Dolphins to run on the Vikings? Bet on it

To run the football ... or to not run the football. That is the question facing every team that plays the Minnesota Vikings. That is the question facing the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

The Vikings pride themselves, among other things, on being one of the NFL's best run-stopping defenses. They were No. 2 against the run in 2009 and folks in Minnesota were upset about because they were No. 1 against the run in 2008.

And in 2007.

And in 2006.

No. 1 against the run.

The Vikes boast the Burly Wall of Kevin Williams and Pat Williams inside and have an athletic set of linebackers. Perhaps that is the reason the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints basically decided not to try running the ball against the Vikings in the NFL season-opener -- at least not in the first half.

The Saints decided it was best to soften up the Vikings in the first half by throwing 21 times and running just three times. It wasn't until the second half when the Vikings were seemingly expecting the pass that New Orleans began to run. The Saints finished with 36 passes and 25 runs.

The Dolphins, however, aren't that type of team.

They are a run-first team. If you have any doubt about that consider that offensive coordinator Dan Henning said this week his dream would be to never pass the football.

"You want the honest-to-God's truth?" he said to me. "I'd like to line up and run the ball every down and get in the end zone on every drive. We'd go to the Super Bowl and we'd win. Without ever throwing!"

He added, "of course it doesn't happen that way," but that is what he'd love to do.

So what do the run-first Dolphins do when they run headlong into the best run-stopping team in the NFL the last four seasons?

I spoke to one offensive player this week who told me the answer is simple. The Dolphins will run.

"They're a physical defense. We're a physical offense," the player told me. "Let's see who is more physical. We're going to do what we do."

This should not come as a surprise. Last year the Dolphins faced a couple of Top 10 run-stopping teams -- the Jets and Steelers. And they tried to run the football. The results were mixed.

In the first meeting with New York, Miami rushed 36 times for 151 yards and a 4.2 yard per carry average. In the second meeting, the Jets obviously adjusted. Miami rushed 23 times for 52 yards and a 2.3 yard average. The Jets were the No. 8 rush defense in 2009.

The Dolphins rushed 25 times for 99 yards against the Steelers for a 4.0 average per rush. The Steelers were the No. 3 defense against the run in 2009.

I recognized this is a new year. The Dolphins have two new guards and Joe Berger is settling in at center. I recognize Ronnie Brown is healthy. I recognize Ricky Williams is a year older. Miami also has a star wide receiver option outside in Brandon Marshall that it didn't have a year ago. So yes, the dynamics have changed.

But has the philosophy changed in Miami? Are the Dolphins going to abandon running the ball just because Minnesota is perhaps the NFL's best run defense?

Um, I wouldn't count on that.

Comments

[odinseye]

Aloco,

Just kidding with you.

Actually I need your help and expertise.

I had to make a deal with my Hottie. I screwed up everybody's schedule by having my party last night instead of tonight.

Anyway, I got roped in too letting her and her 12 year old little sister stay the night tonight.

What's a good movie to order for an old guy and two younger women too watch together?

[sen]

Miami will not pass the ball, our WRs cant catch on a consistent basis, and wont be able to run cuz of all new guards.
if defense can step up, a big IF, maybe we can have a 9 to 10 pts game...I like our front 7, we will miss Odrick, he can set the edges with his athletism.

[ALoco]

this is a fake odinseye

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

thats just weird odunseye, turn on elmo or something

[ALoco]

it's a blog bill .any one can be any one..lol

bobbyd12 is an african american
cuban looks like armando. funny blog

[odinseye]

Aloco,

WTF? Why do you think it's a fake me?

bill,

What's wierd?

[odinseye]

PS: Elmo for 12 year old?

Oh yeah, I just remebered, your posts are always stupid.

[Jaksin]

who is HOT ASHLEY? link? Posted by: REDSHIRT COMMIE | September 18, 2010 at 09:05 PM

She's the cuban menace's blow up doll !!!

[bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com]

ahh yes aloco it is a moron acting like him. how fun for that guy, has to always be somebody else

[odinseye]

Aloco,

I can prove it too you. Remember about two years ago when you used to call me stupid viCking who raped and robbed monasteries and I used to call you........ah.......names?

Then I would always sign off with:

ALOCO! I WILL DESTROY YOU!!!!

[ALoco]

cuban just finished his fancy dinner...pork ribs .

[beastmode]

17-13 Miami.

touchdowns for Fasano and Cobbs. We will use some trickery to get the Vikes on their toes.
Im concerned about AP running on our D though

[odinseye]

Bill,

It's me and I apologize for calling your posts stupid. It sounded to me like you trying to insinuate something.

