It's been a while since the position by position breakdown has been posted, but this week with the Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots game, it's making a come back. We will take a look at each major position for both teams, and determine who has the advantage at each.
Quarterback - Seriously? Tom Brady or Matt Moore? Advantage: Patriots
Running Backs - Both teams have some talented runners. Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead both can do damage, and Shane Vereen isn't too far back. Meanwhile, Reggie Bush has become a monster out of the Miami backfield, with Daniel Thomas adding a change of pace and Charles Clay showing he can be a receiving threat. It's a slight advantage, but I will go Miami based on how Bush has been running lately. Advantage: Dolphins.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends - Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Chad Ochocinco, Julian Edelman vs. Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, Clyde Gates. At this point, I might actually say the Dolphins have an advantage. But, when you add in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, vs.who knows what with Anthony Fasano out for the Dolphins, clearly identifies the advantage. Advantage: Patriots.
Offensive Line - According to Pro Football Focus, the Patriots have the third best run blocking line, compared to the Dolphins' ninth ranked. On the pass blocking side, New England is twelfth while Miami is 25th. Advantage: Patriots.
Linebackers -This is a close category. Both outside linebacking corps are solid - with the Patriots running a 4-3, while the Dolphins utilize a 3-4. The Dolphins get the edge here with Cameron Wake ranked as the top OLB in the league (for 3-4 OLBs). Plus, with the Dolphins placing Koa Misi on IR this week, Jason Taylor is the new starting linebacker opposite Wake, and you know Taylor loves getting after Tom Brady. Looking at the inside linebackers, the Patriots cannot match Karlos Dansby, who is graded by Pro Football Focus as the 10th best ILB in the league. Advantage: Dolphins.
Secondary - The Patriots secondary is a mess, and their pass defense ranks as the 32nd in the league. Vonate Davis has finally started playing like the cornerback we expected this year, and the rest of the secondary are riding his coattails. This one is easy. Advantage: Dolphins
Special Teams - Brandon Fields. Enough said. Advantage: Dolphins
Prediction -
Miami 27 - New England 24. The Dolphins are a better team than they were in Week 1, both on offense and defense. If they can get pressure from Wake and Taylor on Brady, Davis and the secondary could have a good day. On offense, the Dolphins should be able to run with Bush, and Moore should be able to find some big plays through the air.