This week isn't going to be a top 5 list. It's going to be a story on the Dolphins, our lone undefeated team.
The Dolphins are 11-0 going into this weeks game against the Seahawks. That is certainly an impressive record but how did they get to this point? So far this year they have scored an incredible 231 more points than there opponents. So by week they are outscoring their victims by 21 points. Yikes!!
So what is their strategy? Looking at the stats they love to run the ball. They have 402 rushes to only 285 pass attempts. For a team that runs a lot they also run effectively at 4.3 yards per carry. Their run sets up their pass which takes the pressure off their young qb to produce.
On defence they love to bring pressure from their LBs. Ellis and Bradley have a combined 22 sacks. They also love to turn you over. They have 18 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries this season. 11 fumble recoveries is an amazing stat. Just my reference I looked at my team and I have 4 for the year with one more game played.
A further look into the stats tells us the Dolphins are 1st not only in rush yards per game but also in total yards per game. They are also 1st in scoring per game and defensive scoring per game.
So far their biggest test was in week 1 where they narrowly beat a good Chiefs team 12-10. The Chiefs and Rams are the best teams the Dolphins have beaten this year. Both are good teams but I don't think either one is a Superbowl calibre team.
So how do you beat this team? You have to be balanced on offence. If you do not run the ball and rely on passing you will turn the ball over. On defence you have to stop the run and force the Fins to pass. A little luck wouldn't hurt either.
Prediction: The best team on paper the Dolphins have to play are the Seahawks this week. Given that the Seahawks don't know Jim's style I don't give them much of a chance. I think the best chance of a Dolphins loss are the Pats in week 14 and the Jets in week 16. Both coaches have played Jim a number of times over the years and have the ability to pull out a win. I don't think the Dolphins go undefeated and end up 15-1. However, I do think they end up back in another Superbowl.