2011 Miami Dolphins Schedule: An In-Depth, Game-by-Game Analysis
Can the Miami Dolphins take another step towards the Super Bowl? Or, better yet, can they simply get into the playoffs (I assume they'll win some of their games)? I have to admit, I was anxiously waiting for the NFL to release the Dolphins' schedule, considering last year's run through the gauntlet was just brutal. I thought that the 2011 season would allow the Dolphins to give Chad Henne (assuming it may be him) the opportunity to grow into being a starting NFL quarterback.
Yeah right. There are no free rides in the NFL.
Unless the lockout runs into the regular season, the Miami Dolphins will hit the ground running and end the season in a sprint. The Fins will start the season facing the New England Patriots and then the Houston Texans. Both teams full of playoff potential, both teams have had incredible success against the Dolphins.
The season then concludes with a visit from Michael Vick and the Eagles THEN the Dolphins will take a trip through the AFC East for the last three games. In other words, if the Dolphins keep it competitive, we won't know the final standings of the East (possibly) until the last game. We may not know if the Dolphins make the playoffs until the final game.
That makes for some great football drama.
For now, I'm assuming Chad Henne is the starter. The more the lockout runs into preseason, the chances are slim that the Dolphins will make a major move for a quarterback. I don't believe there is another free agent on the market who could change the depth chart (Vince Young?). I'm also unsure if the Dolphins are willing to make a significant trade for a QB.
What I've done is analyze each game on the Dolphins' schedule, looking at the strengths and weaknesses. I will look at the Dolphins' primary weakness versus the opponents' strength. You are as only as strong as your weakest link!
The New England Patriots
1 of 16
Yes, that's Tom Brady...
Historically, the Patriots will stumble just a bit somewhere at the beginning of the season. At this point, the Patriots have not done much to make their defense better, which many are of the opinion that this defense needs another pass-rusher.
Does anyone remember how far the Patriots made it into the playoffs? Would anyone exchange the level of success the Patriots have had versus the Dolphins? I would. Does anyone remember the smackdown the Patriots put on the Dolphins twice last season?
This is a really tough game for the Dolphins because we know that the front office is still going to sign one more running back to bring depth and versatility to the offense.
The Patriots are no longer surprised by the Dolphins Wildcat or offensive scheme.
If Rob Ninkovich has three more interceptions, we will officially call him "the Dolphin killer." Does anyone remember when he was trying to get playing time for the Fins? Sheesh.
Main matchup: Dolphins' running game versus the Patriots front seven. Last season, Chad Henne passed the ball a bunch, resulting in three INT(s). The Dolphins will need to run the ball against a good front seven. Ricky Williams was good versus the Pats, but Sparano never committed to him. Bring Ricky back...
Final score: N.E. 28, Miami 21
0-1
Houston Texans
2 of 16
For whatever reason, the Texans have always been able to beat the Miami Dolphins. Even when the Texans were a team rebuilding, they enjoyed great success against the Fins. Now, they have a stud in Andre Johnson and rushing champ Arian Foster as weapons for Matt Schaub.
However, this is a game the Dolphins should win...where have I heard that before??
I believe the Dolphins are closer than farther from success. I believe they will win this game. I believe that Arian Foster won't continue on his rushing greatness against Miami's front seven. Miami has a strong history of denying top ranked rushers. Denying Matt Schaub has been historically difficult however. The guy just makes plays against this Dolphins defensive backfield.
This is not a team the Dolphins want to keep a close lead. They tend to come back on the Dolphins. However, I don't think that streaks are meant to last. I believe the offense will be better than last year's addition. Plus, Mario Williams will find out that it is very difficult to move to outside linebacker in Houston's new 3-4 system. Williams will be used like DeMarcus Ware. Someone tell me how a 300 lb defensive end moves to outside linebacker in a 3-4?
Dolphins' defensive backfield vs. Houston's passing game: both Sean Smith and Vontae Davis will have their hands full, trying to keep Houston's receivers out of the end zone. Clemons will probably help with double duty on Andre Johnson and the big play. This would be the game for Sean Smith to come up with two interceptions.
This score will be closer than most Dolphins fans would like.
Dolphins win 24-20
1-1
Cleveland Browns
3 of 16
If there is a game where the Madden curse needs to come into effect, pray it's this one Fin Fans. Last season, the Dolphins' defense did a wonderful job against Peyton Hillis, never letting him visit the end zone.
However, the defense let Jake Delhomme and Ben Watson systematically tear the defense apart. Jake Delhomme?! Wasn't he supposed to retire? He came out of retirement for the Dolphins game, I guess.
Chad Henne threw interceptions in this game. Three. In one game. Three interceptions was starting to be the norm for Chad. The Dolphins have not faced Colt McCoy, who did a good job at running the offense. This should be an interesting matchup because I still believe the Dolphins will shut down Hillis, thus putting the ball in McCoy's hands.
I think the Dolphins will run on this team because Sean Rodgers is now gone. Even if the Browns run a new defense, it takes time to incorporate new nose tackles or defensive linemen in general. The Browns drafted a rookie, Phil Taylor to possibly take Rodgers' place. However, very few rookies can come in and learn so quickly unless your last name is Suh. Taylor was drafted for next year(s) success.
I think Henne forgets about last year and rallies his troops. I think the Dolphins can run and pass against the Browns. Once again, Ricky Williams had a solid YPC in this game.
Chad Henne vs. The Browns defensive backfield. Chad Henne won't have to pass as much. However, Henne will need to make timely plays for this team to succeed. Simultaneously, Chad Henne is known for making timely mistakes. Henne can't make such mistakes against a time wasting, run oriented offense like the Browns.
Dolphins 21, Cleveland Browns 17,
2-1
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San Diego Chargers
4 of 16
Do you notice that Phillip Rivers is wearing a Pro Bowl jersey? I can say this is going to be a tough game for the Dolphins to win. I don't think they can do it. The Chargers have too much firepower, and the Dolphins don't like to play a game with a sprint; this team is being built for balance, to eat the clock.
Phillips River is a Lamborghini playing against the Dolphins team whose coaches are trying to build a Mack truck. The Chargers are being built to win a Super Bowl now; the Dolphins are still a distance from contending.
If you want to tell me that the Dolphins can win this game by taking advantage of the Chargers special teams...really? Both teams are in need of a jump start on special teams. Add the rumor that the Chargers want to take a run at adding Steve Smith, and there is a recipe for disaster.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins offense is still coming together. The offensive game plan of the Dolphins is to hold onto the ball; they just don't have the power to follow through yet. The run game is at 3.2 per carry in this game. Henne is pressured but has a decent game, still throwing two interceptions.
The Dolphins pass defense vs. Phillip Rivers. We don't know which receivers will take the field for the Chargers. With Phillip Rivers as the quarterback, it just didn't matter. With his size, quick release and offensive prowess, Phillips is looking more like the modern day Dan Marino.
Miami Dolphins 17, San Diego Chargers 30
2-2
N.Y. Jets
5 of 16
I can't stand the Jets. Really. Rex Ryan drives me nuts. I've never heard someone talk so much. He's guaranteed that the Jets would win the Super Bowl, twice. He's been wrong...er...he has been wrong and will be wrong. Good luck on that self promoting book Rex.
The Miami Dolphins normally play the Jets extremely well one of the two games. This is the game the Dolphins put it together. The Tony Sparano-let's-hold-onto-the-ball-forever game plane works. All three aspects of the game come together.
A new running back shines for the Miami Dolphins—Daniel Thomas. Whether that be in the Wildcat or in the base offense, Thomas shows he's meant for the big league. The Dolphins offensive line begins to show signs of life, taking the game to a young N.Y. Jets defensive line.
Mark Sanchez struggles against the Dolphins defense, at home. The fans boo him off the field. The Dolphins need a statement game, and this is it.
