Like I did earlier in this blog, I have decided to do yet another Monday Night Preview between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Why Miami Could Win:
Outside of the fact that Miami is playing Tampa Bay, let's take a more methodical approach at why Miami could win. Miami has a respectable defense. One that could take care of Tampa Bay's lackluster offense. They ranked tied for 11th in takeaways and against an inexperienced quarterback such as Mike Glennon, that could play a serious factor. Outside of that, there's not much to like about Miami.
Why Tampa Bay Could Win:
I think this needs to be the first thing said about why Tampa Bay could get its first win of the season. Miami is having a huge scandal off the field. It would be foolish to not believe that the scandal isn't on every Miami Dolphin personnel, whether that's the players, coaches, or upper-management. There defense is about on-par with Miami's, and it is one that could give Miami's offense fits. Let's not forget both offenses are ranked in the bottom 12 in most offensive categories. It should be interesting what Tampa Bay does on offense to try and counter-act the Miami defense.
Prediction:
I see this game being one where the first to 14 points wins the game. I sense an upset here, and I think by the end of Monday Night, there will be no more winless teams in the NFL. I think it starts with Mike James and the run blocking up-front. I think James has 120 yards and a score, and Mike Glennon will throw a passing TD through the air. I know Tampa Bay has its off the field issues too (Greg Schiano, MRSA Infection), but those off the field issues are back burners compared to the Miami scandal. Although I think the Miami scandal is blown out of proportion, I can't see anyway this doesn't effect Miami's performance on the field, which is strange because usually I don't think these kinds of thing effect a team. I think it does here, and I see Tampa Bay on top in the end.
Tampa Bay: 14, Miami: 10