My favorite Hottie has a 12 year old little sister. She's too young to go out anywhere so she likes to come over here on weekends and ride the dune buggy, the mini bike and play with my pit bull.

She's staying the night with us tonight and we all going to order a movie. Sort of like a "family night" kind of thing.

Seriously Bill, what's wierd about that?

PS: Aloco, the reason I was asking is because of our age disparities. I've been trying to think of something we all would enjoy and you do know your movies.

[Jimmy Jam]

I ate too much pizza and drank too much beer. Now I have gas.

[nancy]

i love pizza at night with tea .

[odinseye]

I ate too much pizza and drank too much beer. Now I have gas.

Posted by: Jimmy Jam | September 18, 2010 at 09:59 PM

Common rookie mistake Jimmy.

You gotta do shots of Rum inbetween the Tall Boys, before you know it the gas will be a thing of the past!

BuuuuRRP!!!!

[odinseye]

New blog up!

[odinseye]

PSYCHE!!!!

Oh well guess I'll pick out my own movie, thanks a lot Aloco(sarcasm)!!!!

[Jimmy Jam]

Ah. Neophyte drunkard that I am, I had not realized the medicinal effects of rum. I'm off to take a bottle of tylenol and Gas-X and go to bed. See you all tomorrow.

It'd be an absolute joy to see our Fins kick some purple butt.

[Miami Gardens Insurance]

The Dolphins have a chance to win tomorrow but they'll have to work hard and maybe a little luck wouldn't hurt either. If the Dolphins use the run early and it works that should give them the momentum they need.

[Derek4Dolphins]

Dolphins Fans...

Below I will post what I have so far as far as your Dolphins/Vikings Score/Stat predictions for tomorrow. The Score and any stats you may have added to your predictions WILL APPEAR ABOVE YOUR NAME AND POST TIME.... Please check for accuracy (If you care) and let me know if changes need to be made. I will monitor THIS BLOG, AND THE NEXT UNTIL 11AM EAST COAST TIME.I WILL MAKE ADDITIONS OR CHANGES UNTIL THEN. If it is a CHANGE, please TELL me so I do not create a whole new stat profile... A word document fits best in these MH Post boxes, so that is the format, sucks, but true...

My Next Post (one moment please) will contain what I have so far... Its long & Detailed....like my Johnson...:~\

[Derek4Dolphins]

Miami 20
Minn. 13

2 int’s for Brett
1 int by Vontae Davis for pick 6
1 TD Marshall
2 Field Goals

Posted by: Eric | September 17, 2010 at 09:37 AM

Miami 17
Minn. 14 in OT

Posted by: Waterboy | September 17, 2010 at 09:52 AM

Miami 27
Minn. 20

Posted by: DC Dolfan | September 17, 2010 at 10:37 AM

Miami 24
Minn. 13

Henne 320 yards

Posted by: enrique1085 | September 17, 2010 at 11:15 AM

Miami 20
Minn. 17

7 Catches/ 80 YDS/ 1 TD for Marshall

Posted by: Andy NJ | September 17, 2010 at 11:29 AM

Miami 27
Minn. 17

286 Yards for Henne/ 2 TD's/ 1 Int/ 3 sacks

Posted by: Derek4Dolphins | September 17, 2010 at 12:38 PM

Miami 27
Minn. 21

Marshall 11 catches /98 yards/ 2 TDs
Bess 9 catches/ 74 yards
Fasano 5 catches/ 57 yards/ 1 TD
Defensively 4 Sacks/ 2 INT's/ and a fumble recovery

Posted by: bootang25 | September 17, 2010 at 01:25 PM

Miami By 10…

Posted by: kris | September 17, 2010 at 01:47 PM

Miami 34
Minn. 20

Henne 25-38-308yds/ 2td/ 2int/ 1sack
R&R 85yds/ 2td
Fasano 4 catches/ 55yds/ 1td
B-Marsh 8 catches/ 90yds/ 1td
bess 10 catches
Hartline 1 catch/ (benched next week)
Moore 3 catches
2 field goals
Defense gives up 20pts
245yds ………….Against
3 sacks
1 int
A. Peterson ……. 65yds
Posted by: alex | September 17, 2010 at 01:51 PM