This is the first complete game of the season for the Dolphins. And, no, I'm not saying this because it's the Jets; the Dolphins compete well against the Jets and the Fins need to beat the Jets...in their house. We know Braylon Edwards or Santonio Holmes will return but probably not both. With Brad Smith still around, the Jets still have enough fire power.
Miami Dolphins defensive backfield against Mark Sanchez. Sanchez makes big plays at the right time. Sanchez finds his receivers down the field at the worst possible time for the opposition. The Dolphins will need to stop the big play from happening. I think they do it.
Miami Dolphins 23, N.Y. Jets 13.
3-2
Denver Broncos
6 of 16
There are significant rumors that Tim Tebow will be given a real shot to be the starting quarterback. After seeing him play last year, I think he deserves that shot. He brings a creative skill set to the table. He's shown that he can throw the ball down field.
This Bronco team is in a very similar developmental phase as the Dolphins in terms of trying to find a quarterback to lead them. The Broncos have focused on providing starters and depth on defense. This team just hired a new coach, the team is also very young, and establishing a new defense.
Whether the quarterback is Tebow or Orton, this is a team the Miami Dolphins need to beat, they should beat. With the Dolphins coming off a great win over the Jets, the Dolphins need to prove that they can win back to back games. This is a good time to prove themselves.
The Dolphins should be able to run against this defense. The Broncos are transitioning to a 4-3; this will expose the age of Brian Dawkins, who is starting to see himself fall behind by a step. Rahim Moore was justifiably drafted.
This will be a grind it out kind of game. The Broncos will be afraid to pass, the Dolphins want to run the ball because Chad Henne doesn't want throw it to Champ Bailey.
The Dolphins offensive line vs. Broncos new 4-3 scheme. The Dolphins want to run the ball and need to see if they can dominate Elvis Dumervil at the LOS. The offensive line needs to prove themselves in this game against this developing squad. I think the left side of the offensive line dominates the field.
Miami Dolphins 23, Denver Broncos 16
4-2
N.Y. Giants
7 of 16
This game will be a dog fight from beginning to end. Tony Sparano and Tom Coughlin share similar football philosophies. It's a battle of mirrors. The Giants like to go to the spread when needed, they have a Super Bowl ring to prove their toughness.
The Dolphins are trying to get there. While the Giants are champions, they are only a shadow of that team, and the distance of competition between the teams is not as far. The Giants have used the draft to try and address some of the gaps on defense. The Giants are on an upswing.
The Giants field a host of receivers that can do it all. However, one can hear Tom Coughlin groan with every pass attempt. The Giants were Super Bowl champs with a dominating running game, great defensive line play and timely big plays from the passing game. Exactly what the Dolphins want, and seemingly, the Giants have gotten away from.
Instead, it's Eli & his receivers versus the world. And, it's a pretty good team they will field. The front office felt so set in their offense that they took solid defensive players in the first two rounds of the draft.
If the Giants are set on establishing the run, they are playing right into the hands of the Miami Dolphins. If the Dolphins want to establish the run on the Giants, it will also be a difficult.
I think this game comes down to the passing game for both teams. Hakeem Nicks vs. Vontae Davis, Steve Smith vs. Sean Smith and Ahmad Bradshaw vs. the four Miami linebackers. The Dolphins will have to guard against the screens with Bradshaw, who just loves to be productive.
This will be a great battle. One feels that the victory will come down to who gets the best coaching.
Miami's offensive line vs. the Giants' defensive line: the winner will have established their game plan on the line of scrimmage, run or pass. This makes the reconstruction of Miami's offensive guards and center vital because Justin Tuck will eat the guards and centers of the 2010 team alive.
Final score, Miami Dolphins 14, New York Giants 18.
4-3
Kansas City Chiefs
8 of 16
That's Matt Cassel and Jamaal Charles playing together in the Pro Bowl. I hope they bought Thomas Jones a ticket to Hawaii because every team Jones' plays with, the running game just gets better.
This is also a team which is a step ahead of the Dolphins in terms of how prepared they are for success. This team is offensively loaded, which gives the defense some space to make several errors and still win.
