Miami Dolphins vs. New Orleans Saints
The season is still young for the Miami Dolphins, and they’ve only lost one game on the season. But they have failed to look good in either game this season and it seems like panic may already be starting to set in. Adam Gase has already said that changes may be on the horizon for the team if the poor play continues. Obviously that’s exactly what you want your coach to do if players aren’t performing, but it’s at least mildly alarming to hear that talk so soon in the season.
The Dolphins have yet to have a home game on the season, and while Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints is their first on the calendar, it’s anything but a true home game. Traveling across an ocean is the last thing the Dolphins need right now after already having traveled to Los Angeles and New York City, respectively. Complaining about circumstances doesn’t change anything, though.
What do the Dolphins need to do to right the ship and put on a show for the English crowd? Will the defense be able to show up and keep one of the game’s all-time great passers in check? Let’s take a look.
Keys to Victory
We’re only two games into the season, but the Dolphins front seven, and the front four in particular, have not done their job when it comes to the passing game. The linebackers haven’t been able to cover tight ends in space. The front four is not putting pressure on quarterbacks and giving the secondary a break. Facing Drew Brees isn’t going to make matters any easier for Cameron Wake, Ndamukong Suh and the rest of the Dolphins defense. But if the team has any chance of winning, they have to hit Brees early and often. Miami only has three sacks on the season. They need to get multiple sacks Sunday to stand much of a chance.
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The next two keys to victory go somewhat hand-in-hand. If the Dolphins want to walk out of London with a victory, they’re going to need to set the tempo early and shorten the game. Both of those hinge on establishing the run early and often with Jay Ajayi. Ajayi should come into this game with some added motivation. Not only should he be angry about the Dolphins lackluster performance against the Jets, but he’s going to want to put on a show for the hometown crowd.
Ajayi was born in London and lived there until his parents moved to the United States when he was seven. Ajayi still has love for his birthplace and is going to be extra motivated to really show out. He couldn’t get going last week against the Jets and that performance surely left a sour taste in his mouth. Look for the Dolphins to ride “the Jay Train” from the very outset. They should look to bring a physical, smash-mouth game to off-set the Saints high-flying aerial assault. The more effective that running game is, the less time the ball is in Brees’ hands.
On the Saints side of things, the biggest thing they need to do to come out on top is play within themselves. Everything the Dolphins have shown thus far says that the Saints don’t need to do anything special to win. The Dolphins defense is a train-wreck right now, and Brees is still the All-Pro caliber quarterback he’s always been. As long as they stay disciplined and stick to their game plan, they should be able to walk away victorious. But that’s why they play the games.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: New Orleans -3
Moneyline: New Orleans -152, Miami +132
Over/Under: 49 1/2
Odds via Sportsbook Review
Prediction
Just like last week, on paper this game looks like a mismatch. Unlike last week, though, the Dolphins are on the wrong end of that mismatch. However, we all know how that worked out for the Dolphins against the Jets. On any given Sunday, any team in the NFL is capable of rising to the occasion and pulling off the upset. Especially against a team that overlooks them, as it appears Miami did last week. If the Saints come into Wembley Stadium expecting to walk over the Dolphins, they could easily suffer the same fate.
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I don’t see that happening, though. Miami is out of sorts right now. A 4,000+ mile trip to face one of the most prolific passers of all time isn’t the cure for what ails you. The Saints should be able to send the Dolphins to their second straight loss and a 1-2 record overall.
Final Score: New Orleans Saints: 27 Miami Dolphins: 21