Dolphins vs. Ravens: 4 Keys to Victory 

Chad Henne vs. Joe Flacco: When the Miami Dolphins travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens this weekend, it will mark the first time Chad Henne and Joe Flacco face each other in a game since being drafted in 2008. The play of these young QBs is going to be a huge determining factor in the game and the quarterback who stands out the most this week is likely to be the victor on Sunday. Up to this point, Henne's & Flacco's numbers are almost mere images of each other. For the Dolphins, Chad Henne has to produce one of his best games to date. Henne must avoid turnovers, recognize where Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are at all times and help his team score touchdowns in the red zone. If Henne can do those things this week, there is no reason to think he will not outshine Joe Flacco and return home to Miami with a victory under his belt. 

Henne- 154 for 243, 63.4%, 1669 yards, 6.9 avg. per pass, 230 yds per game, 8 Td's, 7 picks, 10 sacks, and a rating of 82.5.

Flacco- 140 for 236, 59.3%, 1651 yards, 7 avg. per pass, 226 yds per game, 10 TD's, 6 picks, 10 sacks, and a rating of 84.2. 

Pound the Rock: The Ravens defense remains a stout unit with names like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, and Haloti Nagata, but this Ravens defense is not as strong as it once was. Teams have been able to successfully run against the Ravens this year. Baltimore is ranked 17th in rushing defense and has allowed 109.3 yards a game. Miami has been able to get their running game going this year on the road and have produced more than 100 yards rushing in all four of their road victories. The Dolphins are averaging 3.9 yards a carry and committing to the run is a must, if Miami wants to come out victorious this Sunday. 

Take your Points: It is no secret Miami has been struggling in the red zone to score touchdowns, but against the Ravens defense you take your points however they come. The Ravens rank seventh in the league, allowing only 18.4 points a game, and have the league's third-best red zone defense. Miami has to improve on their ability to score in the red zone and Coach Sparano has made it an emphasis, so whether it is by Dan Carpenter's foot, land or air, the Dolphins have to put up points. Miami has struggled to score touchdowns and this game will be a real strong test. Scoring against the Ravens is one of the most important keys to victory and is no easy task.  Winning this week would be a huge statement by Miami. 

Road Warriors: In this weeks game, the Dolphins must embrace who they are. These Dolphins are Road Warriors and they need to prove it to the Ravens on Sunday. Miami has to follow its formula for how they win on the road by pounding the rock, not committing turnovers, managing the clock, playing strong defense, forcing turnovers and not allowing big plays. Follow the formula and make history. If the Dolphins win Sunday, they become the first team in the history of NFL to be perfect on the road and winless at home through eight games. These are my keys to victory for this week’s matchup.  

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