I hate this match up by the way. The Chiefs have all the difference makers one needs; that was prior to the draft. Now the Chiefs are very aware that they are primed for a playoff run; the Miami Dolphins stand in their way.
There is a "however," and this will be the key to the Miami Dolphins winning this game. The magic number is...30. The Chiefs ranked 30th in their passing game last year and first in the running game. I'm confident that the Dolphins defense will push the Chiefs to pass. If that happens, then the Dolphins will come away victorious over an opponent desperate to establish themselves as a Super Bowl contender.
I think it starts with the offensive line squashing a questionable 3-4 defensive personnel. I think the Fins offensive line can do it. It will come down to eating the clock and no turnovers. If the Dolphins turn the ball over, then the Chiefs have two running backs who have experience with breaking long runs. Safety Eric Berry, as a rookie, had four interceptions and one for a touchdown.
Sean Smith and Vontae Davis will have one to two possibilities to intercept a ball. Cassel loves to let Dwayne Bowe fight for the airball.
Miami Dolphins running game vs. Chief's 3-4: Simply, the Dolphins stay on the field, win the ball control game, they win the day. Miami's offense is not set up at this time to play a shootout thriller.
Final, Miami Dolphins 21, Kansas City Chiefs 18
5-3
Washington Redskins
9 of 16
Uh-oh, here comes a team that is in a season of defining their offensive and defensive strategy. Mike Shanahan knows what he wants to do, but doesn't have all of the personnel to do so. So, at this point, he will turn his offense over to a new favorite...
John Beck.
If Beck somehow scorches the Dolphins, I'm calling on the resurgence of the 1972 Dolphins to take the field once again. Shanahan likes Beck's intelligence and play from the moment he was brought in. Word is that he was not given play time because the offense was still too new for Beck. Shanahan liked what he saw of Beck in practice.
Holy Crap. That has to be positive coach speak to a former second-round bust. In Beck's defense, Miami did not have an offensive line to protect him. However, the Mormon Missionary from BYU looked quite scared and often overwhelmed.
We'll see, I guess.
John Beck is now a young 30 years old. Either he's going to want serious revenge on the Dolphins, or it's going to be a massacre of ungodly NFL proportions.
Miami Dolphins front seven vs. John Beck. "I must crush you." Ivan Drago. Enough said.
Miami Dolphins 24, Washington Redskins 10
6-3
Buffalo Bills
10 of 16
If the Miami Dolphins want to make a push for the playoffs, they can't afford to lose many starters with this game. The Dolphins will play a bulk of the AFC East, and several teams who will be pushing for the playoffs.
The Buffalo Bills have given the Dolphins fits which is maddening because we all thought, for certain, that the Fins were a better team. That has not been proven so. The Bills spent much of their draft trying to upgrade their defense. The Dolphins better take advantage of this rebuilding project because this is a must-win game.
I don't believe that Ryan Fitzpatrick will repeat his antics of 2010. Or at least I hope not. I know that the receiving corp gives the Dolphins a heart attack. The secondary better be prepared for the mind games of the Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins can't lose this game.
Miami Dolphins secondary vs. Bills passing game: there are no excuses for this game. This is the tell-tale game for the Miami Dolphins. If they cannot win this game, then (even if the Dolphins make the playoffs) I would not expect them to go very deep. If Yeremiah Bell, Chris Clemons, Vontae Davis and Sean Smith can't stop Fitzpatrick...having fun trying to stop Michael Vick.
Miami Dolphins 14, Buffalo Bills 10
7-3
Dallas Cowboys
11 of 16
The Dolphins will meander into Jonesville to take on the darling of the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have been under a microscope due to the constant belief that the Cowboys are "America's team." There are millions who would argue as such. However, Jerry Jones has spent $1.2 billion trying to keep the Cowboys in the forefront of NFL business.
This team began to peak when Jason Garrett took over and applied some discipline where this team severely needed it. Even the journeyman Jon Kitna responded when no one thought he had any gas left in the tank.
