Miami Dolphins @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Posted on | September 1, 2006 | No Comments
The Miami Dolphins will open their season against the 2005 Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. This game may not look as attractive as other opening week games such as Indianapolis Colts against Ney York Gains, however there are many headlines and question marks heading into the game.
It will be interesting to see how Ben Roethlisberger will play. It was not a good summer for Ben, as he was in a severe motorcycle accident which he nearly died from. Critics are saying this could affect his play. According to offensive e coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, the Steelers are going to “open up” the offense, giving Ben more freedom to pass, as the Steelers were primarily a running team the past two years, which will be hurt by the loss of Jerome Bettis.
I have high expectation for Miami this year. The addition of QB Daunte Culpepper is huge. They have a very underrated WR Chris Chambers who made the pro bowl last year, and a solid TE in Randy McMichael. Don’t forget Ronnie Brown, the young RB with great potential will take over full duty with the suspension of Ricky Williams. The problem with Miami the last few years, well really since Dan Marino left has been the QB position. They have a solid defense, WR, and RB, but they had no quarter back. Come on Jay Feedler, Gus Frerotte, compared to Daunte Culpepper, who threw 39 TD’s in 2004, just two years ago. Look for Miami to give New England a run for their money in the AFC East.
Game Predictions
This is an exciting match up, which I could see go either way. Both team are in a very similar situation. Both teams play solid defense, and relied on their running game last year. However, this year both teams are trying to make a transition to be more balanced on offense. According to history, Pittsburgh usually struggles in the beginning of the season, then pick it up late. I feel the Steelers won’t be ready for Miami’s offense. Ben Roethlisberger is a great QB, but they will have to put the ball in his hands more with the loss of Jerome Bettis, and I don’t trust him. He is an efficient, conservative QB; last year he had just 2385 passing yards and 17 TD’s. Put the ball in his hand too much and he’ll try to do to much. He’ll force some passes, and be picked off a few times. Daunte Culpepper is the opposite, risky, mobile, and puts up big stats. Neither team will be able to run the ball efficiently, so it will come down to the QB’s, and I like Daunte Culpepper.
Miami 27 @ Pittsburgh 13
Game can be seen on NBC at 8:30 P.M. eastern on Thursday, September 7.
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