3 Critical Stats Reveal Broncos' Blueprint to Beating Dolphins
Nobody is expecting the Denver Broncos to waltz into Hard Rock Stadium and whip the Miami Dolphins. The oddsmakers certainly don't believe it, as Vegas has the Broncos as an underdog by nearly a touchdown.
The Broncos have a history of losing over the past six seasons and the Dolphins have had their number over the years, boasting a 12-6-1 record against the Orange and Blue. However, the Broncos can win and make a statement if they take to heart the following three numbers.
4.5
The Broncos can be victorious if they lean on their running game. In fact, Denver can make a huge statement if it puts its faith in the big uglies on the interior of the offensive line.
Tell Ben Powers, Lloyd Cushenberry III, and Quinn Meinerz to go head-to-head with the Dolphins’ defensive line and move them against their will. Feed Javonte Williams the ball over and over again right up the gut.
The Dolphins’ defense is susceptible to the run and has shown this season that it's weak in the middle. The Broncos can get 4.5 yards by running it right into the heart of the defense.
The Dolphins have given up 5.1 yards per carry behind the center, left guard, and right guard this season. Even if you take away a 55-yard run relinquished in Week 1, the Dolphins are still giving up a healthy 3.6 yards per carry.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have been able to average 5.2 yards up the gut this season against much more formidable defensive lines. The Broncos would do well to bring back Woody Hayes' “three yards and a cloud of dust” approach and break the Dolphins defense.
It will not only break the will of a struggling defense, but it will keep the Dolphins' high-powered offense off the field.
+2
The Vance Joseph-led Broncos defense has been fairly passive this season. Joseph needs to scrap that and get aggressive.
Punch the ball, bait the quarterback, and do anything they can to get some takeaways. Last season, the Dolphins went 1-6 when their opponent won the turnover margin by +2.
The Broncos defense must give their offense more chances with the ball. Denver's offense can score points, and if it receives a couple of extra drives, it can come out on top in a high-scoring affair.
Win the turnover battle decisively, and the Broncos can shock the football world this weekend.
21
Run 21 personnel predominantly during the game (two running backs, one tight end). Line up in a straight-up running formation with a tight end and a fullback.
The Broncos need to batter the Dolphins' D-line and let Williams do what he does best: go 'Angry Runs' mode. Forget the fancy finesse schemes and go old school.
Go to the body, to use a boxing term, until the opponent can’t keep its hands up. Let Chris Manhertz and Michael Burton earn their paycheck. Give Williams at least 25 carries and let him drag defenders downfield.
It's time for the Broncos to drop the losing mentality. Nothing builds winning confidence like moving an opponent against its will on the football field, especially when the opponent knows you're going to run the ball down their throat.
Go with the big boy packages, let Williams go berserk, and reap the rewards.
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