:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20741101/20130929_jla_al9_643.0.jpg)
With both teams coming off bad losses last week, the Baltimore Ravens head down to South Florida to face the Miami Dolphins today. Which team had the advantage? We take a look at the different match ups to get an idea.
| Match up | Advantage | Remarks |
| Dolphins passing offense vs. Baltimore pass defense | EVEN |
Dolphins pass offense: 19 The Dolphins know how to throw the ball. The problem this year has been protecting Ryan Tannehill when they try to throw it. The Ravens' secondary is questionable, but their pass rush, led by Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, is tenacious. If Miami's pass protection can find a way to slow Baltimore, they get the nod, but until then, it's even. |
| Dolphins rushing offense vs. Baltimore run defense |  |
Dolphins rush offense: 24 The Dolphins have a running game now, despite their 24th ranking. Of course, that low ranking is due, in no small part, to their disastrous Week 1 effort. Running will never be the priority for the Dolphins, but, without Week 1's performance, Lamar Miller is averaging 5.8 yards per carry, so they can stay on the ground if they choose. The Ravens could not stop the run against the Buffalo Bills last week, and the Dolphins should try to do the same thing this week. |
| Ravens passing offense vs. Miami pass defense |
 |
Ravens pass offense: 13 Joe Flacco is Joe Flacco. He's not been the Super Bowl MVP Flacco, nor the third highest paid quarterback in the league Flacco, but he can still throw the ball well and direct the Ravens offense. The Miami pass defense is reeling after being torched by Drew Brees last week and, until the status of Cameron Wake is known, this probably belongs to the Ravens. |
| Ravens rushing offense vs. Miami run defense | |
Saints rush offense: 28 Baltimore has not been running the ball this year. Ray Rice is struggling, and has already had to miss a game, and the Ravens offensive line just cannot seem to run block at all. The team acquired Eugene Monroe this week to help the offensive line, but there's no guarantee he will be ready to play. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have Paul Soliai playing like the dominating defender he is in the middle of the line of scrimmage. This is all about the Dolphins. |
| Dolphins special teams vs. New Orleans special teams | |
The Ravens are a good special teams unit. They cover well, and they can return really well. Jacoby Jones has been injured all season, so they aren't quite as explosive on returns as they could be, thought Tandon Doss has returned a punt for a touchdown this season. I still have faith in the legs of Brandon Fields and Caleb Sturgis, but this is probably the closest I have come to giving the advantage to the opposing team this year. |
Prediction:
The Dolphins struggled last week against the Saints. The Ravens struggled last week against the Bills. Which team will rebound? I'll give Miami a home field advantage in this one. Final: Dolphins 28-24.
More Dolphins Coverage:
Join the discussion: Sign up for your free Phinsider and SB Nation account