Just like the Patriots addressed the secondary with defending tall receivers in mind, the Miami Dolphins did the same in the off-season. The difference was the source of the remedy.
New England signed free agent veteran cornerbacks Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden. Miami went the younger route and drafted Vonta Davis and Sean Smith.
Being division neighbors means they play almost the exact out of division opponents, save for Denver and Baltimore for the Patriots and San Diego and Pittsburgh for the Dolphins. Otherwise they both play the AFC South and NFC South.
Most of these teams feature large wide outs that are very tough to handle without the proper equipment: Atlanta’s Michael Jenkins (6’4” 217), New Orleans’ Marques Colston (6’4” 225), and Houston’s Andre Johnson (6’3” 225) to name a few.
While all great receivers, the Dolphins had one man in mind when they selected Davis and Smith: Randy Moss.
It’s hard enough trying to control a receiver about once every four years. But Moss was a problem twice a year. The ‘Fins haven’t been able to shut down Moss since he arrived in New England in2007.
Miami was completely caught off guard when Moss first arrived in the Sunshine State. With just four receptions, Moss (6’4” 210) burned the secondary worse than the July sun: 122 yards and two touchdowns. The encore lacked yards, but Randy inflicted equal damage: five receptions, 50 yards, two touchdowns.
One exception was the Wildcat game last September as they held Moss to four receptions and 25 yards in Matt Cassell’s second career start. Miami got cocky after that, and paid for their over-confidence.
In the November rematch, the Dolphins put 6’1” Jason Allen in one-on-one coverage on Moss all afternoon. The part-time safety didn’t stand a chance: eight catches 125 yards and three touchdowns later, the Dolphins said enough is enough.
They selected Davis (5’11” 203) in the first round and followed it up with Smith (6’4” 214) in the second. Not because they will be used in tandem to double-team Moss, but Wes Welker has been a thorn in the side the past two years as well (28-362-2 in four games).
Miami’s results against the league haven’t been great as big receivers excelled against the Dolphins secondary, totaling 10 receptions for 192 yards and a score. But all that will be forgotten if Davis, Smith and the secondary keep Moss under wraps.
A few things I’m looking for:
Gunther Gebel-Williams: ILBs Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton need to take a page from the late Ringling Brothers lion tamer and cage Miami’s Wildcat.
Big Ben: Tight ends have flourished against Miami. When involved in the passing game, they averaged more than 100 yards. With ILB Channing Crowder doubtful, Ben Watson has a chance for a big game.
Wolverines Alumni: Second year QB Chad Henne wants to be the next Tom Brady. He gets a front row seat to watch Tom Terrific operate.
Miami will have some success with the Wildcat, but it can’t keep up with New England’s passing game against a depleted Dolphins secondary. The Patriots pull away in the end.
Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com.
Keywords: Andre Johnson, Atlanta Falcons, Channing Crowder, Gary Guyton, Houston Texans, Jerod Mayo, Leigh Bodden, Marques Colston, Miami Dolphins, Michael Jenkins, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Randy Moss, Sean Smith, Shawn Springs, Tom Brady Chad Henne, Vonta Davis, Wes Welker
