Matchups to Exploit - Week 12
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November 23, 2007 @ 10:04:47
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By Hot off the Wire Network Contributors
Edited by Nicholas Minnix and Cory J. Bonini
Bills WR Lee Evans vs. Jaguars secondary
It's doubtful the Bills will have running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle), and the Jaguars defense is tough to run against. Therefore, it's likely the Bills are going to have to rely on the passing arm of quarterback J.P. Losman. Evans is by far the Bills' most reliable target. He has 39 catches for 609 yards. He has posted two 100-yard games this season, and with another one against the Jaguars, he would become the sixth player in team history to post 10 career 100-yard games. He'll go against a secondary that could be missing its top player with cornerback Rashean Mathis (groin) seemingly likely to sit out. Even if Mathis plays, he may not be on Evans if he's not 100 percent. That would leave coverage duties to cornerback Brian Williams, who just returned from an injury the previous week. Even with a depleted secondary last year (Williams and nickel back Terry Cousin were out with injuries), the Jags held Evans to five catches for 58 yards.
Jaguars QB David Garrard vs. Bills secondary
Garrard was very conservative a year ago against Buffalo, completing 16 passes but for only 132 yards. Even his two touchdown passes were short - one- and three-yarders - but with no interceptions, he finished with a 118 quarterback rating. Garrard has been similar this year, although he's passing for more yardage. He's averaging 190 yards per game in the air and has a passer rating figure over 100 in five of the seven games in which he has played. He'll face a Bills secondary that has struggled this year, allowing 255.4 yards per game, the fourth highest mark allowed in the NFL this season. It's a young secondary, with the two safeties both in their third season and neither starting corner owning more than five years of experience.
Jaguars RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Bills LBs John DiGiorgio and Angelo Crowell
The Jaguars offense ranks third in the NFL in rushing. The Bills rank 22nd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. Last year, the Bills beat Jacksonville, 27-24, thanks to some big special teams plays, not thanks to the run defense. Taylor (thigh) had 101 yards on 21 carries, and Jones-Drew had 78 on eight carries. Jones-Drew continues to get plenty of work behind Taylor; four times Jones-Drew has gained more yards, and four games he has carried the ball more than Taylor has. Taylor has a 35-yard lead in season rushing totals, but Jones-Drew has gained 219 more yards receiving than his running mate has. Add in 668 yards on kickoff or punt returns, and Jones-Drew's value really goes up. With Taylor nursing a thigh injury, Jones-Drew could get even more time this week. Crowell and DiGiorgio are runaway team leaders in tackles with 93 and 90, respectively. They'll be watching for the Jaguars' screen or swing passes to Jones-Drew, who has been very effective on those types of plays this year.
Jaguars KR Maurice Jones-Drew and PR Dennis Northcutt vs. Bills PK Rian Lindell and P Brian Moorman
Moorman was a Pro Bowl pick a year ago and has started strong again this season with a 42.9-yard average and a 38.7-yard net average, fifth best in the NFL. He also has dropped 17 of his 48 kicks inside the 20-yard line. Lindell hit a season-long field goal of 52 yards last week against the New England Patriots. The Jaguars remember him from last year, when he converted on a 42-yard field goal with no time remaining to give the Bills a three-point win. His kickoffs will go to Jones-Drew, whose 27.8-yard average includes a 100-yard return for a touchdown against New Orleans and is third best in the AFC. Northcutt ranks 10th among punt returners with a 10.4-yard return average.
Texans WR Andre Johnson vs. Browns CB Leigh Bodden
Johnson didn't seem to have any rust last week after missing seven starts with his knee injury. He caught six passes for 120 yards and a score last week; he has 20 catches for 382 yards and four touchdowns in three games this season. He has had more time to work on his timing with quarterback Matt Schaub, and his confidence is getting high. Johnson has had 100 receiving yards in all three of his starts. If the Texans can get their running game going, there should be just as many opportunities for Johnson this week. Bodden (back) has struggled this year, especially lately. He had ankle surgery in the offseason and has suffered back spasms recently. He will need to step up his game with cornerback Eric Wright (knee) expected to miss at least a couple of weeks. The Browns have allowed a league-high 23 passing touchdowns.