Miami 20
Minn 17

Posted by: ncfinfan70 | September 17, 2010 at 02:12 PM

Miami 9
Minn. 31

Posted by: test | September 17, 2010 at 02:23 PM

Miami 20
Minn. 14

FARVE 15-42/ 72 YDS/ 3 INT/ 5 SAC
A.Peterson 26 carry’s / 36YDS

Posted by: TRICKY | September 17, 2010 at 03:14 PM

Miami 23
Minn. 27

Posted by: superPHIN | September 17, 2010 at 10:59 PM

Miami 17
Minn. 27

Posted by: Mike | September 18, 2010 at 12:39 AM

Miami 24
Minn. 17

Posted by: cowkilla | September 18, 2010 at 01:14 AM

Miami 20
Minn. 14

Posted by: kyphinfan | September 18, 2010 at 06:45 PM

Miami 16
Minn. 14

Posted by: bobbyd12 | September 18, 2010 at 06:49 PM

Miami 31
Minn. 17

Henne- 24-37 / 315yds / 2td / 0 int
Marshall 7rec / 110yds / 1 td
Hartline 6rec / 65 yds
Bess 9rec / 55 yds
Brown 13carries / 75yds / 1 rush td
Williams 8carries / 40yds / 1rec for 26yds / 1 td

Defensively
Misi 1 sack
Wake 2-3 sacks
Davis 1int / 3 pass def
Dansby 1int / 11 tackles

NO FEAR HERE!!! Most detailed predictions award by far!!!!

Posted by: jamesc | September 18, 2010 at 02:20 AM

Miami 31
Minn. 13

Posted by: montreal dolphin fan | September 18, 2010 at 10:15 AM

Miami 27
Minn. 17
Posted by: Utdolfan | September 18, 2010 at 10:31 AM

Miami 6
Minn. 0

WTF…? Aloco….? Your scaring me!
Posted by: ALoco | September 18, 2010 at 11:08 AM

Miami 30
Minn. 10

Posted by: Dolphins4Life73 | September 18, 2010 at 04:42 PM

Miami 16
Minn. 34

*You guys don't have a prayer - run the ball, PLEASE! It'll be like stuffing groceries in a paper sack

**Jerk of the Week award…!!!
Posted by: horacedjones | September 18, 2010 at 05:32 PM

Miami 3
Minn. 48

Henne 3ints / 1fumble
.
Posted by: Jet Fan | September 18, 2010 at 06:07 PM

Miami 0
Minn. 35

*game should be a laugher
*defense will crush Miami’s offense
*Brett Farve picks the inexperienced secondary apart
*easy win

*Douche of the week…!!!
**by the way, I fixed your spelling and grammar…

Posted by: pickled peppers | September 18, 2010 at 06:12 PM

Miami 28
Minn. 17

Posted by: BLACKCEROTE | September 18, 2010 at 06:47 PM

Miami 16
Minn. 13

Posted by: rek2659 | September 18, 2010 at 06:49 PM

Miami 10
Minn… 28

This is Cuban Menace’s Friend (Whom Cuban thinks is an idiot) Prediction!
BTW…..HOT ASHLEY…!
Posted by: Cuban Menace | September 18, 2010 at 08:24 PM

Miami 31
Minn. 20

Marshall 2 TDs

*"Home" say’s Marshall will…“Brandgetterdone”… in this one….
Posted by: Home | September 18, 2010 at 08:30 PM

Miami 17
Minn. 27

Posted by: bill_cnnrs@yahoo.com | September 18, 2010 at 09:25 PM

Miami 17
Minn. 13

Cobbs 1TD
Fasano 1TD

Posted by: beastmode | September 18, 2010 at 09:49 PM

[horacedjones]

Derek, thanks for the award - I'm impressed you can read the post.
How about I bestow you with an award: Fishbrain Jerk of Miami. Your squad is getting squashed. Can't run, can't throw - maybe the refs will take some pity. Amazing you cast stones at others with differing insights. But then again with Fishbrains for grey matter . . . .

[Derek4Dolphins]

Thank you all again for your participation...

Go Miami!!!

[Derek4Dolphins]

Horace,

Your going to find out one day when you grow up that life ain't fair... AND... Those that do the work... Get to use the comments they chose...

If I wanted to... I could have completely left off all that material you wrote and let it go with just a score and a name... Be thankful I cared enough to give your FULL opinion... Because I gave NONE of opinions of the Miami fans on this blog who are here every day and night... only scores... Now, either deal with it or cry to mommy elsewhere... Because I really don't acre what you do.

Go Miami!!!

[Derek4Dolphins]

** Care

[Jaksin]

Thank you all again for your participation...

Posted by: Derek4Dolphins | September 18, 2010 at 11:20 PM

Stop copying the guys from the SS and Their format !!

