New York Giants (5-2) at Miami Dolphins (0-7)
1:00 pm EST, FOX
Wembley Stadium
London, England
Line: Giants -9.5, Over/Under 48.5
Team Offensive Rankings
Giants - 9th total offense (347.7), 10th rush offense (130.4), 16th pass offense (217.3), 6th scoring offense (26.7)
Dolphins - 15th total offense (333.1), 15th rush offense (115.1), 15th pass offense (218), 12th scoring offense (22.3)
Team Defensive Rankings
Giants - 8th total defense (303.4), 10th rush defense (97.4), 13th pass defense (206), 16th scoring defense (21.3)
Dolphins - 27th total defense (365.1), 31st rush defense (156.4), 14th pass defense (208.7), 32nd scoring defense (33)
Today's Inactives:
Giants: RB Derrick Ward, QB Jared Lorenzen, WR Steve Smith, S James Butler, OT Adam Koets, DLs Dave Tollefson and Manny Wright, and OL Kevin Boothe
Dolphins: TE David Martin, S Travares Tillman, LB Zach Thomas, DT Anthony Bryant, DL Vonnie Holliday, DT Sam Rayburn, S Lance Schulters, DE Quentin Moses, and TE Aaron Halterman
3 Absolute Keys to the Game
1. Stay committed to the run. Like I said a few days, the Dolphins putting themselves in 3rd and longs would be devastating due to this Giants pass rush. Jesse Chatman is a capable back, so let's see Cam stick to the run and try to limit the number of times Cleo Lemon has to make plays.
2. Take some chances. We all know that this Dolphins team isn't going anywhere this year. So why not take come chances on both sides of the ball. On offense, take a few more shots deep to Teddy Ginn. Last week, we saw him get behind New England's secondary once but Cleo just overthrew him. Problem is they never tried it again. Let's see a few more shots taken by this offense. How about a gadget play or two? How about a surprise onsides kick? On defense, they should gamble and try to get pressure on Eli Manning. Blitz the safeties. Blitz the corners. Why not? There's nothing to lose at this point.
3. Limit the mistakes. Whenever you look for an upset, the underdog has to limit their mistakes. That's no different here. The Giants have been creating turnovers often. In their last 5 games, they've forced 11 turnovers. In that same span, they've actually forced 10 fumbles (only recovering 4). These are the kinds of mistakes that will kill Miami's chances of keeping this one close.
Prediction: This is a great opportunity for the Dolphins to make some new fans internationally. I think they'll enjoy the change of scenery and play better than most are expecting. All we can ask for as fans is for the Dolphins to still be in the game entering the 4th quarter. I think they will do just that. Giants win 31-23.
GO DOLPHINS!!!!
**UPDATE**: That sucked, didn't it? Another game that the Dolphins could have won. But too many mistakes yet again. But there was a Ted Ginn sighting, as he scores his first NFL touchdown. Congrats to him! Let's all just enjoy the bye week and hope that the next time we see this team on the field it's John Beck under center!! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. My usual post-game post coming later tonight.