Even though their playoff hopes are virtually non-existent, the 4-8 Eagles take on the 4-8 Miami Dolphins this weekend hoping to end their two game losing streak.
The Eagles are coming off of a devastating loss to a 5-7 Seattle Seahawks team. Nothing seemed to go right for the Eagles, with turnovers ultimately being their downfall. This has put a damper on any hopes for the Eagles to make a trip to the playoff, since it is likely to require either 9 or 10 wins for a Wild Card slot this season.
The Dolphins have been able to pull their team together after an 0-7 start, winning four out of their five games played, largely on the strength of their defense, which has been playing extremely well over the last five games. They have only given up four touchdowns in their last five games, thanks to the improved play of cornerbacks Sean Smith and Vontae Davis. Miami’s secondary has been turned from one of the worst in the NFL to one of the best in the past month.
The Eagles look to regain their offensive confidence with Michael Vick returning to the starting roster as quarterback. This will be the first time since Week 10 that Vick will take over the offense after suffering broken ribs against the Cardinals. Vick participated in drills this week after not practicing for almost a month due to his injury. The Eagles line must try to keep Vick out of harm’s way against an aggressive Miami pass rush.
The Eagles must rely on running back LeSean McCoy who is leading the NFL’s second ranked rushing attack against the league’s fifth rated rushing defense in Miami. McCoy has been the only reliable offensive weapon for the Eagles this season, but will be challenged when facing Miami’s defense, led by linebacker Karlos Dansby, who has 75 tackles, 2 sacks and an interception this season.
The Dolphins offense has been rolling since quarterback Matt Moore took over for the injured Chad Henne. They have been able to control the game clock and put together long drives. Even though Reggie Bush has never been known as a workhorse running back, the Dolphins have been able to get him the ball in open space and let him make explosive plays. Shutting down Bush and putting pressure on Moore will be the best chance the Eagles have in taking down the Dolphins.
The Eagles are suffering through the team’s most disappointing season in years, especially considering the high preseason expectations. The Dolphins have recovered from a miserable start and put together good quality wins, playing top tier football over the last 5 weeks, including big wins against Oakland and Buffalo. Even though both of these teams are virtually beyond hope of a playoff run, this game has the potential to be a great one when Vick and the Eagles take on Moore and the Dolphins in Miami at 1:00 PM at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.
