Bears Dolphins Game Preview: Sleeping with the Fish
Now, lets take a look at Bleacher Report’s Dolphin beat writer, Thomas Galicia, and his local Miami view on the game Sunday:
In his preview, it’s no secret that there is a little bit of worry in Miami and that worry stems mainly from the offensive skill position weapons that the Bears possess:
"The matchup to watch is between the Bears receivers and the Dolphins secondary, which offers a contrast in size. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan acknowledged the challenge when talking to Andrew Abramson of The Palm Beach Post: “We’re 5’10”. We have to figure out in a hurry. … Add a combination of size and speed, and you have a hell of a recipe. Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) celebrate after scoring against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi They’ve got a little bit of both. … And Jay Cutler throws it as good as anyone.”"
Galicia’s article points out several times that many of the Miami faithful are calling this a must-win game, similar to statements made last week in Chicago before the Atlanta game. It is also mentioned that many in Miami feel that even though the match up for the Fins defense vs. the Bears offense is not favorable, the Miami offense vs. the Bears defense may be in Miami’s favor:
"Miami’s defense doesn’t match up well with the Bears offense, but on the offensive side of the ball, the Dolphins have a few favorable matchups that can be exploited, permitting the Dolphins can take care of the ball and control the line of scrimmage."
Interesting statement: “permitting the Dolphins can take care of the ball..” This is something that both of these teams have not done the best job doing, especially Miami.
On our sister Fansided Site, Phin Phanatic, writer Brian Miller states the obvious about controlling the big wide receiver duo but also points out that the only way to control the receivers, is physical play and pressure on Cutler:
http://phinphanatic.com/2014/10/18/miami-dolphins-must-stop-bears-brandon-marshall/
"The Dolphins will need to use Brent Grimes in this physical match-up but Alshon Jeffrey the other top WR for the Bears is far from being a second team wide-out and the duo of Marshall and Jeffery are hard to stop. Pressure on Cutler will be the key but the Dolphins can not afford to give up space to either wide receiver who are very good at reading defensive coverages and are for the most part on the same page with Cutler. If the Dolphins can’t stop Marshall they won’t be able to stop Jeffery as Cutler will eat away at the Dolphins secondary."