Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
TV Schedule: Sunday, Oct. 6, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS
Stadium: Sun Life Stadium
Weather: Low 76, High 89
Line: Miami (-3)
Watching the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Buffalo Bills in week four was painful for fans of the both teams. The Ravens looked extremely poor in the game. In fact, Ray Rice had five carries which was just as many interceptions thrown by Joe Flacco in the loss. Yes, Flacco threw for two touchdowns and five interceptions in a game plagued with poor decisions and even worse play-calling. Flacco has been up-and-down this season for the 2-2 Ravens, passing for 1,091 yards and five touchdowns. Torrey Smith has been extremely successful through four games, catching 21 passes for 435 yards and a score. Rice’s injury has hurt the run game mightily as the Ravens rank 28th in the league in rush yards per game with a measly 64. Rice has just 30 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown this season.
On the other side of the field, the Miami Dolphins were 3-0 heading into their Monday night game against the New Orleans Saints in week four, but a big-time loss in front of a national audience has people questioning the validity of all the contender talk. Ryan Tannehill had been solid this season before the poor performance on Monday. He has 1,076 yards and five touchdowns in a strong start to his second-year campaign. Brian Hartline has surprised some people and become Tannehill’s favorite target, catching 21 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns. Lamar Miller leads the 24th ranked run offense in the league with 196 yards on 43 carries.
Defensively, the Ravens were once the cream of the crop in defensive talent in the NFL, but after losing a ton of pieces on that side of the ball, they are no longer the top unit. They rank in the middle of the league in every major defensive category so far this season, but can only get better. Miami has had a solid defense when stopping the run this season, but it has had a tough time defending the pass. Flacco might redeem himself in this game.
PREDICTION: Miami Dolphins Still in Good Shape in Division Despite Being Routed By New Orleans Saints
Ray Rice Needs to be Centerpiece of Offense for Baltimore Ravens
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .
