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ESPN.com - NFL - Take 2: Titans vs. Dolphins Saturday, September 11, 2004
Scouts Inc.
Our scouts take a second look at this week's matchup between the Titans
and Dolphins. For their complete scouting report, check out the initial
breakdown.
Miami will start RB Travis Minor and it is unclear how much Lamar Gordon
will play. But don't be surprised to see Gordon get a significant amount
of touches in relief. Gordon should make a smooth transition because St.
Louis and the Dolphins use similar offensive terminology.
FB Rob Konrad will miss this game, as he is recovering from thigh surgery.
RB Sammy Morris has the versatility to play fullback. If Miami can get
quality production out of Gordon this week, they can then play Morris at
fullback..
MadisonDolphins' defensive coordinator Jim Bates runs a lot of press
coverage and his corners are extremely physical. With the league cracking
down on illegal contact, DCs Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain could commit
some costly penalties. It doesn't help the Dolphins that McNair is a
veteran quarterback who will bring any questionable contact to the
attention of the referees.
Dolphins' DT Tim Bowens will miss this game with a back injury. But there
shouldn't be a significant drop off in talent, as backup Jeff Zgonina is
extremely active. Zgonina may not have great size but he won't have to
face a lot of double teams, with LDT Larry Chester and RDE Jason Taylor
consistently drawing attention. Miami also did well to add depth by
signing Bryan Robinson, who shows good power at the point of attack.
Tennessee RB Chris Brown may not be as powerful a runner as Eddie George,
but he does a nice job of breaking arm tackles. Unlike George, he shows a
second gear once he gets in the open field. It's critical that Dolphins
defensive backs Sammy Knight and Antuan Edwards wrap Brown up or he could
break some long runs.
DEs Jason Taylor and David Bowens will be extremely aggressive off the
line and will create quality running lanes when they get caught upfield.
Miami will also run a lot of man coverage, which makes the defense
vulnerable to QB Steve McNair's scrambling. The Dolphins may need to "spy"
McNair with a linebacker or safety at times.
McNair is unquestionably the leader of this team. However, Billy Volek is
an excellent backup. If McNair is to sustain an injury and misses some
time during the game, the Titans are confident that Volek can step in and
move the offense.
Tennessee's depth at middle linebacker is a concern. Rocky Calmus is
listed as questionable for this game with a back injury, and backup Brad
Kassell is out with an Achilles injury. The Titans don't have a backup
outside linebacker they feel comfortable playing on the inside. If Calmus
doesn't play or is less than 100%, look for SS Tank Williams to spend a
good portion of the game playing in the box.
KinneyErron Kinney is a quality receiving tight end and will play a big
role in the passing game. But don't overlook No. 2 TE Shad Meier.
Tennessee will use a lot of two-tight end sets and Miami can't afford to
let Meier get lost in the shuffle, as he possesses a good combination of
size, speed and athletic ability.
The Titans may sign WR Kevin Dyson this week, but don't expect it to have
an impact on this game. While the oft-injured Dyson has already passed the
team's physical and knows the offense well, he hasn't been able to game
plan for Miami and it's unlikely he will play.
Dolphins' head coach Dave Wannstedt had to cancel three practices because
of lightning during two-a-days. While this may not seem like a lot, Miami
has four new starters along the offensive line and they must learn to play
together. That lost time could have an adverse affect.
The game being moved to Saturday because of Hurricane Ivan should hurt
Miami more than Tennessee, as the Dolphins have added personnel at key
positions this week and it takes away one day of preparation.
Special Teams
Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher has said that P Craig Hentrich will
handle the place kicking duties after a torn hamstring ended Joe Nedney's
season. Hentrich has attempted 12 field goals during his career and
connected on all four of his field goal attempts inside 40 yards last
year. However, it shouldn't shock anyone to see the Titans sign a kicker
before Sunday.
The Dolphins hoped that free agent acquisition Chris Akins would make a
substantial impact on special teams, but he has sustained a season-ending
knee injury. Now Miami is hoping two rookies will help overcome the loss
of Akins. Fourth round pick WLB Tony Bua and seventh-round pick MLB
Derrick Pope play with excellent motors and both do a good job of getting
downfield quickly.
Recently acquired Lamont Brightful will return both kicks and punts this
week for Miami. Brightful takes little time to reach his top speed and has
the potential to make an impact this year, but expect Tennessee's strong
cover teams to limit his production in this game.
Matchups
Tennessee RB Kris Brown vs. Miami MLB Zach Thomas
Miami WR Chris Chambers vs. Tennessee DC Andre Dyson
Tennessee WR Derrick Mason vs. Miami DC Sam Madison
Tennessee LOT Brad Hopkins vs. Miami RDE Jason Taylor
Miami ROG Jeno James vs. Tennessee LDT Albert Haynesworth
Prediction: Titans 21, Dolphins 17
Scouts Inc.
