Bears Dolphins Game Preview: Sleeping with the Fish
After reading through these sites and several others for this week’s opponent, there are a few conclusions that I have come to based off of their local fan and media reactions:
1. There’s panic in Miami and their backs are against the wall in this game.
2. There’s not a lot of faith that the Miami defense can tame the Bear offensive skill positions, even with their strong secondary.
3. There is, however, a lot of faith in Miami’s ability to run the ball and control the clock in this game.
Oct 12, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Willie Young (97) and defensive end Jared Allen (69) react to a sack against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Bears defeated the Falcons 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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Summary
It doesn’t seem like fans have lost faith in their team yet in Miami, but there is growing concern. Not to mention, there seems to be some turmoil in the locker room as players are reported to be questioning their coaches after last week’s loss to Green Bay. As an observer watching that game, especially in the final minutes, I can see why. However, there is a lot of faith in the Miami offensive line and many fans in Miami do not think that the Bear defensive line can win that battle. Many Miami local sites have their staff picks split about 50/50 in this game which is much more favorable towards Miami than one would expect. It seems that there’s one constant theme in each of their write ups: turnovers.
My Prediction
People are saying that this game should be an easy Bears victory – it won’t be. The Bears are 0-2 at home, to start. Miami has been able to put up 136 yards/game rushing this year and the Bear defense has been an embarrassment against the run at Soldier Field so far this year. Until they prove otherwise, there’s justified concern as this Dolphin offensive line is quietly becoming one of the league’s best. Furthermore, the Fins are 6th in the NFL in total defense and have some guys up front that create some pressure as well as a strong secondary. Brent Grimes, Cortland Finnegan and Louis Delmas can be physical and I believe that will be the plan against the Bears’ much larger receivers.
That being said, I still like the Bears in a hard fought game – but it will NOT be easy. Miami turns the ball over too much, for starters. Miami running backs haven’t shown that they can secure the ball and neither has QB Ryan Tannehill. I think that the Bears defense takes away the running lanes and challenge Tannehill to beat them – he will not. Offensively, Jordan Mills better WAKE up against pass rusher Cameron Wake (pun intended), or this may be another rough home game vs. an AFC East opponent. Jordan – I’m challenging you this week, my friend.
Bears 24, Dolphins 20
Enjoy the game Sunday and lets enjoy a nice plate of Dolphin this weekend! (In all seriousness, I don’t condone eating Dolphin due to the high levels of mercury). BEAR DOWN!!!!!