Log In


Reset Password
Sports Youth Sports Professional Sports More Sports College Sports High School Sports

Dolphins catch Broncos at a good time

Miami is trending upward with wins in four of five, while Denver has lost two of its last three

DENVER

Their pass protection is horrendous; their pass rush is tremendous.

Thanks to dominating defenses, both the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins are in the thick of the AFC playoff race in spite of shuffled offensive lines that are still working out the kinks.

These two teams also feel very different about themselves heading into Sunday’s showdown in Denver.

The Dolphins are 6-4, their best record at the 10-game mark since 2008, which not coincidentally is the last time they made the playoffs. A 5-2 conference mark helps their wild-card chances, and so should the two games remaining against the last-place New York Jets.

“I really like this team,” Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. “I like the talent we have. I like the leadership we have, the way that we are trending right now.”

Peyton Manning doesn’t like the way the Broncos are trending.

They’re 7-3, but it feels like 3-7 around Denver, where the o-line and coaching staff have taken turns taking the heat over their stunning loss at St. Louis in which Manning threw 54 passes and handed off just nine times.

The Broncos have two losses this month after going 10-1 in November under head coach John Fox.

“I’m pretty sure there are a lot of teams that wish they had our record right now and were in the position that we are, but we have such high expectations for ourselves,” Broncos nose tackle Terrance Knighton said.

“Right now when it comes to the playoffs we want teams to have to come through Denver. We don’t want any more letdowns, and I feel like Miami and St. Louis are similar teams as far as a team that can beat you if you’re not doing what you’re supposed to do, then you’re fighting for postseason rights.”

Not making the postseason party? That would be a colossal failure for a team that’s one of the most talented in football.

H H H

A lot of times sacks come in bunches, and that certainly could be the case Sunday.

Miami’s defensive ends – Olivier Vernon and Cameron Wake – have combined for 14 of the team’s 30 sacks, with Wake at 8½ and Vernon at 5½.

Even though Manning’s only been sacked 11 times, “I’m sure they might be licking their chops,” Fox said. “We played a pretty good defensive front a week ago in St. Louis. I think it’s important to have balance. It’s not real exciting when you get in a game – I call it a ‘chuck-and-duck’ game – where you’re throwing it (54) times.

“Like all offenses, you try to create some kind of balance. I think that’s how you can deal with a formidable defense, not just a front, in the National Football League.”

Denver’s duo of Von Miller (10) and DeMarcus Ware (9) figure to make things difficult for Tannehill, who’s also being protected by a makeshift line after left tackle Branden Albert’s season-ending knee injury.

H H H

Broncos rookie wide receiver Cody Latimer has just one catch to go with five game-day deactivations so far. Yet, with Emmanuel Sanders (concussion) and Julius Thomas (ankle) hurting, Latimer’s number could be called this weekend.

“I certainly think if his name and number was called, he’d go in there and answer the bell for us,” Manning said.

H H H

The Dolphins have the NFL’s No. 2-ranked defense, and they haven’t allowed a touchdown in their last two home games. And Manning has a worse passer rating versus the Dolphins than against any other opponent – 79.8, with 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 12 games.

But he hasn’t faced Miami since 2009, when he still was with the Indianapolis Colts.

H H H

In preparation for cool weather in Denver, Miami head coach Joe Philbin cooled the Dolphins’ indoor practice bubble down to 62 degrees this week. Philbin joked that he’s not sure he can get it lower, because team owner Stephen Ross might object to the air conditioning bill.

“Once the ball gets kicked off, I think it’s really more about football and attitude and execution than it is about the temperature, whether it be 88 with 70-percent humidity, or whether it be 37 like it’s supposed to be on Sunday,” Philbin said.

H H H

Last week, Fox went for it on fourth down rather than send out Brandon McManus for long field goals. He explained afterward that McManus’ range in the dome was 50 yards and insisted this week he hasn’t lost faith in his kicker.

It will be interesting to see what McManus’ range is outdoors in the blustery weather.

Broncos cut Bibbs and add Stewart

ENGLEWOOD – The Denver Broncos shuffled their thin backfield on the eve of their showdown with the Miami Dolphins. They waived rookie Kapri Bibbs and promoted Jeremy Stewart from their practice squad.

Stewart gives the Broncos’ backfield more experience with Montee Ball (groin) and Ronnie Hillman (foot) sidelined.

The other two running backs are second-year pro C.J. Anderson and rookie Juwan Thompson.

Stewart is a third-year pro from Cal who appeared in 17 games during his first two NFL seasons in Oakland. The Broncos signed him to their practice squad Oct. 8.

Stewart has one career touchdown run on 27 carries for 103 yards and 10 catches for 68 yards. He also plays special teams and owns a 17.3-yard average on eight kickoff returns.

Nov 22, 2014
Virgil Green is ready for his closeup
Nov 22, 2014
Durango’s own draws Denver
Nov 22, 2014
Miami Dolphins (6-4) vs. Denver Broncos (7-3)


Reader Comments