Broncos-Dolphins: Cutler Looks To Get Broncos Back on Track

The Denver Broncos (4-3) host the Miami Dolphins (3-4) in a game in which both teams are searching for an identity. 

Denver started the season off 3-0 and looked like one of the better overall teams in the NFL. Since then, they have gone 1-3 and have struggled on both sides of the ball.

Miami has, at times, looked like a playoff-caliber team and has also looked like the 1-15 team they were in 2007. 

Both teams have their share of struggles on the defensive side of the ball, as well as a battle with inconsistency on the offensive side. 

Keys to Victory for Miami

1. Run the Ball: Denver has the 30th ranked run defense in the league. Ronnie Brown has over 400 yards and seven touchdowns this season. If the 'Phins can establish the run game they can control the clock.
2. Exploit Injuries: Superstar CB Champ Bailey is out for a month, and his brother Boss is out for the season. Miami could have favorable matchups with their wide receivers.

Keys to Victory for Denver

1. Get an Early Lead: Miami has given up quite a few big plays this season. If Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal can make big plays early and make plays after the catch, Denver can control the game on the ground.
2. Utilize Every Weapon: Cutler seems to have gotten into this habit of locking in on Brandon Marshall. He needs to use his full arsenal, as he did against the Raiders, Chargers, and Saints in order to exploit this weak Miami secondary.

Key Matchup

Dolphins OLB Joey Porter vs. Denver LT Ryan Clady

Both of these players have been absolutely phenomenal in 2008. Clady has yet to allow a sack, while Porter leads the NFL with 10.5 sacks. This matchup in the trenches will be one for the ages.

Final Prediction

Overall, the Broncos just have the better team here, it's simply a matter of them not getting ahead of themselves mentally. I think Jay Cutler will get his team back to their winning ways in this game, and firmly establish his name as one of the NFL's elite.

Broncos 27, Dolphins 20