One of the keys to this game is stopping M Gordon in the running game. It starts up front with the Fins' Dline & then their LBs.
I think the Fins secondary and pass rush has a lot of talent and potential. When the Fins put teams in situations where they have to pass I think that it will go the Fins way more often than not.
On offense Cutler has the most talented team he has ever played with. The Fins have a solid running game and skilled receivers. The Chargers had some injuries in their secondary that could be taken advantage of.
J Landry may be less than 100%. He is a tough player though and could still have some production in the slot.
From the preseason Cutler showed he can make excellent passes to his outside receivers and TEs. When the Oline gives him time their could be some big plays downfield.
On a positive note the Fins will be a fresher and generally healthier team each week especially early on because of their later start to the season.
For me, as usual, the top key is to set the tone - whether we start on offense or defense, we have set the tone of the game on the first drive.
Also important is to be able to make in-game adjustments on both sides of the ball - this needs to start with Gase and our DC. This was an issue for me last season. Its great to have and stick to the game plan, but when its necessary to adjust, they have to be willing and able to do that.
I have been hearing a lot about the Dolphins doing more no huddle stuff now that Gase has Cutler who is even more familiar and comfortable with his playbook. The fins certainly have the weapons as far as offensive skilled position players to be successful with a no-huddle approach -- But as has been the case for too long, we still have question within our OL and going no-huddle as much as the Fins may want could be problematic for this unit with play execution and penalties. I am hopeful the Fins offense comes ready to tone it down on offense if necessary.
we all want to see Cutler take some shots with the deep ball but I just hope he doesn't fall in love with it to the point we neglect the rest of the game plan for it. I view this as the lone, minor negative of this Gase-Cutler marriage. A little too much freedom could turn things sour quickly. I want to see how long a leash Gase has in this regard.
Defensively we didn't show much in pre-season, rightly so. I hope Burke does a better job than our previous inept DCs in judging when to bring pressure - aggressive play from our secondary in coverage.
I don't know what to make of the kicking game - Franks was pretty good but did miss some crucial kicks as well. I am concerned about field position with regards to our P and K - they are solid but I just don't think enough difference makers to give us an edge in this aspect of the game.
Lets hope for the best. And keep hope alive that the NFL will come to their senses and switch the London game to a true Fins home game. On that note, I am fed up with these morning games due to oversees trip. If the NFL wants to grow the game, do it hear in the states where there are still many cities worthy of an NFL team - this oversees crap is a reach and unnecessary. If they want to do it in pre-season a time in which attendance would probably struggle in the US than thats a different story - but robbing teams of a home game and losing some sleep over is just old already
Terrible play calling and execution leads to great field position for the Chargers already in FG range.
I hope that this doesn't turn into another season in which we neglect our TEs in the passing game. I am already noticing we are falling in love with 1-2 guys in passing game and thats going to end badly eventually