IMAGE CREDIT: Nam Y. Huh/ AP
By MARQUES EVERSOLL
When the Packers have the ball: Eddie Lacy went over 100 yards for the first time of the season Oct. 2 against the Vikings, so the Packers hope that carries over into their matchup with the Dolphins. Especially in the Miami heat, the Packers will likely employ a healthy split between Lacy and James Starks in order to keep both guys fresh.
The Packers will, as usual, try to spread the Dolphins out and take advantage of their weak links in the secondary. The Dolphins’ veteran corners have had a good start to the season, and they’re No. 9 in the NFL in pass defense (215 yards/game) but they haven’t played a quarterback like Rodgers or receivers like Green Bay’s. I don’t believe the Packers will have any issues moving the ball.
When the Dolphins have the ball: Knowshon Moreno ran wild on the New England Patriots in the season opener, but he’s been out ever since. He makes his return to the lineup today, so Moreno and Lamar Miller will be a focus of the Dolphins’ attack. The Packers remain dead last in run defense, while Miami averages 142.3 yards per game on the ground.
Tight end Charles Clay has made a living catching passes in the middle of the field, which is where the Packers are vulnerable. If the Dolphins are able to establish a running game early, then Ryan Tannehill, Mike Wallace and Co. could keep it competitive.
Matchup to watch: Jordy Nelson vs. Dolphins CBs
Miami’s veteran cornerbacks (Brent Grimes and Cortland Finnegan) have played pretty well this year, but they’re both 5-10. That’s a problem when you’re going up against an elite 6-3 receiver like Jordy Nelson. Rodgers will often give Nelson chances to go up and make a play on the ball, and certainly that’ll be the case against Grimes and FInnegan.
Randall Cobb, although only 5-10 himself, figures to be a test for the Dolhpins’ corners as well. And keep an eye on Davante Adams, who scored his first career touchdown last week against the VIkings. With Jarrett Boykin out, opportunities will be plentiful for the Packers’ wide receivers.
PREDICTION: Packers 31, Dolphins 20 (Record: 4-1)
The Packers are just 3-10 all-time against the Dolphins, and Rodgers has yet to win a game in Florida. Sounds like a trap game, but it shouldn’t be. The Packers are a much better team than the Dolphins. Of course, the Packers may not be accustomed to the Miami heat, but the only way the Dolphins should stay in this game is if they can establish a running game and generate a consistent pass rush. This should be a third-straight win for the Packers.
Marques is on SportsLine Monday through Friday from 4:00-6:00pm on WDUZ 107.5 FM and 1400 AM “The Fan.” He hosts the Saturday Morning Showcase at 8:00am on Saturdays. Follow him on Twitter @MJEversoll and/or email him at [email protected].
