for a combined 401-yards, and they averaged five yards per rush combined in those two games.
Saints Head Coach Sean Payton knows when it comes to the Dolphins, it's all about the running games. "I think that you have to defend the run. They do a good job. They're first in the NFL in rushing the football, and that's really not by accident. They are right now running the ball better than any other team in the league. They're also a team that's in the top ten defending the run. Those numbers can relate right to time of possession and that's a big challenge for us."
So to me...of all the games the Saints have played thus far...getting off to a good start in this match-up with Miami is even more important. I also like the match-up the Saints offense has against the Dolphins Defense.
The Saints ability to protect Drew Brees has been impressive and I don't see why that trend will stop anytime soon. This offensive front is as prepared as any in the league, and they have a QB who's excellent when it comes to feeling pressure and knows when to release the football.
The Dolphins have some play-makers on defense. Brees and his offensive teammates say they'll be challenged this week. "They're extremely physical. And any time you play a 3-4 team, the personnel that it takes to play in that system - you look at guys like Jason Taylor and Joey Porter--guys that easily could put their hands down and play defensive end, but all of a sudden they're these stand-up, pass-rush linebackers...and they bring a physical presence. Both safeties are very aggressive, get up in the front a lot and make a lot of tackles," said Drew.
For the third straight game the Saints will face one of the NFL's best rushing teams in Miami. The Eagles, Jets and Giants could all rush the ball well, but Miami is the best in the game today.
Saints defensive coordinator Greg Williams says it all starts with the Dolphins offensive line and their running backs. "They have a really good run game in all facets. I think Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are both very, very, very dynamic runners, no matter what kind of offense you put them in."
The Saints offense will move the ball with great success, and Drew Brees will have no trouble getting a lot of his weapons involved, as last week he hit seven different players in the first seventeen minutes of the game.
Conference: NFC
Division: NFC South
Head Coach: Sean Payton (4th Year 31-24 overall)
2008 Record: 8-8
The DOLPHINS Breakdown
The Miami Dolphins are a good team. Tony Sparano has done a masterful job of advancing a franchise that was in complete disarray before his arrival. The job he did last season was historic as he took a 1-15 team and guided them to an 11-5 record and the AFC East Title.
Sparano says his players deserve a lot of credit. "I think our players have done a good job of staying the course and keeping their heads down. They understand that hard work is what gets you there. They understand that the way to turn things around is to put your head down and keep grinding."
For the second straight week Coach Payton faces an organization that he has ties with. Sparano and Payton worked together under Bill Parcells. "Sean, first of all, I have a great deal of respect for him and I know he knows that. I have not been with Sean in a few years and he has not been with me in a few years. They're doing different things," Sparano said. "He has his team going one way. I'm trying to get my team going in that direction. We have been together for a little while. We're good friends, but I think some of that stuff can get overplayed."
Sparano and his Dolphins have become the poster child in the NFL, when it comes to rushing the football. The Dolphins are averaging a staggering 177-yards rushing per game this season.
A big reason for those numbers has to be credited to Miami's offensive line and their running backs. After an injury plagued start to his career, Ronnie Brown has been rejuvenated the last two seasons and so has former Saint Ricky Williams.
Miami is also getting solid play from their young QB Chad Henne. Henne has not done anything spectacular, but has done a good job of guiding his offense. And, he's made some keys plays.
In their game winning drive against the New York Jets, Henne was solid and came up with a couple of nice throws, including a key pass to WR Greg Camarillo to convert on a third and long.
Saints Coach Sean Payton has been impressed with the play of Henne this season. "He's a talented player. He's a guy that we liked a lot when he was drafted. He has won a lot of games, when you look in his past. He has a big arm. He has good size. He's smart, and you can see his location. I think he has a bright future. He's a talented player."
On the defensive side of the ball Miami allows 303.3-yards per game. The Dolphins are giving up an average of 115.7-yards on the ground and they allow 187.7-yards passing per game.
The Dolphins secondary will be tested this week as the Saints were on fire last week passing the football. Miami's best chance against the Saints offense will depend on the success of their offense.
The more the Dolphins offense can control the clock the better it will be for their defense. CB's Sean Smith, Will Allen and Vontae Davis will be challenged as much, if not more than they were, when the Dolphins faced the Colts in the second week of the season.
Another key in this game will be the Dolphins' ability to put pressure on Drew Brees. If Miami does not have a decent pass rush, it could be a long day for the Fins. Veteran's Joey Porter and Jason Taylor will come hard from the edges, but the Saints have been doing a great job of protecting Drew Brees.
The Saints did not allow the Giants to disrupt or pressure Brees last week; he was not sacked. The one sack the Saints allowed was on back-up QB Mark Brunell. If Brees has time, he will pick apart the Dolphins defense.
New Orleans will once again look for good balance on offense as they have been able to keep defenses guessing with the success of rushing the football at a high level. Miami's best game plan will be to try and control the ball and keep Brees and company off the field as much as possible. That was their formula against the Colts. The Dolphins controlled the ball for over forty-five minutes, but they still lost the game.
Conference: AFC
Division: AFC East
Head Coach: Tony Sparano
2008 Record: 11-5
Noteworthy
Although the Saints and Dolphins last regular season meeting was back in 2005, these teams have been getting together in each of the last three seasons in the final pre-season game for both teams in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Coach Sean Payton once again faces a staff that he knows a lot about, as Dolphins Coach Tony Sparano and Sean Payton worked together in Dallas with the Cowboys. The Saints are shooting for their first ever win against the Dolphins in Miami.
Miami-s numbers say they have some balance on offense; they-ve rushed the ball a total of 183 times and passed a total of 144. That-s not bad balance, but when they win games there is not much balance.
Miami ran the ball 81 times compared to just 50 rushes in their two wins and against the Colts. The Dolphins stayed in the game by rushing the ball 49 times of their 84 plays. New Orleans has never won a regular season game in Miami.
New Orleans Saints (5-0) @ Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Sunday, October 25th @ Land Shark Stadium
Noon First Take / 3:05 Kickoff on WWL 870 AM / FM 105.3
Series Record: Dolphins lead Series 6-3
Last Meeting: October 30, 2005 - Miami 21 New Orleans 6 @ Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge
If you're still reading this I think he made no mention of the fact Saints have been giving up 8.3 yards a play average when facing a Wildcat type offense. Sure, their league ranking looks great, until you see they've been playing an overall losing combined record so far this season. Another thing to remember..
I think we may even see Miami running the ball out of the conventional set. It looks like NO can stop the run on paper, but their numbers look better against the run than they really are. Because those are all yardage-based rankings. Its not very often their opponents are trying to run on them, playing from behind. When they are looking at a 2 - 3 TD defecit they go the most efficient possible means to get back in the game, not accumulating rushing yardage.