Rob Long: Ravens v. Dolphins Preview
The loss of Haloti Ngata could be a loss that hits the Baltimore Ravens roster hard. Ngata is an All-Pro defensive lineman who was having a heck of a year. Haloti seemed to have committed himself to getting in shape in the off-season and was putting together a stellar season. If you don't think so, ask C.J. Mosley. The rookie has over 100 tackles already with four games left. You don't think Ngata has anything to do with that. Remember, the Ravens drafted Ngata when future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis said he needed help from the big men up front.
The Ravens travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins Sunday at 1pm. The Dolphins could see the loss of Ngata as a chance to feature Lamar Miller. The running back has 729 yards on 150 carries and six touchdowns. He's also caught 27 passes and a touchdown reception.
Miller isn't the only threat to run in the Dolphins backfield. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill averages over six yards per carry as well. Look for the read option to be a part of the Dolphins game plan on Sunday as well. Tannehill averages about four carries per game but look for him to slightly exceed that average against the Ravens.
The Ravens secondary has been a problem in recent weeks, more so than usual. The defense has given up 803 passing yards on 90 passing attempts in two games. Obviously, the scouting report has been accurate. When given enough time, throw, throw, throw. The Ravens have only seen 39 rushing attempts in those games.
So, if you're the Miami Dolphins, do you take advantage of the Ngata loss or do you follow the path of the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers? Keep in mind, Ryan Tannehill is solid but he's not Drew Brees or Philip Rivers so I'd expect the Dolphins to SLIGHTLY deviate from that game plan.
Earlier in the week I told WJZ-TV I though the Ravens would win 27-20. Now, I don't think they'll win with 27 points. The Dolphins scored 33 on New England in the first game of the season, 37 on San Diego in week nine and 36 in a loss to Denver. The 38 points they put up on Oakland doesn't count. Come on, it's Oakland.
I think the Ravens still win this one but Miami will score points. Yes, the Ravens will have to run the ball but if they trail, Joe Flacco will probably have to be a strong presence in this one as well. I think this will be an offensive explosion.
Ravens 33 Dolphins 30
