• March 19, 2024

Eagles-Dolphins Preview

SamBradfordvsPanthers1The Philadelphia Eagles are halfway finished their 2015 regular season schedule, and have yet toshowcase a winning record.  At 4-4, the opportunity once again presents itself for the team to finally rise above the mediocracy of a .500 record.
Coming off an encouraging overtime road victory, the Eagles welcome the underachieving Miami Dolphins to Lincoln Financial Field.  At 3-5, the Dolphins find themselves in last place after many experts predicted they would contend with the New England Patriots for the AFC East division.  It’s a team who is on their second head coach and one that has some talented offensive weapons that will challenge the Eagles defense.
Interim head coach Dan Campbell has made it an emphasis to involve running back Lamar Miller in both the rushing and passing attack.  The Dolphins offensive line is not great by any means, and if the front seven of the Eagles defense can keep Miller from extending plays to the outside, they will achieve similar success as the New England Patriots found in late October.  Second year wide receiver Jarvis
Landry will also be a challenge to slow down. He is electric in open space, creating big play opportunities anytime the ball is in his hands.  Quarterback Ryan Tannehill who showed improved his game in 2014, has regressed and reverted to old habits, demonstrating turnover vulnerability.
The Dolphins defense may actually be the biggest let down for why the 2015 season has gone the way it has unfolded. Ndamukong Suh who received a massive free agency contract in the off-season has not been the impact the team expected him to be.  The Dolphins are not good at stopping the run, and without sack specialist Cameron Wake who is on injury reserve for the remainder of the season, the Eagles offense will have the opportunity to put up big yards and generate a point total in the mid 30’s.
The key for the Eagles coming into this game will be their run distribution.  If they follow a similar distribution as the Dallas game, 34 total rushing attempts for their running backs (18-Murray, 11-Mathews, 5-Sproles); it could be a huge day for the Eagles rushing attack.  By running the football, the Eagles offense becomes less predictable, and allows Bradford to find open space with the average wide receiving core.
Slowly, the offense is shaping their play calling to feature the strengths of the football team. The playbook has been modified; the level of excitement for the offense is not exciting like it was the previous two seasons. It’s certainly an adjustment for both the players and those who follow the Eagles, but there are some signs trending upwards heading into the second half of the season.
The strength of the Eagles continues to be the ability for the defense to create turnovers and for the offense to run the football.  These two areas are exactly the formula needed to not only win Sunday against the Dolphins, but also to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions in the weeks to follow.
As for this week, the Eagles are going to put up points, hopefully some of them will come in the first half as the offense continues to struggle in this area.  I envision a big win, similar to the score when the Eagles were victorious over the New Orleans Saints earlier this season.
Look for the rushing game to eclipse the 200 yard mark, and for Ertz to finally score his first touchdown of the season.
Eagles 37   Dolphins 20

Jeff Kolsky

Read Previous

Jordan Hicks Made Biggest Play Of 2015

Read Next

Thoughts From Eagles-Dolphins

0 0 votes
Article Rating
131 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
koolbreeze
koolbreeze
November 15, 2015 9:58 am

This game is not a gimme! The defense will be challenged. We really need our front seven to dominate!

pdiddy
pdiddy
November 15, 2015 10:20 am

Rhonda roused got knocked the fxxk out!

zilents44
zilents44
November 15, 2015 11:12 am

Holly holm put the fatality on rhonda with kick of death

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 12:22 pm

Eagles Offense and Bradfordneed a quick start to make the Dolphins 1-Dimensional.. With the Dolphins Rushing Defense Ranked 31st in allowing 142 Yards per Game, RB’s Murray/Matthews should get off a QuickStart which then allows Bradford some nice easy Play-Action Plays down the field…
The Dolphins outside CB’s are pretty good, so Bradford needs to attack their Secondary between the numbers/middle of the field versus their ILB’s & Safeties…
A quick start will make the desperate Dolphins at 3-5 and already 2 Games behind the Jets/Bills play more desperate… Don’t allow them to hang around for WR JarvisLandry and RB Lamar Miller are dangerous and big play players once in the open field

Eagles 27 – Dolphins 23

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 15, 2015 1:20 pm

Very nice drive by Eagles, gotta give Bradford credit on that drive. Lane Johnson looks natural on the left side. A Josh Huff sighting…what a pleasant surprise.

