I'm not sure how we match up.
Spencer
Spears
Ratliff
Canty
Ware
vs
Shelton
Hadnot
Satele
Liwienski
Carey
**Now, before Sunday's game, I'd say this was a matchup in our favor. But now, I'm not sure. I think their OL has better run than pass blockers, but they were terrible vs the Commanders. On reviewing the game, we did get close to Manning several times for pressures. He's a tough one to get to. Ware and Spencer should be able to apply pressure. Ratliff impresses me every time I see him. He should have an edge over the rookie Satele. I think we have the edge here.
Reeves (Newman)
Henry
Jones
Hamlin
Williams
vs
Chambers
Booker
Hagan
Ginn
Martin
With a healthy Newman, we'd probably own this. As it stands, we aren't going to have a healthy Newman. So, I think we'll probably still struggle. I don't think we'll struggle as much as with the Giants WRs. I still have visions of Chambers destroying our defense four years ago. Booker is a good possession guy. I don't fear these guys though....push here.
Our Front Seven
vs.
Trent Green
Ronnie Brown
Brown hasn't really broken out yet. I hope he's not due. I don't think he's a great blocker, so I'd like to see us blitz. He's actually caught the ball out of the backfield well. Let's hope our defense has improved against backs catching passes on us. I'm not sure which Green we'll see. Pre-concussion Green was darn good. But in KC, he had Gonzo and LJ. He really doesn't have those weapons now. He's not as difficult to get to as Manning. I think we'll be good for a couple of sacks and a lot of pressures.
Adams
Kosier
Gurode
Davis
Columbo
vs
Taylor
Holliday
Traylor
Roth
Porter
Tough one here. We looked good vs the Giants...even with Osi in. I worry with our OL and the fact that we've struggled mounting a consistent running attack (looking at last year and PS and first game). This is important to do on the road. It's going to be hot and humid so our large guys may be huffing and puffing if we don't get some momentum vs the run defense of Miami. Miami's run d was beaten by the Commanders last week. Portis had a good day. Betts was ok. I think our backs are comparable, so we may be able to wear the Dolphins down....especially, with our massive size, vs their smallish line (minus Traylor) My greatest worry is with Taylor and Porter against Adams and Columbo. Adams struggles with athletic, speedy ends. That's Jason Taylor. I think we'll help him, but I also worry about Porter vs Columbo. I feel we have a slight edge here.
Owens
Crayton
Hurd
Witten
vs
Allen
Daniels
Tillman?
Allen?
Hill
With Bell's injury, I'm not sure who's starting for them. There's no one on the Dolphins that can matchup with Owens. He will probably be doubled most of the game. I think Crayton and Hurd can beat single coverage. Witten should also have a big game. I'm not sure if Thomas or Crowder will guard him, but he has the edge either way. Big edge for us.
Romo
Barber
Jones
vs
Dolphins front Seven
If Romo get's protection....it's over, naturally. I think our OL should give him enough time. Romo shouldn't get much pressure from the middle of the Dolphin's line, so he should have pretty clear passing lanes. I think there's a possibility of a rush from the outside. Romo does a pretty good job of getting outside that. Jones and Barber should be fresh. Again, I think we have the edge here.
By all accounts, we should win. But, this is our first road game and the Dolphins are always good at home in September. I think our defense will play with an attitude, and should step up. I don't think Romo and Co will put up 45 points, but they should still move the ball. This will be another close one. I think we'll win....game will be closer than score indicates.
Cowboys 23
Dolphins 13