[Guiseppe from OR]

It would be too funny if we come out and totally go to the air...which would make sense against their run defense. Henning making that statement definitely ought to make MIN think, though, right? I wonder if Armando bought into a dose of smoke from Henning? Last week we did just what we did the last time we won the East. Controlled the clock, no turnovers, good tackling, and good clock management.

[Guiseppe from OR]

My formula for a good year:

No (more) major injuries of key players.
Winning the takeaway/giveaway battle.
Playing intelligent (penalty free), hustling, hard-hitting, physical football.
Manage the clock.

Sound familiar? Think 72.

[Derek4Dolphins]

Sorry, I didn't know cut and paste to a word document was the SS Format.... Better call Micro-soft about contract infringement!

I participate on SS also my friend... and I have no beef with anyone there...

[horacedjones]

Acre? Nice spelling, genius, for someone who was critical of other's spelling! Fishbrains, indeed, is appropriate.
BTW, who died and made you editorial god, you self righteous sob?
Regardless of you and your haughty attitude and tone, the Fish are going down in Minny. No ifs, ands or buts. (Or Browns & Marshalls.)

[horacedjones]

I apologize for using the term sob. The rest sticks.

[Home]

Even though booby12d is a mentally challenged ignorant racist with severe anger management issues and hates white people

Please refrain from impostering other posting names and ruining the blog

No one cares

The important issue is the Minnesota Vikings are undefeated at their Home stadium in the last 9 games

Time for Henne to Brangetterdone, Simply The Bess & HeartLion to greatly step up the
2010 Miami Dolphins Air Show and

***** The Dynasty Be Fins! *****

[Home]

Home thinks Miami Dolphins Franchise QB Chad Henne
Will Pass for 300+ YDs against the Vikings

***** The Dynasty Be Fins! *****

[Home]

Nice Job Derek4Dolphins

[R & R EXPRESS]

Man, I love my boys Ricky and Ronnie but..........
I think that our defense is the key to victory.
The D needs to get the ball back into the hands of the offense as often as possible to give the offense more shots at scoring.
Whether that's through forcing punts, getting picks, scooping up fumbles, or bleatch slapping grandpa Brett.

I believe in the resurrection.....................
Of The MIAMI POUND MACHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jaksin]

all previous jaksin post's are fake. someone wishing to be the man i guess.

[Home]

Home News

If not Berrian
Than, wait for it ..............Greg Camarillo
May be returning punts for Minnesota on Sunday

[Home]

Home News

Miami Dolphins Win Sunday
1st start of the season with 2 consecutive road wins since 1977

***** The Dynasty Be Fins! *****

[Home]

Henne
Will have a better game than
Favre

***** The Dynasty Be Fins! *****

[Derek4Dolphins]

Horace,

I thought for a long time before writing this post. I thought about saying this, that or perhaps a few other things. But then, something very profound occurred to me. I hurt your feeling by calling you the...

"JERK OF THE WEEK".

And since a am very aware that

"Hurt people... Hurt People."

I feel that I should apologize to you. So, I am very sorry for offending you Horace. I am sorry I obviously stirred up some deep sentiment or perhaps a underlying, if not nagging since of underachievement you may have...

Your Right! No one Died. And, No one left me editor of anything.... anything

EXCEPT ONE THING...

That is what I choose to place in the box on this blog.

You have my word...Horace, never again will I use WHAT YOU WROTE, and... I will not Opine on anything you have to say ever again.

Now, Before we part way's, I will point out, that just below that post you so tediously searched for mistakes on... I corrected my own error. I imagine it never occurred to you that doing so is generally accepted Blog/post etiquette.

Regardless of whether Miami wins or loses (I do not take each breath in concern) You will find the last post of our Blogs predictions, Horace... Will be posted WITHOUT my Weekly Award offering for...

"JERK OF THE WEEK"

Being Bestowed upon you.....

Now... I hope that brings your self worth back up to snuff... I do NOT want to be resposable for anyone jumping off a bridge or hearing...

"Their all gonna laugh at me!... Their all gonna laugh at me!"

in their head while watching the game..

You take care to take care... Horace

Derek

[Derek4Dolphins]

** I am...

[Derek4Dolphins]

Jaskin... I have seen you around these blogs... I did not really understand that from you... Glad it wasn't...Derek

Go Miami!!!

[Horacedjones]

Derek, you need to seriously get a life, dude. Your post left me feeling nothing but pity for you.

