The Eagles defense has to play much better than they have the last two weeks. They can’t let Dolphins running back Jesse Chatman get going on the ground by putting together first downs. This guy is one of those 4 or 5 yards and a cloud of dust type backs.
He's built low to the ground and is very good at finding seams because of his combination of vision, quick feet and powerful legs. It's very difficult to stop him once he gets going. Eventhough he's not a speed back he's averaging 4.8 yards a carry. That's a huge amount for a guy that doesn't break 40 and 50 yard runs.
I expect Miami to have some success on the ground but the Eagles have to tackle the football and try to cause a fumble or two. I'm convinced that the Eagles have not done a good job of drafting violent football players and with the Trotters and Dawkins getting older, this has turned into a soft defense.
The key will be the Eagles defensive line getting penetration into the backfield and holding him under 4 yards on first down. If they can keep him under 4 yards on first down, it will put some pressure on rookie QB John Beck on those remaining downs. If he gets over 4 yards on first down then the Eagles will have play a run defense in anticipation of a running play. If the Dolphins run a play action pass against a run defense, they have a lot better chance of completing it.
Expect the Eagles to come after the Dolphin quarterback with some blitzes, when they hold Chatman to under 4 yards on first down and get Beck in a must passing situation. Jim Johnson and crew will do everything they can to get some hits on the Dolphins QB during the first few series. Usually hits on an inexperienced quarterback will throw off his timing and make him erratic. They can’t let Beck get his rhythm and confidence because that could spell disaster.
the Eagles secondary must play better than they have recently. They can’t give up big plays, especially any long scoring plays. Again execution in the red zone could decide the game. Teams which kick field goals, usually wind up finishing games on the wrong side of the score.
Finally the Eagles special teams, especially the kick off team had better show up ready to play. Rookie burner Ted Ginn Jr. can’t be given any openings or he’ll take one of the kick offs to the house. I’m more concerned about Ginn returning a kick for a score, as compared to catching a bomb from Beck. The Eagles don’t have to dominate the special teams battle but they must at least break even.
