Miami Dolphins At Arizona Cardinals: What To Watch For

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The Miami Dolphins will be in Arizona Sunday taking on the 3-0 Arizona Cardinals.  The Cardinals are playing lights out defense right now, and doing just enough on offense and special teams to win games.  The Miami Dolphins are coming off an incredibly heartbreaking overtime loss to the Jets, a game that should have been won numerous times.

It may seem a sure thing for the Cardinals to have their way with Miami this Sunday, but something tells me this could be a trap game for the Cardinals.  They have had 3 emotional wins against the Seahawks, Patriots, and Eagles, and could be overlooking the Dolphins this Sunday.  Here’s what to watch for.

We know for a fact that the Dolphins will want to run the ball.  That is what they are best at right now on offense.  Arizona’s defense is vulnerable to the run.  The offensive line for Miami should dominate against a defensive front that may be without one of it’s best players, Darnell Dockett.  If Miami is able to run the ball on this defense, which ranks 17th in rushing yards allowed, they can keep it close.  The strength of the Cardinal defense is the secondary, but it is a little banged up heading into this game with safety Adrian Wilson listed as questionable for Sunday.  If Miami falls behind early and has to pass, this defense will have it’s way with Miami.

On the other side of the ball, the Cardinals are really banged up.  Running back Beanie Wells is on IR, Larod Stephens-Howling is listed as doubtful as well.  John Skelton is questionable, and TE’s Todd Heap and Jim Dray are doubtful.  The Miami defense is lights out against the run, and with the injuries to the TE’s, the main player to worry about is Larry Fitzgerald.  If Miami can contain him like New England was able to, they have a great chance of winning this game.

This could also be the week that the pass rush for Miami finally gets to the quarterback.  They have been getting pressure the past couple weeks, but coming up just short of getting sacks.  I think that changes this week.  The Cardinals have given up 6 sacks on the year so far, compared to 4 for Miami.  If the D-Line finally gets some sacks Sunday, the Dolphins have a great chance of winning.

I think this will be a low scoring game that will come down to the end of the game.  Look for Miami to move the ball on the ground well, and for the defense to force Arizona to be one dimensional on offense.  I really like Miami in this spot, the Cardinals are in a let down spot, and the Arizona offense should play right into the hands of the Miami defense.  I have the game 17-10 Miami.

Phins Up!

BEL