Before y’all start trying to crucify me for jinxing the Dolphins for feeling the way I do, let me just tell you that I have good reason to believe, no I have good reason to stand with my chest out, and say that this Miami Dolphins team will in fact go on the road and beat the Vikings of Minnesota. There, I said it and I feel good that I said it. And no, this isn’t solely because they did the unthinkable five days, three hours and twenty minutes ago, by pulling off one of the greatest plays in the history of sports(not going to show you it because we’re on to Minnesota). It’s largely due to the fact that I believe deep in my loins that the Vikings are a straight up bad team that are having a Miami like implosion.
Our Guy is Playing Better Than Their Guy
It’s true, rookie Jason Sanders is outkicking veteran Dan Bailey. Truly will be the difference of the game. Also, Ryan Tannehill is out performing the $84m man Kirk Cousins, as of late. I stress the as of late because Ryan really has. Since coming off that dreaded capsule injury that so many people suffer with, Tannehill has thrown 8 TDs to only 1 INT. In the same time, Cousins has thrown 5 TDs and 2 INTs. Strictly by the numbers, Tannehill has been better, but even going past the numbers, it’s easy to see that Ryan has been much more comfortable, besides the pain in his ankle, playing the game than Kirk Cousins. Say what you want about Tannehill, and there is plenty that could be said about him, in the last three games including the Colts loss, he’s looked calm and smooth. A few times where he held the ball to long not withstanding, and you could say he’s playing the best ball of his career. Kirk, on the other hand, looks jittery back there. Like he’s running for his life. That Seahawks game wasn’t a good look for him. The ball was flying all over the place. Ryan needs to keep channeling whatever chi he’s been feeling and play loose. That’s the best Tannehill.
I’m Not Afraid of Teams That Can’t Run the Ball
This is who the Vikings are. They are a team that can’t run the ball. Currently, the Vikings are ranked 30th in the league in rushing. Dalvin Cook, looks like he’s hasn’t fully recovered from his season ending injury from last year and LaTavius Murray is Lativus Murray. He’s a good back that can occasionally hurt you, but he’s not a guy you fear. If a team can’t run the ball well, I think that’s when our d-ends are at their best. Makes sense I feel. Knowing a team is going to pass more often than not is what our usually non-existent pass rush feeds on and it’s what our opportunistic, turnover creating secondary wants to see. A team that easily fools Miami’s defense in play-action is what usually kills them. No major threat of a running game should keep everyone looking for pass.
For Once We Have Momentum
This is sort of uncharted territory for the Dolphins. There haven’t been many times where things are going our way. Our QB is playing very good, the offensive line is creating holes for the running backs to run through, which they are, defensively, were as healthy as they’ve been in weeks. Oh, and we’re coming off one of the coolest victories ever. The Vikings on the other hand, just fired their offensive coordinator, got dominated on MNF by a team they’re battling for a Wild Card spot, their offense is sputtering and people are yelling even louder that their QB stinks. Basically, they’re operating at a Miami level. All they need to have happen is to have a bullying scandal or have a video of an assistant coach doing lines off a stripper’s forehead and you have a typical Dolphin’s team.
So yes, I feel very good going into Sunday. Could everything go to hell in the first 5 minutes? Absolutely it could. That’s happened many times. But Miami usually wins this kind of game. It’s the game against the Bills that Miami never wins. That’s where I’ll have the least amount of confidence. Vegas may have Miami as a 7.5 dog. That scares me ever so slightly because that’s a high line for a team that has a better record than the other, even on the road. But, my confidence is strong.
Prediction: Dolphins 27 Vikings 13
That’s right a rare double digit victory on the road for the Dolphins and the playoff dream stays alive. Book it
PS- Of course I was going to add the Miami Miracle. I told you earlier in the week I’m legally obligated to do so. Fins Up
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