[Darryl Dunphy]

Derek here is my prediction for tommorow, I changed it a little from Wednesday. Phins 20 Minn 16.
Ronnie Brown 14 carries 52 yrds
Bong Pipe 16 carries 87 yrds 1 td
Losaka Polite 3 carries 5 yrds
Marlon Moore 1 carry 12 yds
Chad Henne 3 carries 13 yds 18-27 205 yds
1 td 1int
B-Marsh 8 catches 80 yrds
D-Bess 5 - 45
Hartline 1- 16
Fasano 2 -8
Moore 1-40 td
Hilliard 2- 16

[Derek4Dolphins]

Thanks, Darryl

Gotcha Covered...

[R & R EXPRESS]

I believe in the resurrection of the................

MIAMI POUND MACHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Darryl Dunphy]

LOL @ R & R That is hillarious !

[Derek4Dolphins]

Darryl,

Love that Marlon Moore 40 yard TD call, that would be a ESPN moment for certain...

That kid was really looking good in Dallas, particularly the short pass for a TD, he shook the defenders shoes man... Nice call from you, here to it happening.... Clink!

[emilio]

look guys its week 2 anythng can happen miami is on a up an coming verge. farve is told and miami will make him regret he came back for 2010. henne will have an awsome game ey last time he played in minnesota was in the capital bowl his passer rating was 150. vikings watch outt for miami defense i say we keep the number 1 seed at defense after week 2 thanks to nolan. Prediction VIKINGS 16 MIAMI 24

[cbrimanson]

I don't like that our offensive Co. would never want to throw the ball. that shows he has no faith in Henne. you never would hear that out of Mannings OC

[Derek4Dolphins]

Good Morning, Dolphins Fans

Emilio, is the last prediction logged thus far.

I will check in regularly for others and on the next blog when Armando posts his Sunday morning blog up until 11am east coast.Maybe a little later if some sneak their picks under the wire from out on the Left Coast.

Tough game today guys, really going to have to be on our best game. Brett is a crafty old QB and has more starts himself as 1/2 our team combined. Its going to be a day of youth and looking forward or a day of getting schooled by the Old Soldiers and calling it a well earned education. No matter what I feel a good showing from our Offense is what we want to really see. A solid Mike Nolan Defense day, but a Offense scoring and moving the ball is the second most important thing to winning.

[Derek4Dolphins]

cbrimanson,

I'm not sure if that Henning is really saying that out of mistrust for Henne. I believe he has been around the NFL for so long now that if he REALLY distrusted Henne, he would have made certain that he was not the starter on his offense. I believe Henning is one of those OC's who just prefers a solid ground attack possesion offese to a wide open passing attack.

To bring some perspective and show how fickler fans can be, I can vividly recall during the entire career of Dan Marino, one of the leagues most prolific passers, all we ever heard in the newpapers (yes, we read the news on paper back then) was how much Miami needed to get and establish a running game. Sammy Smith was our big draft pick. Shouldn't of done that.... Anyway.... I say that to say this. No matter what happens and who say's what, a team is always best when it is balanced. When a team is one dimensional, all the defense has to do is stop one facet of you game and the day is won for them. Saw it more times with Marino then I care to admit, Particularly against Buffalo who was the most balanced team I ever saw play for 5 years srtaight.

[Derek4Dolphins]

** Possession, Offense

[ALoco]

DEREK, what the players f the dolphins do today before the game at 1 .
i mean breakfast and lucnh? any ideas what do they eat and drink ?

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Salguero

Is it true that Bret Farve spends his summers with Wilford Brimley, Don Ameche, and Hume Cronyn at some hidden mansion in Florida ?

Just seems like he always full of pep when ever he gets back to the NFL.

I doubt he's getting all that energy from Quaker Oatmeal, no matter what Wilford Brimley says.

Phins 27 Altereans 20

Soiled :)

[ALoco]

Meals have to be served 2 hours before game .the ratio has to be 80-10-10.best meal to fit this ratio seems to be LASAGNA is number one meal players eat before game ,not far from meatballs

p.s...result from google .

[Dexter]

Spread it out and throw it. You have no chance of running it against those guys.

[Derek4Dolphins]

Aloco,

Sorry, I could not quite decrypt your message...

Did ask me what the Dolphins ate today before their game at 1pm...?

Who knows? Why not send Tony S. an e-mail and ask him? Maybe he can decipher why you would even care.

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Salguero

Recently I read this from Dexter

"Spread it out and throw it"

If the Dolphins don't hire Dexter I would like to extend him an offer.

My lawn needs to be fertilized and he seems like the right guy for the job.

Soiled :)