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 1:21 pm

Other Key NFC Games/Match-Ups for Eagles Fans to pay attention too

NO Saints at Redskins – Loser will be behind the 8-Ball in the NFC Race
TB Bucs at Cowboys – Loser is probably eliminated from Post-Season
Bears at Rams – Rams must Rebound If they have hopes for Playoffs
Packers at Lions – Can the Packers lose 3 Games In a Row?
Vikings at Oakland – Can the Vikings win on the Road in a hostile environment?
Patriots at NY Giants – Giants always play tough vs New England
Panthers at Titans – Can the Panthers remain Undefeated ?
Cardinals vs Seahawks – Must Win for Seahawks at Home to stay within the NFC West Race and especially if the Rams win earlier vs the Bears

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 1:26 pm

Just heard that no CB Brett Grimes for the Dolphins today who is their best Cover CB…if Bradford & Eagles Offense get off to quick start, this could be a lopsided game in the Eagles favor..
Dolphins already without their best Pass-Rusher Camrron Wake for the Season
Bradford should have a big day today as Do,Phils will attempt to stack the box to take the Running game away.. Eagles need to hit them early & often..

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 1:36 pm

This Game is Over 16-3, could not have been a worse start for the Dolphins and a great start for the Eagles.. Lots of game left of course, but Eagles should win going away easily unless something crazy happens…Bradford is perfect starting out I believe…
It’s a Beautiful Day out down here (Low 60’s & Full Sun) and its time to get the Back Yard/Deck closed up for the Season and get some Fire Wood and Winter Clothes brought up…
Enjoy the Game…

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 1:47 pm

Color that quarter green with envy…keep it on there throats..

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 2:08 pm
Reply to  deserteagle

That damn missed FG keeps the Dolphins in this game…

tsjohnson5
tsjohnson5
November 15, 2015 1:48 pm

No one thought/thinks Eagles are going to lose this game.

The Ealges just need to win the games they are supposed to win moving forward. But that’s not some ish I can get excited about.

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 2:18 pm

never Ez……

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 2:24 pm

Eagles dodge a bullett as QB Sam Bradfolds folds under pressure again and almost gives the Dolphins the lead.. Good Grief the Eagles can’t do anything easy..

koolbreeze
koolbreeze
November 15, 2015 2:42 pm
Reply to  paulman

what game are you watching paulman? Its clear what’s happening, Suh and company are giving our interior line problems…Bradford is under a lot of pressure but handling it well! We need to come out in the second half and run the ball!

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 2:27 pm

Let’s see us execute a good 2 minute drill. Seize control at the half

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 2:29 pm

Tight ends. Don’t go away from it..we’ve been screaming for the tight ends…so far so good..celek is over a buck twenty at the half..that underneath stuff on play action is there

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 2:30 pm

That’s frustrating short of the sticks ..can’t happen

koolbreeze
koolbreeze
November 15, 2015 2:45 pm

Bradford 16-20 1 td for 196 yards and he’s ‘folding under pressure’???

Ridiculous!

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 2:55 pm
Reply to  koolbreeze

2 Brutal Sacks by Bradford giving up 31 Yards is a huge no-no
The first Sack was a Drive Stopper followed by the missed FG or this Game could have been over…
And then Bradford got very lucky on that last Fumble which coulda have given up the lead at the first half…

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 2:45 pm

Redskins over Saints big at Half 24-13 (Cousins almost 300 Yards and 3 TD’s

Bears over Rams at Half 24-10 as Cutler having a big day against the Rams Defense & Secondary

Cowboys up 6-3 over TB Bucs

Panthers up 14-10 over the Titans in 3rd Quarter already

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 2:47 pm
Reply to  paulman

Packers & Lions are Tied 3-3 at the Half….

Damn this NFC is Ugly

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 2:48 pm

Kool..he’s been great..but taking too many kill shots..he’s tough ,as he got back up..that’s going to do wonders in the huddle ..keep the ball on quick hits and run the rock ..

IrishEagle
IrishEagle
November 15, 2015 2:52 pm

*** Irisheagle reporting from the Linc at half – lol ***

– Sam missed two wide open receivers, costing us first downs and points. Sam needs to hit guys when they are open! Otherwise he looks like he’s worried about his leg when he sees the rush. Can’t blame him with Suh in there.

– Linebackers have to pick it up. Giving up too many yards on the ground.

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 2:58 pm

Let’s stop with Green Bay..losing to the lions..that highlights how th NFC is a pile of garbage

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 2:58 pm

Irish…great report,have a blast

Carguy
Carguy
November 15, 2015 3:10 pm

Kece is killing us this year with bad snaps and bad holding calls

haveacigar
haveacigar
November 15, 2015 3:10 pm

They are very sloppy team. Boring to watch. Struggle pushing the ball down field.