Browns RB Jamal Lewis vs. Texans LB DeMeco Ryans
Lewis got a jolt of energy when he was able to run for 92 yards and a 4.2-yard average versus the tough Baltimore Ravens defense last week. The weather is beginning to become a factor in Cleveland, and the game plan will call for more runs - which Lewis loves. He has 607 yards and seven touchdowns, including five in the last three weeks. Teams are also dropping more defenders in pass coverage against Cleveland, so Lewis should benefit. Ryans leads the Texans with 68 tackles and has two sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
Browns TE Kellen Winslow vs. Texans secondary
Winslow has watched the game film of the Texans versus the San Diego Chargers, when strong safety C.C. Brown was often matched up against Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. That's what Winslow expects to happen with him. The Texans' secondary has been revamped, and the play has improved, but it will be a difficult matchup between the young group and Winslow. When the Texans played Gates, they gave up big plays. He had three catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
Titans RB LenDale White vs. Bengals LB Landon Johnson
The Bengals did a solid job last week against Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James but face another challenge in White. White, in his second year, leads the Titans with 667 yards and five touchdowns. He has three 100-yard games, all victories, against Houston, the Oakland Raiders and the Carolina Panthers. Johnson is the Bengals' leading tackler with 89. He has started every game, and with injuries depleting the linebacker corps, he moved into the middle to start the last two games. He is not spectacular, just dependable.
Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Titans CB Vincent Fuller
When the Bengals go into three-wide, which is often the case, Houshmandzadeh moves into the slot, and he's quarterback Carson Palmer's most reliable target this season. Housh has 76 catches for 806 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. He is a big target and a tough matchup for Fuller, who has had a solid season himself.
Bengals WR Chad Johnson vs. Titans CB Cortland Finnegan
Johnson has a lot of yards, 938, just 62 away from his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season, but he has not scored since getting in the end zone twice in Game 2 at Cleveland. He has just three touchdowns. The Titans can't afford to give up big plays; their defense allowed three of the four 40-plus yard scores Monday night against the Denver Broncos. Finnegan is a second-year gem and has softened the loss of cornerback Pacman Jones (suspension). In 10 games, Finnegan has 57 tackles, one interception and a team-high 11 passes broken up.
Bengals OT Levi Jones vs. Titans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch
Vanden Bosch has five sacks on the season but doesn't have one in the past two games. The Titans will need to disrupt Palmer to make things easier on the secondary, and Vanden Bosch could make that happen.
Saints RB Reggie Bush vs. Panthers run defense
Carolina comes into Sunday's game ranked 20th against the run, allowing opponents an average of 112.2 yards per game and a 3.7 yards-per-carry average. The Saints, however, rank fourth-to-last in the league in rushing, averaging a miserable 83.5 yards per game; Bush has run for just 485 yards in 10 games, and a 3.6 yards-per-carry average. New Orleans must become more balanced, and Bush needs to be a more reliable running back if he's going to continue to be the featured tailback in the Saints' pass-oriented offense. He needs to make the most of his carries between the tackles.
Saints OT Jon Stinchcomb vs. Panthers DE Julius Peppers
After being virtually silent all season, Peppers had a big game against the Green Bay Packers, and that may be a sign that his slump is coming to an end. Peppers has superior speed and the potential to exploit Stinchcomb's lack of quickness. Quarterback Drew Brees doesn't take a lot of deep drops, and the Saints will try to give Stinchomb some help from the tight ends.
