MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands, N.J. is the scene this Sunday afternoon for a game between the visiting Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants. The early football betting lines favor the Giants by -10 points for the scheduled 1:00 PM contest.
With their bye week behind them, the Giants (4-2) get back into action this Sunday and on paper, at least, it appears they couldn't have wished for a better opponent in the hapless and winless Miami Dolphins (0-6). New York got some good news on Monday with the return to practice of RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) and OG Chris Snee (concussion). Jacobs, combined with starting RB Ahmad Bradshaw, give the Giants one of the most versatile running tandems in the league, certainly in the NFC. QB Eli Manning has also turned some heads with his consistency in 2011, although he still has a tendency to try and force some throws into coverage at times. But with such talented receivers as Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and latest fan favorite, Victor Cruz at his disposal, he really can't be faulted for the effort. The return of Snee should also help, both with pass protection and rushing.
On the other side of the ball, the good news on Monday had an effect defensively as well, as DE Justin Tuck, arguably the most productive Giant on the front-line, is back practicing after resting both neck and groin injuries. Safety Kenny Phillips also appeared recovered from rib injuries. The early standout defensively has been second-year DE Jason Pierre-Paul, recording 7.5 sacks through six games. Safety Antrell Rolle has also been playing at an Allpro level, leading the team in tackles with 45, including 38 solo.
This past Sunday saw Miami once again lose a game they appeared to have sewn up, but they instead fell victim to a Tim Tebow-led late-game comeback and then fell in overtime to Denver, 18-15. Ahead 15-0 with just over five minutes remaining, Miami collapsed defensively, much to the disbelief of the SunLife Stadium crowd. On offense, QB Matt Moore had his moments, completing 22 of 33 passes for 197 yards, including a touchdown to Anthony Fasano, but neither he nor his offensive mates could sustain consistency. Head coach Tony Sparano is without a doubt on the hottest coaching seat in the AFC, and it would take a nearly 180-degree turnaround for ownership and the fan base to show confidence in him. The acquisition of RB Reggie Bush, hailed as "just what the doctor ordered," has instead been nothing more than another in a long list of attempted fixes that haven't exactly panned out. With Moore at QB, opposing defenses are fully aware that the play-calling is going to be very vanilla, and other than WRs Brandon Marshall and Devone Bess, Moore's weapons are sub-standard.
The defense was predicted to be the strength of the Dolphins, but extended time on the field and poor execution has been the template. Although they've not been allowing wholesale scoring, they simply haven't lived up to expectations. Their pass rush is, at times, very impressive, their 7 sacks on Sunday against Denver a season-high. LB Cameron Wake, who had a breakout 2010, has failed to follow through in 2011, recording just 5 sacks and he hasn't received adequate play from teammates, surprising since Sparano has a reputation as a defensive motivator.
A week off can only help New York, and the return of Jacobs, Snee, Tuck and Phillips should provide allow the offense, especially, to show more balance as well as effectiveness. Look for Eli Manning to try and re-connect with his wideouts, since Miami's secondary has been very porous as of late. For the Dolphins, this game marks a critical "tipping-point," where they can either somehow turn everything around, or continue to just play out the string.
| NFL OFFENSIVE RANKINGS | TOTAL | Passing | Rushing | |||
| RANK | YPG | RANK | YPG | RANK | YPG | |
| MIAMI DOLPHINS | 19 | 331.0 | 21 | 218.8 | 18 | 112.2 |
| NEW YORK GIANTS | 11 | 368.3 | 6 | 278.2 | 30 | 90.2 |
| NFL DEFENSIVE RANKINGS | TOTAL | Passing | Rushing | |||
| RANK | YPG | RANK | YPG | RANK | YPG | |
| MIAMI DOLPHINS | 23 | 377.0 | 21 | 257.5 | 20 | 119.0 |
| NEW YORK GIANTS | 22 | 373.5 | 18 | 245.8 | 27 | 127.7 |
Here are some highlights from the Broncos vs Dolphins game last weekend:
Here are some highlights from the Bills vs Giants game from NFL Week 6 as the Giants were in the bye last week:
