Quote:
Originally Posted by MTPhan
Sorry I am late but my view is that this game will come down to the running game vs. the Defensive line. Portis has a career rushing average of 4.7 and Brown has a career average of 4.3. Portis is a better back but both are over 4 which could mean that on average the both teams should be in 3rd and 2 situations. I know I am extrapolating quite a bit but bear with me.
Defending the run begins with the D line. Therefore you have to ask yourself is- Is my teams D line good enough to keep running back X from getting his 4 plus yards per carry?
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I think that's oversimplifying the art of run-defense.
The line certainly plays a huge role in stymying offensive linemen and holding firm at the line of scrimmage, but the LBs play just as big a role. Mainly, the middle LB on both teams, Zach Thomas and London Fletcher, will play a big role in aligning the defensive line before the snap. And then the quickness of the LB corps and their abilities to avoid blockers as they run to the ball plays into it.
I'd modify your stance to say it's RB vs front 7. Stalemate for both teams. But the Redskin offensive line is much more talented - it's just a matter of whether they can come together for this game. If Kendall and Samuels get on the same page, it's advantage Redskins.
But in addition, you have to factor the secondary vs the WRs in the run defense equation. The Dolphins have no scary WRs, unless Ginn becomes the next Randy Moss. You're going to see LaRon Landry in the box a whole lot on Sunday - because I don't think Trent Green is scaring anybody. If Miami tries to load the box against Jason Campbell, I PROMISE you he will make you pay.
Luckily for Miami, they have Jason Taylor, and can probably rush Campbell pretty well with just the front 4.
I see a close game, but the advantage goes to the Skins.