Panthers WR Steve Smith vs. Saints CBs Jason David and Mike McKenzie
David has been torched by opposing wide receivers for big plays this season, and Smith had historically put up some big numbers against the Saints. Smith (shin) has a pair of 100-yard games against New Orleans in his career. He leads the Panthers in receptions with 45 for 590 yards and six touchdowns. He should be back after sitting out last week's loss to Green Bay with a shin injury. Although Smith's numbers haven't been great because of unsteady quarterback play, he remains the team's only dangerous offensive weapon, and the Panthers will try to get him the ball as often as possible. David has allowed a total of at least nine touchdown passes in the seven games he has played. To say he's an inviting target for opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers would be an understatement. Smith has a propensity for big plays, and the Panthers will be looking to see just where David lines up on any given play. McKenzie is a smart veteran, but he doesn't have the speed to stay with Smith downfield. He'll need lots of help from the safeties, too.
Raiders WR Ronald Curry vs. Chiefs CB Patrick Surtain
Oakland discovered something it may have forgotten in a 29-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Curry, for what he may have lost in speed with two surgeries to repair Achilles' injuries as a Raider (plus one in college), can make up with leaping ability. He had four catches for 120 yards against the Vikings and was blanketed on one of them. Against Surtain, who lacks the size of cornerback Ty Law on the other side, Culpepper is likely to take that chance again.
Chiefs RB Kolby Smith vs. Raiders run defense
The Raiders haven't been very good against the run, but the Chiefs have struggled to run the ball, and it's hard to see how Smith will make much of a difference. Smith is a quick, shifty runner that hits the hole quickly, but the Chiefs haven't opened many holes for their runners this season. It's also uncertain how Smith, a rookie, will do as the featured back since he was never a full-time player in college. His only backup, Gilbert Harris, was promoted from the practice squad and likely will have little, if any, impact Sunday.
Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe vs. Raiders CB Stanford Routt
The 6-foot-1 Routt has the size to stay with the 6-foot-2 Bowe, but the Chiefs will take their shots down the field to Bowe now that Brodie Croyle is their quarterback. One reason the Chiefs replaced quarterback Damon Huard with Croyle is Croyle's superior ability as a deep passer. The Raiders like to play a lot of man-to-man, so Bowe and Routt figure to be matched up one-on-one on many occasions. Look for Bowe to exceed the three catches he had against the Raiders in October when Huard was the quarterback.
Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez vs. Raiders SS Michael Huff
Huff has yet to live up to his status as a No. 7 overall pick in the draft. He hasn't intercepted a pass or recovered a fumble in 26 games since being an immediate starter. But it's also true that he has fared well in coverage against the elite tight ends. Gonzalez has nine catches in the two games he has played against the Raiders since Huff arrived (he missed one due to injury) but has not scored a touchdown.
Redskins WR Santana Moss vs. Buccaneers CB Ronde Barber
Until last week, this wouldn't have been the matchup to watch - Moss (heel) was banged up and had yet to score a touchdown this season. In the 28-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, though, Moss finally got on track, catching nine passes for 121 yards (all in the second half) and one touchdown. He had only 24 catches in the Redskins' first nine games. Barber has started each Tampa Bay game; he has 60 tackles and nine pass breakups but no interceptions, a sign that teams aren't throwing in his direction. Although the Redskins might try to create a matchup that gets Moss away from Barber, they've never been a team to hide Moss from any cornerback.
Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia vs. Redskins pass rush
The Redskins love to blitz, so quarterback Jeff Garcia has to be smart when he scrambles this week. There's a chance he'll scramble right into the waiting arms of a pass rusher if he makes the wrong move. To avoid these kinds of problems, the Bucs may leave Garcia in the pocket more. That will put more pressure on the line to keep the pass rush off him. Either way, it figures to be a difficult day for Garcia.
Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway vs. Redskins CB Shawn Springs
Springs is an excellent cover corner, but he has a tendency to get lazy with his technique. If he gets lazy today, Galloway will burn him, possibly for a big play. Galloway will know early on whether he can beat Springs, so he'll communicate that back to his quarterback and offensive coordinator in an effort to get the Bucs a big play. This is a great matchup to watch if both players are on their game. If one is off, the other should easily excel.
Buccaneers OT Donald Penn vs. Redskins DE Andre Carter
Penn is a first-year player and didn't become a starter until the Indianapolis Colts game Oct. 7. He has fared OK. Garcia was sacked only five times in the first six games, but teams have gotten to the veteran quarterback nine times in the last four games. Carter will pose a big challenge for Penn (6-foot-5, 305 pounds). Carter has a team-high seven sacks and 16 quarterback pressures. Although he'll probably never be a great player in run defense, he has already exceeded his 2006 sack total.
Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck vs. Rams pass defense
In part due to RB Shaun Alexander's (wrist, knee) injury problems, Seattle has gone increasingly to the passing game lately. Hasselbeck has been operating out of the shotgun; he has averaged 44 attempts and 311 yards passing in three contests since St. Louis and Seattle played earlier in the season at Qwest Field. The Rams' secondary has been hitting its stride lately, with improved play by cornerback Tye Hill and free safety O.J. Atgowe. Hill and Atogwe have combined for three interceptions in the past two games. Hasselbeck (ribs) actually had his shakiest game of the past month against the Rams - just 18-for-35 for 195 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. But the Seahawks had just 10 points in the first half, and the offense only made it into the end zone twice (four field goals and a kickoff return for a touchdown from wideout Nate Burleson were the other points). It will be imperative for Hasselbeck to be sharper this week, and considering how little he has practiced, the Rams will definitely be coming after him.
Rams QB Marc Bulger vs. Seahawks pass defense
In last month's 33-6 Seahawks win, Bulger was still struggling mightily with cracked ribs, his receivers were still banged up (but playing) and running back Steven Jackson didn't play. There were plenty of reasons he was sacked seven times and was 21-for-40 for 225 yards and three interceptions. But he also has a history of success against the Seahawks; he could be in for a better game with everybody much healthier and Jackson back. Add in that the game is being played in St. Louis and the Seahawks are coming off a huge win over the Chicago Bears, and this game could be a letdown for the Seahawks and a set up for the Rams to surprise them. Most of it will be contingent on how well the Rams' shaky offensive line keeps Bulger on his feet this time around.
Rams RB Steven Jackson vs. Seahawks run defense
Led by active defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, Seattle limited the Rams to a season-low 53 yards when the teams met last month at Qwest Field. That was without Jackson in the backfield for St. Louis, though. Jackson seems be over groin and back problems that sidelined him for nearly five full games earlier this season. If Jackson can keep Seattle's run defense honest as a ball carrier, that should free things up for Bulger and the Rams' receiving corps against the Seahawks' 20th-ranked pass defense.
Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson vs. Giants pass defense
Jackson is 3-2 for the Vikings this season, but both losses came in abysmal performances on the road. In Week 2, against the Detroit Lions, Jackson threw four interceptions and had a 26.4 quarterback rating. In Week 7, against the Dallas Cowboys, he was 9-for-16 passing for 72 yards and had a 44.2 quarterback rating. This is why the Giants are sure to dare Jackson to throw the ball as much as he wants. The pressure of playing at Giants Stadium will be a tough test for the second-year quarterback. Jackson could find himself under consistent pressure, too, given that left end Michael Strahan and his eight sacks will be going against the up-and-down Ryan Cook at right tackle.
Vikings RB Chester Taylor vs. Giants run defense
Taylor figures to be the main man for a second consecutive game as running back Adrian Peterson (knee) continues to recover from a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee. Last Sunday, Taylor had a season-high 164 yards rushing and three touchdowns against the Raiders. The Giants have a much better run defense than the Raiders, but stop Taylor and the NFL's top-ranked rushing offense figures to be a challenge for this defense.