This battle of these two teams will showcase a great deal of similarities: both teams love running backs, drafting backs when we all least expected it. Both teams have erratic quarterbacks. However, Tony Romo has a much more accomplished resume than Chad Henne.
The Cowboys have a more mature offense with the ability to score at will. Tony Romo has a better understand of what to do, plus he is more aggressive. Fans are still waiting for Romo to be the second coming of Roger Staubach.
This game might show signs of Romo's greatness.
The Dallas Cowboys will need this game. It will be a game in which the Cowboys drop 28 points in the later part of the game. Both teams need this win. The Dolphins' offense does not have the same firepower to compete.
Sean Smith, Vontea Davis and Yeremiah Bell vs. Jason Witten, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, and Roy Williams: Miami has historically been torched by great tight ends. Who knows why? They have gone through different coordinators and yet no change. It appears that the Cowboys just have too much firepower through the air for the Dolphins to overcome.
Miami Dolphins 14, Dallas Cowboys 26
7-4
Oakland Raiders
12 of 16
In 2011, the Oakland Raiders are still owned by Al Davis. Therefore, there is absolutely no excuse to lose to the league's worst managed team in the modern era of the NFL.
He's gone through more head coaches than Hugh Hefner's gone through girlfriends.
It doesn't matter who is running the ball or who the quarterback is. This team represents constant change, controversy and constant "whiffs" throughout the season. As of now, there is no pride in the silver and black. This is a shame because the Raiders meant so much to the NFL until the 90s. Many have forgotten that they were in the Super Bowl just a couple of years of ago.
Nevertheless, if the Dolphins lose this game (and reach the playoffs still) don't count on the Fins going very far. If the Fins lose this game, without a playoff run, don't count on a season record above .500.
Chad Henne shined during their last meeting. The Dolphins can run and pass on this team. It's not necessarily a matter of talent as it is a psychological advantage.
This will be a game where the Dolphins win, period.
Miami's offensive line vs. Raider's defensive line: Richard Seymour is a stud. Jake Long is a stud. I don't think Seymour can win this battle thus we'll see Seymour moved around the LOS. It will be a chess game. No matter where Seymour is, the Dolphins take advantage of where he is not.
Miami Dolphins 26, Oakland Raiders 13.
8-4
Philadelphia Eagles
13 of 16
The fall is when the great NFL teams come to play. This is game represents the first of a series which will prove the Dolphins are serious fall contenders for the Super Bowl. Call me weird but it seems like this schedule was specifically designed as a litmus test for the Fins.
The Philadelphia Eagles are a complicated group for several reasons:
1. This is the time of the season which Michael Vick shows wear and tear from scrambling. His stats normally go down and injuries rack up. This is what gives the Dolphins a fair share. However, the constant threat of Vick remains.
2. Same can be said of DeSean Jackson. His speed and ability has taken a game over. He can singlehandedly win games. Because of his size, he is also known to break down.
3. LeSean McCoy also is a great playmaker of smurfy proportions. The Eagles have a series of receivers and running backs who are playmakers but struggle with the wear and tear of the season.
These factors alone make this game winnable for the Miami Dolphins. I said winnable...not that they will win.
The only chance the Dolphins have is to physically beat this team up. Wear them down, that means running the ball. I just don't think the Dolphins have the over all team to keep up with Vick and the Eagles.
When Jackson is kept under wraps, they have Jeremy Macklin or McCoy or Brent Celek. Just too many weapons.
Miami's pass rush vs. Michael Vick: If the Dolphins down lineman want hints on how to defeat Vick, watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of yesteryear. Warren Sapp and Co. knew how to put the kabosh on Vick with disciplined defense: beat your man, stay in your lanes and Vick will come to you.
Miami Dolphins 19, Philadelphia Eagles 21
8-5
Buffalo Bills
14 of 16
This is the portion of the season where injury and a play-off push collide. The probability of the Dolphins and Bills missing personnel is high. For the Dolphins, it will simply depend on "who?"
Channing Crowder is often out. If the defense is missing any starting linebackers then there is a legit reason to be concerned. If the Dolphins haven't remedied the Chris Clemons/Rashad Jones dilemma, then the Bills know the soft spot in Fins defensive scheme.