Our scouts take a second look at this week's matchup between the Titans
and Dolphins. For their complete scouting report, check out the initial
breakdown.
Miami will start RB Travis Minor and it is unclear how much Lamar Gordon
will play. But don't be surprised to see Gordon get a significant amount
of touches in relief. Gordon should make a smooth transition because St.
Louis and the Dolphins use similar offensive terminology.
FB Rob Konrad will miss this game, as he is recovering from thigh surgery.
RB Sammy Morris has the versatility to play fullback. If Miami can get
quality production out of Gordon this week, they can then play Morris at
fullback..
MadisonDolphins' defensive coordinator Jim Bates runs a lot of press
coverage and his corners are extremely physical. With the league cracking
down on illegal contact, DCs Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain could commit
some costly penalties. It doesn't help the Dolphins that McNair is a
veteran quarterback who will bring any questionable contact to the
attention of the referees.
Dolphins' DT Tim Bowens will miss this game with a back injury. But there
shouldn't be a significant drop off in talent, as backup Jeff Zgonina is
extremely active. Zgonina may not have great size but he won't have to
face a lot of double teams, with LDT Larry Chester and RDE Jason Taylor
consistently drawing attention. Miami also did well to add depth by
signing Bryan Robinson, who shows good power at the point of attack.
Tennessee RB Chris Brown may not be as powerful a runner as Eddie George,
but he does a nice job of breaking arm tackles. Unlike George, he shows a
second gear once he gets in the open field. It's critical that Dolphins
defensive backs Sammy Knight and Antuan Edwards wrap Brown up or he could
break some long runs.
DEs Jason Taylor and David Bowens will be extremely aggressive off the
line and will create quality running lanes when they get caught upfield.
Miami will also run a lot of man coverage, which makes the defense
vulnerable to QB Steve McNair's scrambling. The Dolphins may need to "spy"
McNair with a linebacker or safety at times.
McNair is unquestionably the leader of this team. However, Billy Volek is
an excellent backup. If McNair is to sustain an injury and misses some
time during the game, the Titans are confident that Volek can step in and
move the offense.
Tennessee's depth at middle linebacker is a concern. Rocky Calmus is
listed as questionable for this game with a back injury, and backup Brad
Kassell is out with an Achilles injury. The Titans don't have a backup
outside linebacker they feel comfortable playing on the inside. If Calmus
doesn't play or is less than 100%, look for SS Tank Williams to spend a
good portion of the game playing in the box.
KinneyErron Kinney is a quality receiving tight end and will play a big
role in the passing game. But don't overlook No. 2 TE Shad Meier.
Tennessee will use a lot of two-tight end sets and Miami can't afford to
let Meier get lost in the shuffle, as he possesses a good combination of
size, speed and athletic ability.
The Titans may sign WR Kevin Dyson this week, but don't expect it to have
an impact on this game. While the oft-injured Dyson has already passed the
team's physical and knows the offense well, he hasn't been able to game
plan for Miami and it's unlikely he will play.
Dolphins' head coach Dave Wannstedt had to cancel three practices because
of lightning during two-a-days. While this may not seem like a lot, Miami
has four new starters along the offensive line and they must learn to play
together. That lost time could have an adverse affect.
The game being moved to Saturday because of Hurricane Ivan should hurt
Miami more than Tennessee, as the Dolphins have added personnel at key
positions this week and it takes away one day of preparation.
Special Teams
Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher has said that P Craig Hentrich will
handle the place kicking duties after a torn hamstring ended Joe Nedney's
season. Hentrich has attempted 12 field goals during his career and
connected on all four of his field goal attempts inside 40 yards last
year. However, it shouldn't shock anyone to see the Titans sign a kicker
before Sunday.
The Dolphins hoped that free agent acquisition Chris Akins would make a
substantial impact on special teams, but he has sustained a season-ending
knee injury. Now Miami is hoping two rookies will help overcome the loss
of Akins. Fourth round pick WLB Tony Bua and seventh-round pick MLB
Derrick Pope play with excellent motors and both do a good job of getting
downfield quickly.
Recently acquired Lamont Brightful will return both kicks and punts this
week for Miami. Brightful takes little time to reach his top speed and has
the potential to make an impact this year, but expect Tennessee's strong
cover teams to limit his production in this game.
Matchups
Tennessee RB Kris Brown vs. Miami MLB Zach Thomas
Miami WR Chris Chambers vs. Tennessee DC Andre Dyson
Tennessee WR Derrick Mason vs. Miami DC Sam Madison
Tennessee LOT Brad Hopkins vs. Miami RDE Jason Taylor
Miami ROG Jeno James vs. Tennessee LDT Albert Haynesworth
Prediction: Titans 21, Dolphins 17