Giants RB Reuben Droughns vs. Vikings run defense
Unlike the pass defense, the Vikings' run defense is superb, ranking first in the league with 74.4 yards allowed. Droughns is an established rusher with two 1,000-yard seasons in his career. Whether he can step in full-time while running back Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) nurses a bad hamstring remains to be seen. He found the running hard in the latter stages of the Detroit game and finished with 11 carries for 13 yards. The Giants will need him to establish a solid ground game to make the play-action to Shockey and wide receiver Amani Toomer work.
Giants WR Plaxico Burress vs. Vikings CB Cedric Griffin
Griffin has been a target of top-flight receivers this season, and Burress (ankle) will become the latest to try to make some big plays at the second-year corner's expense. This especially will be the case if veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield (hamstring) is able to play. Winfield sat out the second half last weekend against Oakland after missing the previous two games because of a hamstring injury. When Winfield plays, teams go right after Griffin. If Winfield isn't on the field, Burress will split his time between trying to make life miserable for Griffin and rookie Marcus McCauley.
Giants TE Jeremy Shockey vs. Vikings pass defense
Shockey has led the Giants' receiving the past two games, making 12 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10. He followed that up with five catches for 41 yards against the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Eli Manning may have to start looking more for him as an end zone receiver to shake the offense out of a touchdown drought that has seen them score only four in the last three games. The Vikings' pass defense is so unimpressive that it ranks last in the league with 288.4 yards allowed per game. Without a deep threat, because of Burress' increasingly sore right ankle, Shockey may have another big game as the Giants pick up their yardage in small- and medium-sized chunks.
49ers QB Trent Dilfer vs. Cardinals pass defense
Dilfer will make his fourth start of the season as the takes over for injured quarterback Alex D. Smith (shoulder). Dilfer played pretty well last week against the Rams, but his stats did not reflect it. He completed just 20 of 42 passes for 231 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Dilfer did not get much help from a receiving corps that dropped at least four passes in the game. The 49ers offense might have a new looks this week with long-time coach Ted Tollner being brought aboard to help offensive coordinator Jim Hostler. Dilfer will be looking to get the ball into the hands of tight end Vernon Davis, who has emerged as the team's best weapon in the passing game. Dilfer doesn't have a lot of mobility, and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett is enjoying what should be a Pro Bowl season. Dockett has also been sackless for two weeks, though. He will be coming hard after Dilfer, who figures to have to throw often if the 49ers are behind. If Dilfer can avoid Dockett's wrath, San Francisco might have a chance to do something offensively.
49ers RB Frank Gore vs. Cardinals run defense
Gore had the worst game of his 26-start NFL career last week, gaining just 32 yards on 15 carries against the St. Louis Rams. The blocking up front was not great, and he did not help himself out with his decision making. Perhaps his ankle is still bothering him, preventing him from making the cuts necessary to get big chunks of yards. Things will not be a lot easier against the Cardinals, who rank 11th in the league against the run. One thing could help Gore. His nemesis, strong safety Adrian Wilson (heel), was inactive for last week's game with a heel injury. His status for Sunday's game is uncertain.
Cardinals RB Edgerrin James vs. 49ers run defense
The 49ers are ninth in pass defense and 24th against the run, which would seem to point to James finally breaking out of what has been relative doldrums. James rushed for 92 yards against San Francisco in the opener (and 128 the week after against Seattle) but has yet to crack 90 yards since. He has gained 15, 60 and 52 yards the past three games; the Cardinals would love for him to get back on track. Assuming the Cards can get an early lead, the belief is that the they will try to wear down the 49ers with a lot of Edge.
Ravens QB Kyle Boller vs. Chargers pass defense
This could be a tough outing for Boller, who hasn't played well on the road throughout his career. In fact, he has lost eight straight starts away from home. In that skid, he has thrown six touchdowns and 12 interceptions. If the Chargers can get pressure on Boller - who was sacked six times last Sunday - they could force turnovers. In San Diego's past two home games, the Chargers have given up three passing touchdowns while intercepting eight throws. There is also a possibility that Boller will be without his favorite receiver, tight end Todd Heap (hamstring), who is nursing a hamstring injury.