I don't always believe that the issue is Chad Henne. Having said that, this is the portion of the season where if the team haven't established the run/pass game, then it will be obvious who will win and move forward.
The Dolphins will be able to see if Daniel Thomas is in good shape to carry this team in the late part of the season. Rookies tend to struggle this far into the season because their bodies aren't used to playing so far into the year. The Fin's depth will be challenged.
We will also know if Steve Johnson was a one-year wonder or not.
I'm going to take the Dolphins because I believe that their scheme is built for this time of the year. The run/pass stability the offense is looking to establish is meant for the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins linebackers vs. Buffalo Bills offensive scheme: if the Dolphins linebackers reach this time of the season with injury, as the past seasons have indicated, then pushing for the playoffs will be almost impossible. If Crowder is out with injury, then this is a real concern. A.J. Edds has never played in a season, can he play through a full season? Can Karlos Dansby, Koa Misi, and Cam Wake provide enough pressure to disrupt Fitzpatrick? I think they can...
Miami Dolphins 20, Buffalo Bills 13
9-5
New England Patriots
15 of 16
See that picture? He may be smiling, but inside, he knows his team should have been playing in the Dallas Cowboy's megacity of a stadium. He knows that his Patriots own football in the fall, they own the playoffs and the hoodie will do everything possible to avoid Hawaii as his end destination.
Wow, will this game mean so much to the Dolphins' team progress.
Tom Brady used to hate playing the Dolphins. Now he loves 'em. Jason Taylor is gone and with him went the defensive big play capability. Beating the Patriots, for the Dolphins, can't be seen as a huge upset if the Dolphins want to be a contender.
Enter the Miami Dolphins offensive line. They are the focus of this game simply because they will be charged with staying on the field as long as possible. Last season, there were no running lanes; there wasn't time to pass. The shaky offense gave way to a porous special teams which pinned the defense from making any progress.
Barring injury, I don't know if the Dolphins can beat the Patriots mano y mano at this time. Even in a close game, with the Dolphins have the ball in the final minutes, could you trust this offensive line to give Chad Henne the opportunity to win a game?
That's why they play the game!
Miami Dolphins' running game vs. the Patriots defense: as the running game goes, so go the Dolphins. No matter who the options are for the Dolphins, they will be the key cog for this game. The Dolphins tend to rely a stable offensive strategy for big games such as this. I'm tempted to rank Chad Henne as the key for the Dolphins' victory, but I just believe that a win falls on the back(s) of the running game.
Miami Dolphins 15, New England Patriots 27
9-6
N.Y. Jets
16 of 16
I'm going against every heart string I have and every homer part of me roots for the Dolphins when the Jets are the foes. However, the Jets are designed exactly for such a game. I'm assuming they're in the running for the playoffs (because they have been for several years now). I'm assuming that the Dolphins will be on the fence in terms of playoffs (the AFC is a beast).
It's just not the year of the Dolphin. I can't ignore how Rex Ryan loves this time of the year and how he motivates his team exactly for this. If the Jets are neck in neck competition for the AFC East title, this game is going to be extremely tough for the Dolphins to win.
The Jets' defense has great success in getter pressure on Chad Henne. The Jet rookies on the front seven have had just enough time to develop into players who can contribute.
Mark Sanchez has spent his season developing a solid playing relationship with Santonio Holmes (I believe that Braylon Edwards will be with another team) along with seeing a lot more of Brad Smith.
Eventually, the Jets' focus on the preseason overwhelms the Dolphins team still building. Chad Henne plays decent but still turns the ball over, giving the Jets points.
Miami's 3-4 scheme vs. the Jets' running game: The Jets typically get better running the ball as the game progresses. L.T. has shown us he can still shine, now with the help of Shonn Greene. The Jets are applying their playoff strategy for they make another Super Bowl run. Unfortunately, this is the Miami Dolphins' last game of the season.
Miami Dolphins 17, NY Jets 23
9-7
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