Ravens v Dolphins Preview

Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at Miami Dolphins (11-5)

Baltimore Offense v Dolphins Defense:

Joe Flacco, rookie quarterback out of Delaware, has been just what the doctor ordered for the Ravens. For alot of years, the Ravens were all defense and no offense. And while the Ravens offense isn't a juggernaut yet, they are at least something to respect. Flacco threw for 16 touchdowns and 2,971 yards in his rookie campaign, and led the Ravens to 24 points per game, 11th in the NFL. Le'Ron McClain has also been a surprise for the Ravens, totaling 902 yards and 10 touchdowns. He along with Willis McGahee lead a Ravens rushing attack that is 4th in the NFL.

The Dolphins defense allows only 19 points per game, and do a good job stopping the run, allowing roughly 100 yards per game. There weakness on defense is their passing game, where they allow 224 yards through the air. If they can stop the Ravens from rushing on them, they better hope they don't allow Joe Flacco to beat them at home in the playoffs- but with their passing defense, it is very likely.

ADVANTAGE: RAVENS

Dolphins Offense vs Ravens Defense:

NFL Comeback Player of the Year Chad Pennington leads a Miami offense that is based on trick plays and short passes. Pennington does not have a very strong arm, but did throw for 3,653 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. Ronnie Brown has been a multi threat weapon for the Dolphins, taking snaps out of the wild cat formation on his way to 916 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Dolphins offense is good, but dosn't excel in any one area, standing at 10th in the NFL at passing, and 11th at rushing.

The Baltimore defense, however, excels at almost everything. Led by Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, this defense can do everything- stop the run, stop the pass, and even score touchdowns. The Ravens will not be tricked by any of the Dolphins wildcat plays, and will force Pennington to beat them. The Ravens defense is in the top 3 in Points Allowed, Yards Allowed, Rushing Yards per Game, and Passing Yards per Game.

ADVANTAGE: RAVENS

Analysis:

Both of these teams come into this years playoffs as surprise teams. Neither made the playoffs last year, and both tout rookie head coaches. However, I don't think either team will be effected by the playoff jitters. The Dolphins came out of the most contested division in football, and have been pretty much playing playoff games for weeks. The Ravens, other then Flacco, are a veteran team led by Ray Lewis, who won't allow them to come up small. The Ravens defense is a tough, veteren led, big play group that will dominate this game.

PICK: RAVENS