Ravens RB Willis McGahee vs. Chargers run defense
McGahee should have a solid game primarily because he's been one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL this season. McGahee is coming off his third 100-yard game for the Ravens and ranks third in the NFL in rushing. He has gained at least 77 yards rushing in seven of 10 games and has scored a touchdown in five straight games. San Diego ranks 23rd against the run and allowed 122 yards rushing last Sunday at Jacksonville. However, the Chargers are tougher against the run at home. In their past two games in San Diego, the Chargers haven't allowed a running back to go over 62 yards and haven't given up a rushing touchdown.
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Ravens run defense
The Ravens' run defense cracked for the first time last Sunday, when they allowed Cleveland tailback Jamal Lewis to run for 92 yards. This defense usually doesn't sputter in consecutive weeks, so it should be a challenging day for Tomlinson. Last season, the Ravens contained Tomlinson, holding him to 98 yards and no touchdowns. Tomlinson hasn't really been on track this season. He had 62 yards and one touchdown against a Jacksonville defense that is coached by former Ravens linebackers coach Jack Del Rio.
Broncos QB Jay Cutler vs. Bears pass defense
This is a matchup of two areas going in opposite directions. The Broncos are now scoring points to go with their big yardage. The Broncos had three offensive scores of more than 40 yards against the Tennessee Titans in Week 11. Chicago has allowed more than 30 points four times this season. Watch for the Broncos, led by Cutler, to try to continue their high-scoring attack against the plunging Bears' defense.
Broncos OT Erik Pears vs. Bears DE Adewale Ogunleye
Ogunleye has been the Bears most consistent defensive lineman this season and is tied for the team lead with seven sacks after registering just 6.5 last season. The former Pro Bowl performer is starting to use more power moves in his pass rushing repertoire, and the change has helped him out. He plays with good leverage, has long arms and good instinct. Minor injuries have had a way of derailing Ogunleye in the past, but he has remained healthy in 2007. He needs to have a strong effort against Pears as the bootleg and rollouts are such an integral part of the Denver attack with mobile quarterback Jay Cutler. Ogunleye needs to remain disciplined in his approach and try to contain Cutler in the pocket. If Cutler gets outside and has time to throw, he could pick apart the Bears' secondary that is expected to be without cornerback Nathan Vasher for the eighth straight game.
Bears RB Cedric Benson vs. Broncos run defense
It's more likely to be Benson against the Broncos' front eight with a safety expected to spend the majority of the game in the box. Benson finally got out of the quicksand he was operating in all season at Seattle last week, but then the offense veered away from him, and he had only 11 carries for the game. The Broncos' 30th-ranked run defense has had trouble stopping just about anyone. However, they are making enough playing in the running game and are no longer a sieve now that they keep eight in the box much of the time. Benson needs to find his way against the Broncos to set up quarterback Rex Grossman for any level of success. Much of the Bears' passing game is predicated on play-action; he'll need the real threat of the run to go to work downfield on skilled Denver cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly. Look for offensive coordinator Ron Turner to feed Benson early and often in an attempt to wear down the Denver front.
Eagles RB Brian Westbrook vs. Patriots run defense
If the Eagles have any glimmer of hope in this game it will come from running Westbrook a lot and controlling the clock, especially if quarterback Donovan McNabb (ankle, thumb) doesn't play. The Colts and Cowboys have had some success running on the Pats this season, but often the problem is that it's hard to run when you're 30 points behind. If the Eagles can avoid getting buried early, maybe they can keep quarterback Tom Brady and his amazing receivers off the field, at least off the field more than they've been accustomed to. Westbrook is coming off a 32-carry, 148-yard performance against the Miami Dolphins, both numbers career highs. The 32 carries are the most by an Eagles running back since pass-happy Andy Reid became the head coach in 1999.
