Dolphins at Giants - Keys to a Miami Win

In eight hours, the Miami Dolphins will take the field at MetLife Stadium for the second time this season, in this instance, facing the New York Giants.  The team is still looking for their first victory in 2011, off to an 0-6 start, and a 9 game losing streak dating back to last season.

So, what can the Dolphins do to win this week?  Here are three keys to victory:

1. Touchdowns. Pretty simple and straight forward.  The team has to score touchdowns.  So far in their 0-6 start, the Dolphins have seven touchdowns.  Seven. Meanwhile, Dan Carpenter has already kicked 14 field goals.  If the Dolphins are going to win at all this season, those numbers have to change.  Miami must find the endzone.  And, they have to start this week. 

2. Offensive Line Must Stop the Pass Rush. The third worst pass blocking unit in the league is facing off against the defensive line leading the league in sacks.  That can't be a good thing.  Miami quarterback Matt Moore may be picking himself up off the turf more often than Brandon Marshall drops a pass.  If the offensive line can't find a way to slow down the Giants' pass rush, there is no chance for a Dolphins victory.

3. Secondary/Tight End Coverage.  Giants quarterback Eli Manning can be extremely dangerous.  When he is facing a team with a seventh round rookie starting at cornerback, and a safety position that is simply a mess due to poor performance and injuries, it could be too easy for Peyton's younger brother.  Add in the fact that somehow the 275 pound tight end Jake Ballard is actually a pass catching threat, and the Dolphins are even more allergic of covering a tight end than they are of the end zone, and Miami has to figure something out against the pass, or Manning could have a huge day.