Because of Daniel Thomas' on and again, off again hamstring issues it's been difficult for the Dolphins to get the rushing attack going on a consistent basis. The team averages 4.1 yards per carry, but the Dolphins have only scored two rushing touchdowns. And one of those came from the quarterback. The ground game is virtually invisible in the red zone, and that's where it's needed the most. The Giants defensive front is all about applying pressuring to the quarterback, and as a result teams are averaging 4.5 yards per rush, and have scored seven rushing touchdowns this season.
This will be Matt Moore's third start for the Dolphins, and it's about time Chad Henne's replacement improves his accuracy (59.1) and starts limiting the turnovers (three interceptions and one fumble lost). The Dolphins finally got tight end Anthony Fasano involved in the passing game, throwing him a touchdown pass against the Broncos. But more diversity is needed to open up this stuffy offense. The Giants, who have produced 22 sacks, can apply pressure without blitzing. Moore's going to need his offensive line to be at their best to buy him time in the pocket.
The Giants want to control the game with their physical rushing attack, which features Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. The pair has collectively rushed for 506 yards and scored seven of the team's eight rushing touchdowns. But the Giants are averaging a mere 3.3 yards per carry. The Dolphins have allowed 717 rushing yards this season, and teams are averaging 4.1 yards per rush against what was once thought of as a forceful front line. The Giants will challenge nose tackle Paul Soliai to hold his ground, and Cameron Wake and Koa Misi will need to be effective at setting the edges.
Eli Manning has a 101.1 quarterback rating, and is averaging 9.07 yards per attempt, throwing 11 touchdowns with just five interceptions. Hakeem Nicks, who has caught 32 passes for 508 yards and three touchdowns, is his primary target. The Giants have also been getting tight end Jake Ballard (15 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns) more involved. The Dolphins defense has allowed the third best passer rating in the NFL. Only Indianapolis (113.0) and Denver (104.2) are worse than Miami's 102.3 mark. Playing without starting cornerback Vontae Davis would put the Dolphins at a huge disadvantage.
Neither team possesses a dynamic return game this season. Dolphins rookie Clyde Gates (22.1 yards per return) has been tentative on his kickoff returns, and Davone Bess (11.6 yards per punt return) is just average. Reggie Bush gets a few opportunities, but not enough. But punter Brandon Fields (49.2 yard punt average and 41.3 net) is having a Pro Bowl season. Devon Thomas is averaging 25.2 yards per kickoff return, and Aaron Ross is averaging 9.0 yards per punt return. Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes has missed two of his six field goals this season.
If the winless Dolphins don't play with an aura of desperation then it's clear all the fight is gone, and it might be time to make a coaching change this month….The Dolphins are negative-7 in the turnover department while the Giants are plus-4…Miami is tied with Cincinnati and Pittsburgh for producing the fewest interceptions (2) this season….The Giants are second in the NFL in turning red zone opportunities into touchdowns, converting 68.4 percent. The Dolphins are 30th, converting 33.3 percent of red zone opportunities into touchdowns.