Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins
The Chiefs are flying high on a three game winning streak and they’ve averaged 32.0 points per game in the streak. The Dolphins unloaded on the previously undefeated Chicago Bears 31-13 and look to keep the momentum going into this week’s game.
Look for the Chiefs to come out running the ball with Larry Johnson (816 yards rushing) like they always do. It could be tough for Johnson this week as the Dolphins only have allowed 3.4 yards per carry this season. If Johnson gets the running game going, Huard will be able to exploit the safeties with TE Tony Gonzalez (38 rec, 504 yards) down the middle of the field. The Dolphins pass defense definately can be exposed in the passing game if Huard has time, because Jason Taylor will be rushing the passer and he’s been hard to stop with 8 sacks this season.
The Dolphins finally got smart last week and just handed off the ball to Ronnie Brown who is the best player on their offense. The Chiefs don’t have a good run defense and allow 113.4 yards rushing per game and 4.0 yards per carry, so look for the Dolphins to try to pound them on the ground with Brown (621 yards rushing). After the Dolphins establish their running game, and they will, look for Joey Harrington to exploit the old, slow secondary of the Chiefs. Look for Chris Chambers to have a HUGE game against the Chiefs.
I think this game can go either way, but I’m leaning towards the Dolphins who started last season 3-7 and then won 6 in a row. The Chiefs have been getting lucky as of late, but the luck runs out this Sunday in Miami.
Wow, a complete abandon ship for the Chief’s bandwagon this week Raven. As horrible as the Dolphins have played this year, with the exception of their last game, you think that merits an offensive juggernaut label that will dominate a 5-3 team that is currently on a roll?
The Chief’s secondary is bad, but look who they are facing, Harrington? If Harrington hears footsteps, he will panic and throw an interception, that’s his motto in Detroit and so far in Miami. The Chiefs will stack the box to limit the Miami running game, which will force Harrington to throw. Every throw is an adventure with Harrington, so I predict 2 interceptions this weekend for the Chief’s defense.
Miami cannot stop the Chief’s offense. This offense is finally hitting their stride and with Huard controlling the offense for at least one more week, I don’t see any drop-off in production this weekend. The Chiefs will use Taylor’s speed againt him and let him overpursue. Look for a lot of screen passes to keep their penetration honest and a heavy dose of LJ up the gut to negate that outside penetration. Once they back off the Miami “D”, look for Huard to take a few shots downfield to exploit their secondary.
Mikee…are you forgetting how bad the defense has looked the last 4 weeks? 117 points allowed in those football games. Ronnie Brown ran all over the Bears, and the Bears defense is 10 times better than what the Chiefs put on the field. The Chiefs better hope Larry Johnson has a great game and that won’t be easy against a very under-rated front 7 of the Dolphins.
For the record, I’ve never been on the Chiefs bandwagon because I think Herman Edwards is a bad football coach.