Carguy
Carguy
November 15, 2015 3:11 pm

True there is no discipline on this team

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 3:14 pm
Reply to  Carguy

Filling up that special teams checkbook..blocked punt .missed bunny f.g..sensing sproles emerges to save us from this ugly game

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 3:17 pm

The Sanchez saga …begins

haveacigar
haveacigar
November 15, 2015 3:18 pm

Those of you that were calling for butt fumble got your wish. Looks like the same injury as Romo

Carguy
Carguy
November 15, 2015 3:23 pm

Kelly wanted to play with low priced oline now he reaps what he sows

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 3:25 pm

Vegas just improved the Eagles Odds to Win the Super Bowl from 75 to 1 under Bradford to 60 to 1 with Mark Sanchez at QB…. Go Eagles …

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 3:25 pm

Hac..with pressure I might add ..we let it happen with poor offensive line play ..bad snaps ..holds ..consecutive 1st and 20s..and who is that guy in the cape ..M..Sanchez..who has to basically play one solid quarter here

koolbreeze
koolbreeze
November 15, 2015 3:26 pm

What the hell is wrong with Kelly…you see the tackle getting his ass kicked why couldn’t you get the guy some help…now look you get your QB hurt…smh

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
November 15, 2015 3:33 pm
Reply to  koolbreeze

The Eagles do not play it that way, they do not give help. This is how they play. This is also the chance they took with a QB with a well documented injury history.

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 3:28 pm

Redskins killing Saints 37-14 and about to move to 4-5 for the Season
Panthers up 17-10
Bears over Rams 24-13
Lions 9-3 over Packless
Cowboys 6-3 over TB Bucs

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 3:32 pm
Reply to  paulman

Stunning …now not only does Sanchez have to wear a cape ,he better now how to fly..

tsjohnson5
tsjohnson5
November 15, 2015 3:30 pm

Oh Jesus…

Carguy
Carguy
November 15, 2015 3:33 pm

3 years under Kelly 3 starting quarterbacks lost each season? Go back to college genius

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 3:33 pm

Pick 6 by the Skins makes it 44-14 over the Saints
Panthers get stuffed at the Goal Line on 3 straight running plays and settle for a FG to go up 20-10 (Newton Sacked 5 times today)
Lions kick FG to go up 13-3 over Packers

haveacigar
haveacigar
November 15, 2015 3:34 pm

The Eagles anemic offense should have had this game put away in first half.

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 3:36 pm

Steelers QB L Jones injured his Ankle and Big Ben in the game asthe Steelers beating up on the Johnny Football Browns
Mike Vicks Agents puts a call to Chip Kelly… The Chipster is thinking about it..

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 3:37 pm

Taj Boyd & Kyle Orton are Visiting Phiily for a workout on Monday

bfdaking215
bfdaking215
November 15, 2015 3:44 pm

I don’t like Sanchez but he runs the offense the way it’s supposed to be run. Look at the tempo with him there. Offense looks totally different

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 3:51 pm
Reply to  bfdaking215

Sanchez isn’t better ..he’s a back up for a reason..too many snaps and you raise his probabilities of dirtying the bed..he’s clutch here ,I’ll take it ..

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 3:44 pm

Eagles blew a gift horse by the Dolphins and blew a16-3 Lead at Home against a Team barely holding onto their Season
Now RB Ajayi has given the life and WR’s J Landry & R Matthews and L Miller are feeling it

Meanwhile the Eagles WR’s cannot do anything versus the Dolphins back up CB’s on the outside .. Take the TE’s Celek/Ertz out of the mix, and the Eagles WR Corp can’t get it done….

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 3:46 pm

X rays negative on Sam I am ,but not returning

OldSchool
OldSchool
November 15, 2015 3:46 pm

Call me names if you want, but that’s the best QB play of the season so far on that drive.

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 3:48 pm

QB Sam Bradford X-Rays come back Negative so nothing broken/separated, just sore and should be back for Thanksgiving Game or probably more likely vs the Pats after the 10 Day off for the Final 5 Games…
Vegas moves the Eagles back to 75 to 1 Odds for Winning Super Bowl

bfdaking215
bfdaking215
November 15, 2015 3:51 pm

I hope he never comes back

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 3:52 pm

The irony bowl..we actually start a game out well up 16-3 ,and ,now with a back up QB were fighting to remain relevant ,ridding the Sanchize..

OldSchool
OldSchool
November 15, 2015 3:53 pm

Hits him in stride.

zilents44
zilents44
November 15, 2015 3:53 pm

Crazy game, oline got bradford killed

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 3:54 pm

Bears Score again and go up 30-13 over the Rams
Panthers Score on QB Keeper by Cam Newton to go up 27-10 over Titans
Steelers up 30-3 over the hapless Browns
Redskins up 47-14 over the Saints
Cowgirls still up 6-3 over the TB Bucs
Lions 12-3 over the Packers still

Eagles cannot blow this Opportunity for a W today. A Loss would be devastating

deserteagle
deserteagle
November 15, 2015 3:55 pm

There’s a throw where he showed his stride..bailing on a big midfield 3rd down…run the rock and play shutdown Dee..

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 3:55 pm

TB Bucs Score a TD with a minute left to go up 10-6 over the Cowboys

paulman
paulman
November 15, 2015 3:59 pm

Packers score a TD with 5 minutes left to make it 12-10 Lions
Ravens Up 20-19 over the Jaguars with 3 minutes left