Sports News
Preview: New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins
Two conflicting forces will be at play when the Giants host the Dolphins Sunday at MetLife Stadium: one represents the Giants' propensity to play down to inferior opponents at home; the second represents the horrific play of what may be the worst team in the NFL.
While the two forces are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as the Giants may certainly play down to the level of the Dolphins while Miami proves it is the worst team in the league, one would expect something to give. Where do the Giants have big advantages? And where might the Giants find themselves struggling? Let's preview a matchup that may be all but over in the first quarter, or which may be close enough to draw boos from thousands of Giants fans.
Advantages for the Giants
It would shock me if the Dolphins have much success throwing the ball against the Giants. Not factoring in the weather, with blustery winds lingering from the crazy October snowstorm, Matt Moore has not shown much to make any Giants defensive back very nervous. Brandon Marshall has continued to run his mouth without backing it up on the field, and I would expect that trend to continue Sunday.
The Giants' offense should be able to put up plenty of points against Miami, IF they manage to establish the run early on. Ahmad Bradshaw has to get into a rhythm, with a steady dose of Brandon Jacobs serving as his sidekick. Karlos Dansby is a solid linebacker for the Dolphins, but he's not enough to stop the Giants run game alone. If the G-men can establish the run, Eli Manning and company should be able to find plenty of holes in the Dolphins secondary, especially without Vontae Davis. Of course, if the Giants come out throwing and Manning floats a couple of picks to give the Dolphins some confidence, the Giants might find themselves in a battle.
The Giants win the battle of intagibles, as well. The winless Dolphins find themselves being questioned about their desire to lose out for Andrew Luck, and their coach recently put his home up for sale. The Giants, meanwhile, find themselves at the top of the NFC East and are fresh off a bye week. One team has everything to play for; the other, just hoping it won't go 0-16.
Pitfalls for the Giants
There's not too much that should concern the Giants about this game, relatively speaking. Throw out the disclaimers regarding this being the NFL, with any team being able to win any Sunday, blah blah blah, and you'll realize that the Giants hold an advantage in nearly every aspect of the game. The Dolphins may find success running the ball against the Giants, though Daniel Thomas will not play. Reggie Bush, if he's healthy, could find some room to run against the Giants' 27th-ranked run defense. If Bush does not play, Steve Slaton or Lex Hilliard will be in the mix, which could neutralize Miami's advantage slightly.
Prediction
I know the Giants play down to teams like this, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's close for the first 15 minutes as the Giants try to shake off some bye week rust. But the Dolphins really are that bad, especially offensively. The Giants win, 35-13.
Buy Tickets to see The New York Giants!
Photo Credits: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
FACEBOOK COMMENTS