In light of the fact the Dolphins have little chance of making the playoffs. I didn’t figure anyone wanted to read a 7 page breakdown of the game. If you did I apologize.
Miami
1). Handle the multiple linebacker blitzes of the Pittsburgh defense.
Pittsburgh has been long known as Blitzburgh thanks to their eclectic blitzing schemes under Dick LeBeau, a stalwart amongst the Pittsburgh coaching staff. At first glance you may think that I am talking about James Harrison and Lamar Woodley in regards to handling the blitz. I do agree that Vernon Carey has had issues handling speed rushers this season – likely due to the back issues that have been a constant all season. However, in this instance I refer to the inside blitz by James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons.
The Steelers like cross their linebackers on an inside blitz; often creating confusion amongst the interior offensive line. The issue for Miami is that neither Donald Thomas nor Jake Grove are very adept at opening their hips. They can cover some ground laterally, but neither are exceptional in pass protection in that regard. Thomas can allow his feet to go far too quiet, relying on his hands and power far too often.
If the Steelers do run this blitz, it is very likely that it will be successful due to Grove and Thomas’s having issues with the handoff or sliding over to take on the oncoming blitzer. Chances are they will be somewhat behind the play, therefore having to open their hips in an effort to slide and mirror the advancing defender. If this is the case, Chad Henne will likely be sacked more than 2-3 times in the game.
Now, on the other hand, Pittsburgh will be without Troy Polamalu in the secondary. During his absence, the Steelers secondary has had moments of futility in coverage. If the Dolphins can prove to the Steelers that they can in fact make some plays against their secondary, it may alleviate some of the pressure.
2). Run the ball.
It is likely that Ricky Williams will miss this week’s game; leaving Lex Hilliard to take up the reigns along with Kory Sheets. Sheets has not seen any action yet this season, and Hilliard has proven to be somewhat limited in his ability to make defenders miss near the line of scrimmage.
I have highlighted that Hilliard is very much a straight line runner, who is capable of making small changes in direction during his carries. Hilliard does not make many jump cuts, nor does he display a great deal of lateral agility. Hilliard does attack the hole, although he is more reliant on a proper hole than either Ricky Williams or Ronnie Brown. Hilliard is a one cut down hill runner and will struggle when he is forced to pick his line through the defense.
The Pittsburgh defense will likely shut Hilliard down in my opinion, which may put some burden on Sheets to make a play. Sheets will see some action today I would imagine as Miami cannot go through the game relying solely on Lousaka Polite and Lex Hilliard to carry the ball. Sheets does bring good speed and the ability to make people miss in the open field into the equation, but his level of game shape and familiarity with the protection schemes and offense in general may limit his role.
As such, I could see Pat White getting double digit snaps during today’s game as the Dolphins look to take advantage of Hilliard’s speed and straight line nature by incorporating the Wildcat or Wildpat, whichever terms you prefer. White may also get the opportunity to throw the ball seeing as it is the last game of the season. Regardless, I think a good deal of Miami’s success will hinge on White’s impact on the game.
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