any time a healty ben is on the field behind center , we stand a chance
Also, the Fins may or may not have Tannehill at center.
I thought he was toast until next season
Adam Gase is keeping the door open for Ryan Tannehill to play in the wild-card round, but the Miami Dolphins coach insists he won't rush a return.
I just read pretty much the same on the nfl website
Offense... 2 weeks of prep for the Killer Bs. The entire unit is healthy so theoretically sky's the limit. I'm hoping to see Haley dial up the aggression and set the tone early, then let the Le'Veon Bell show commence. But Ben has to be patient and play smart. He threw 2 INT's against this secondary in week 6. Reshad Jones is on IR this time around, so I don't fear their secondary nearly as much. It would really help if the offense could force Miami to go 1-dimensional. Miami's D-line has been playing well lately so the O-line will have a rough battle on their plate. Hoping Pouncey will be able to help the OG's with Suh. Doubt they will be able to pull Pouncey or either OT's with very much success. If they can move the ball through the air and take the gas out of their D-line then it would make it easier for them to move the chains late in the game. No matter what Haley needs to find a balance though. He's been doing a great job of adapting his gameplans on the fly, so expect more of the same.
Defense... Aside from Matt Moore starting at QB for the Dolphins, all eyes are going to be on Jay Ajayi vs. the Steelers run defense in this game. After watching the banged up D-line get run on by the Browns last Sunday (Walton, McCullers & Maxey were the only healthy bodies left, not to mention Harrison didn't play), there is definite cause for concern with Miami coming to town. Miami has twice the running game that Cleveland has. Thankfully Tuitt should play this week, and of course Deebo will be ready. But that still leaves Hargrave & Matthews questionable to play. They will benefit immensely from both being available, so it will be something to keep a close eye on. Should neither be available, the Steelers would only have 4 available D-lineman. Lyons would likely get the call up from PS. Regardless, the LBers will need to play like all-stars this week. Timmons & Shazier have their work cut out for them. Also the secondary needs to do a better job containing Jarvis Landry than they did in week 6. The secondary has progressed quite a bit since then (mainly Burns taking that next step and pushing Gay into the slot), so I'm not nearly as worried.
Overall... Tougher matchup than most are thinking it will be. Early odds show the Stillers as double-digit favorites, but I'm not buying it. It all depends on which Steelers offense shows up. Will it be Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde this week? Don't see the Dolphins keeping up if Ben & Bell are playing their A-games. If they struggle, then it will be on the defense to limit Ajayi & handle their business. Postseason football gentlemen... Time to nut up or shut up.
Mind the juju...
MIA 28 - PIT 24
Notice how they didn't even include Miami? lol
