Quick Preview and Prediction

Keys to the game for the Dolphins

• Punish the Browns secondary. This may be the one unit that is as bad as Miami's secondary. They have allowed a league high 15 passing touchdowns. We must be able to make big plays in the passing game and finish off drives for touchdowns instead of field goals. Cleo Lemon gives the Dolphins more of a deep threat than Trent Green but he must protect the ball. Having to punt isn't the end of the world.
  
• Defend the Run. We did a good job last week but we must keep it going. Our secondary is still no good and the only chance we have to succeed on defense is if we can shut down the run and play for the pass and hopefully make a few big plays. Jamal Lewis is out for the Browns which is a break for Miami, but the Dolphins have let unknown backup running backs run wild over them this year. No matter who lines up in the backfield we must limit big gains.
  
• Finish the game. This shall only apply if we have a lead or are tied late in the game like last week. In Houston, after the two minute warning with the score tied at 19-19, we had a 2nd and 9 at the Texans 39. We looked poised to gain a few more yards, kick the field goal, and hold on for the win. However, we didn't execute and had to punt it away. Then the defense let Houston march from its own 3 yard line to our 40 to set up the winning field goal. If we get another chance to win on the road today we must make the final plays to seal the deal.

Prediction

Dolphins 30, Browns 28 - This should be a high scoring afternoon. Whichever defense can come up with the big plays and whichever offense makes the least mistakes will win this game.