Must Win For The Dolphins V.S Tennesee

I know I said this in an earlier post but this game has become huge for the Miami Dolphins.  With the Jets and Patriots now 6 - 2 the Dolphins have to win this game to stay in the chase!

As if there wasn't enough pressure on the Phins already Brandon Marshall guaranteed a playoff spot this season...uggghhh.  I  hope he knows something we don't

With the quarterback change taking place yesterday, the Dolphins surprisingly will not have to alter their offence much.  They Dolphins have not really even tried to stretch the field very much this year and have played an ultra conservative offense.  I believe this type of offense actually suits Pennington much better than Henne.  Pennington relies on his accuracy and game management skills to run an offense, I am expecting the Dolphins to be improved in this area.

Team Matchups!

Offense
The Dolphins surprising rank better in total offense this season over Tennessee with the Fins ranking 17th overall and the Titans ranking 24th.  That number may be skewed because the Dolphins have been able to move the ball all year but not score!  Tennessee has scored 224 total points so far this season where the Dolphins have 143 total points.  If you look at it that way advantage Tennessee.

Defensively

Once again the Dolphins are ahead in the overall rankings in total defense, they rank 13th overall, the Titans rank 19th.  The Defense has been the Dolphins strength this year, but they have been inconsistent all year.  In Pass Defense the Dolphins rank 13th and the Titans rank 23rd overall, this may be the game for Marshall and now Pennington to have a big outing!!  As for rush defense the Dolphins rank 16th, where as the Titans rank 14th.  I would say that is pretty much a wash, except for the fact that the Dolphins have to stop Chris Johnson, who now has Randy Moss to stretch the field for him.  Tennessee has to stop the struggling duo of Ronnie and Ricky, advantage Tennessee.

Overall

I am very excited for this game and I think it is a winnable game for the Dolphins.  I am hoping the Pennington still has some life in that throwing shoulder after his third surgery, which he had last year.  If nothing else I am hoping Pennington brings a calming/confidence to this struggling offence.  If the offence gets that spark and the defense can slow down Johnson and not let him dominate, I think the Dolphins can come out of this game 5-4.

GO PHINS

Phinatic