The Obstructed AFC Wild Card Preview: Miami Dolphins @ Pittsburgh Steelers
One thing I love about this game is you get two faces of the AFC going. Yes, the Dolphins have struggled in recent memory, but they have done an awesome job this year and have knocked down their opponents once in the season in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Of course, Ben Roethlisberger was injured in that game and missed a couple for it, but it also got Miami rolling. So this is a game that is somewhat interesting to see and if Pittsburgh can exact a measure of revenge for the Dolphins win earlier this season.
MIAMI DOLPHINS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS, 1:05, SUNDAY, CBS
Line: Pittsburgh by 10
DOLPHINS CAN WIN IF:
Will Ryan Tannehill play? If so, can he play poised and smart?
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
1. Quarterback play is solid. Ryan Tannehill might start this game from his MCL injury, but it is iffy. And while he has gotten a lot of critics (including myself), he has been solid. Matt Moore is a solid backup, but how long can Miami go with a backup before the magic runs out? It looked that way for two weeks now, but Moore has to play better if he starts and avoid costly turnovers. Same goes for Tannehill.
Ajayi shredded Pittsburgh this season for 204 yards.
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
2. The playmakers get their hands on the ball, notably Jay Ajayi. Pittsburgh's defense is a far cry from the Steel Curtain, even back 10 years ago. That's not to say they're bad, but I don't see teams feel intimidated as they once were with the Steelers. That means the likes of Jarvis Landry, Jay Ajayi, and Kenny Stills need to get touches. If they get their share that the Dolphins need, it could be a long day for Pittsburgh. And Ajayi destroyed Pittsburgh earlier this year.
Suh needs to play smarter or the Dolphins will get stung by terrible penalties.
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
3. The defense needs to be composed. Miami somewhat imploded against the Patriots last Sunday and lost their composure especially on defense. And if Ndamukong Suh still gets the presses for being dirty, the Dolphins might be in some trouble against the Steelers offense. If Pittsburgh jumps out to a big lead, Miami needs to play it cool and not lose it. If they do, it will be a long day for the Dolphins defense.
Roethlisberger's day in Miami was cut short
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
4. Pressure Roethlisberger: Not because they took them out last time, but because Roethlisberger has been prone to throwing interceptions this year in 14 games. Plus, he has fumbled 6 times. If those patterns continue, Miami might have 3 takeaways...........if they can get to Roethlisberger.
THE STEELERS CAN WIN IF:
Pouncey has got to make sure nothing happens to Big Ben
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
1. Keep Roethlisberger healthy. Obviously, given how Miami injured him last time out. That means protect him against the Dolphins line. Also means probably see a heavy dosage of LeVeon Bell.
Bell might have to outduel Ajayi to win Sunday
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
2. Establish the ground game. Sounds very simple, but Miami has been awful against the run. If they can get that going and have to move 8 in the box or focus more plays on the run, the Steelers can pass. It also could frustrate Miami a great deal as well.
Moore hasn't played well when teams come after him.
Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
3. Do not let Moore or Tannehill get comfortable. Simple one as well, but Pittsburgh as I mentioned isn't really pulling out the Steel Curtain on anybody these days. If they can keep Moore pressured, they could probably net a couple of turnovers themselves and if it is Tannehill, they could frustrate him and he isn't a guy that plays as composed as the likes of Brady, Rodgers, and Roethlisberger.
Pittsburgh let Miami go crazy earlier this year.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
4. Bully the Dolphins. Not sure how they could do this, but Miami could really lose their cool if Pittsburgh controls the lines. And if that happens, the Dolphins are done, whether it is first quarter or fourth quarter.
Not quite a pleasant visit for any team.
5. Attack early and keep the crowd in the game. Pittsburgh is a sight to see with the Terrible Towels. And it is not overly fun for opposing teams. No team likes going there for obvious reasons. Miami in terms of atmosphere is familiar with the likes of Buffalo and New England in winter, but Pittsburgh is a whole other monster. If the Steelers jump early, Miami will have no answers the whole game in my eyes.
PREDICTION: I think this game will go back and forth. I don't think either team will make a whole lot of stops on defense, even in cold weather. But what I think it will come down to is which team plays more cool under pressure. To that I give the advantage of the home team, the Steelers and their experience. I think Pittsburgh in the end will be too much for Miami. STEELERS 37, DOLPHINS 33
-Fan in the Obstructed Seat
