(by David Grotefend) I’ve thought a lot about what my piece this week would be. I decided it would be best if I simply confronted some truths, and focused on what the Dolphins can do to get back in it.

Yes, I said back in it.

There are those already throwing in the towel on ‘09.

They look at us at 0-3 and the Jets at 3-0 and start the wailing and gnashing of teeth.

They see Pennington going down for the season and they begin the lamentations.

Are you kidding me?

There are thirteen games left in this season, and people are already losing faith?

Nonsense.

Buffalo comes to town this week, and they are a team that we can beat. They’re 1-2, or one game
ahead of us.

If you don’t believe we can, then why are you here?

Buffalo’s defense is 27th Overall, 27th in Pass, 17th in Rush and 23rd in Scoring.

You think we can’t beat them?

Let’s confront some truths.

First, our secondary is very weak. Not the rookies, who are playing well considering,
but Gibril Wilson has yet to look like a starting-caliber player. Nathan Jones and Tyrone Culver are
second-tier fodder, not the answer. If Clemons shows any aptitude, he may replace Wilson.

Second, expect a ton of blitzing and disguised coverages from Buffalo on Henne, trying to rattle him as he makes his first start. The O Line will have to protect him, and they have had occasional lapses in pass protection.

Third, nothing has come out of the TE position to help the QB out. Fasano has looked lost. Haynos has 1 catch.

Fourth, only Ginn is averaging ten yards a catch, and that is just barely. We are NOT throwing it downfield, and that is on the OC. You have to try more than once a game to make the opponent at least suspect that you will. Henning must become more aggressive.

Okay, that’s what is NOT working with the Dolphins. What IS?

The Rush Defense. The Charger’s Sproles (who up to that point led the NFL in All-Purpose Yards) and Bennet were impotent, gaining 2.3 and 2.2 Yards a carry.

In fact, we are giving up only 66 yards a GAME, good for #3 in the NFL. It will not be an easy road for Marshawn Lynch for his return to the field.

The Rush Offense. Ricky and Ronnie are both better than 4 yards a carry (Brown is better than FIVE). This is against defenses stacked close to the line, mind you. If we get any semblance of a vertical game, watch out. This duo will destroy a defense. 161+ yards a game, good for #3 in the NFL. Our first down % on runs (an important stat reflecting success) is the BEST amongst the six teams with a 100+ attempts.

So, where are we at?

We will have a young QB making his first start in front of a home crowd thirsting for a win, against a Division rival. There will be a learning curve.

Our team needs to step up and help him out.

Trent Edwards needs to meet Porter and Taylor and Langford and Merling…often.

Fasano/Haynos need to do more than just occupy space: help your QB out. TE is vital to be the safety valve for a young QB, especially in a ball-control scheme.

Throw DEEP a few times EARLY. Even if it doesn’t work out every time, you must TRY. Ginn can burn their corners, they can’t run with him. He lit this team up for 175 yards last year. THROW to him deep.

WE CAN BEAT THIS TEAM.

I honestly believe that. I honestly believe we WILL.

I also honestly believe that we have beaten ourselves in the last two games more than either of our opponents have beaten us.

Correct it, and I think we can play with anybody.

Sound insane?

WE DID play ‘anybody’…the Colts are looking unstoppable and they barely escaped with their lives.
Pittsburgh is 1-2. Tennessee is 0-3.

Does Kyle Orton and 3-0 Denver scare you?

Does Tom Brady and the Patriots?

Do the Jets?

If we correct what’s not working, with our ground attack and the ability to stop it, I don’t fear anybody.

Sound crazy?

We’ll see. I’m keeping the faith, and I’m making my pick. Sparano and company figure this out. Miami 24, Buffalo 10.