Patriots QB Tom Brady vs. Eagles pass defense
The Eagles have one sack in their last three games, and the team's sack leader, defensive end Trent Cole (nine), has had none. Brady doesn't get pressured much behind the Pats' capable line, and the Eagles would seem to be ill-equipped to go after him very effectively. Several quarterbacks have showed an ability to carve up the Birds' battered secondary when given enough time. Defensive back J.R. Reed is expected to start for strong safety Quintin Mikell (knee), who has a medial collateral ligament sprain. Mikell replaced strong safety Sean Considine (shoulder), on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury. Cornerback Lito Sheppard (foot) and Brian Dawkins (thigh) also are dinged.
Patriots WR Randy Moss vs. Eagles secondary
It's going to take the entire secondary to shut down Moss, who has been able to beat most all coverages that have been thrown at him this season. He has caught at least one touchdown in every game but one (against the Browns), currently coming off a 10-catch, 128-yard, four-touchdown game against the Buffalo Bills. Sheppard (foot) and fellow corner Sheldon Brown are two of the best in the league, but they can't both cover Moss at the same time - and if they do, that might leave wideouts Donte' Stallworth or Wes Welker open.
Patriots TE Benjamin Watson vs. Eagles LB Chris Gocong
Watson is working back into form after an ankle injury kept him out of two games but had three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills. He had six touchdowns this season and could be a difficult matchup for the Eagles - Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten had three catches for 77 yards and a score against Philadelphia three weeks ago. Gocong, the strongside linebacker, could get help from Dawkins in coverage.
Dolphins KR/PR Ted Ginn Jr. vs. Steelers special teams
Ginn is no great return threat in his rookie season, with only one punt return of 20 or more yards and a kickoff return average of 23.7 that is 37th in the league, but this is Steelers we are talking about. They have allowed big returns all season (an average of 26.0 yards per kickoff return and 23.8 on punts), and running back Leon Washington's punt return in overtime set up the New York Jets' game-winning field goal. That unit also allowed kick returns of 90 and 100 yards by Cleveland wideout Josh Cribbs. Ginn is averaging 12.5 yards on 15 punt returns to rank second in the AFC. On kickoffs he's averaging 23.9 yards. He has has had two kickoff returns called back for holding this season. Ginn has the speed to be dangerous, and the Steelers have been undisciplined in their coverage. That adds up to a combination that could keep the Dolphins on the cusp of their first victory of the season.
Steelers offensive line vs. Dolphins LB Joey Porter
If former Steelers outside linebacker Porter continues his habit of trash-talking the opponent when he comes to Heinz Field Monday night, he needs to direct his ire at the owner's box where Steelers executives sit. They realized that Porter had lost much of his pass-rushing ferocity and cut him last offseason, rather than give him the new, rich contract he desired. The Dolphins brought him to Miami on a five-year, $32 million contract ($20 million guaranteed), and he has responded with two sacks in 10 games. The Steelers were right, but Porter could rediscover his game against a Steelers offensive line that has allowed 11 of its 23 total sacks in the past two weeks against the defensively challenged Browns and Jets. It's probably the only hope the Dolphins have of winning.
Steelers TE Heath Miller vs. Dolphins LB Joey Porter
This is the game Porter has had circled on his calendar since the three-time Pro Bowler was cut by Pittsburgh this offseason. He's trying to prove that he's not on the downside of his career but has little evidence to back him up considering his slow start this season with the Dolphins. Porter is coming around as of late, contributing 13 tackles in the past two games. That's nearly twice the production he's had in any other two-game stretch this season. However, Porter has struggled defending tight ends and hasn't shown the ability to shed blockers. Miller, who has 33 catches for 457 yards and six touchdowns, is a solid run blocker and often paves the way for running back Willie Parker. His 6-foot-5, 256-pound frame should present Porter a challenge, but maybe Porter has a cheat sheet on Miller because of all the time he has spent defending him.
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