Week 1 Matchup

Sporting News, The, Sept 13, 1999 by Jim Nagy

O.J. McDuffie and Tony Martin Vs. Bale Carter and Ray Crockett

In the last meeting between the Dolphins and Broncos, on December 21, 1998, Dan Marino scorched Denver for 355 yards and four touchdowns. Subsequently, both teams made offseason moves that make the matchup of the Dolphins' wideouts and the Broncos' cornerbacks even more intriguing.

Former Chiefs All-Pro cornerback Dale Carter has replaced Darrien Gordon for Denver, and ex-Falcon receiver Tony Martin is starting in place of Lamar Thomas, who had 136 receiving yards and three touchdowns in Miami's 31-21 upset victory.

Though Martin is a huge upgrade over Thomas, Carter is arguably the best man-to-man corner in the league after Deion Sanders. Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson is determined to run the ball, but the Broncos' ability to play man coverage on the perimeter will allow them to walk strong safety Tyrone Braxton up in the box to shut down the run.

Despite the gaudy passing numbers in the teams' last meeting, the Broncos' pass coverage can't take all the blame. Marino's 355 yards were more a reflection of Denver's inability to apply pressure. Though pressure usually is interpreted as sacks, the Broncos need to hurry Marino into more ill-advised throws. Marino rarely takes sacks because he knows when to get rid of the ball and how to buy an extra second and deliver strikes.

Carter's presence will allow the Broncos to play press coverage on the Dolphins' receivers and use more blitz packages. Denver defensive coordinator Greg Robinson is the most creative coach in the league in terms of the looks he gives opponents up front. The Broncos' front four linemen can get to the quarterback on their own, but Marino will run into real trouble when outside linebackers Bill Romanowski and John Mobley start disguising their blitzes.

The Dolphins, who have lacked a true speed receiver like Martin for years, will look to beat the Broncos deep early. Crockett, who doesn't run as well as he once did, matches up well against a possession receiver like McDuffie on the underneath routes. Therefore, the key player is Carter. He must clamp down and run with Martin early in the game to allow the Broncos to load up for the Dolphins' running game. The winner of this individual baffle will dictate which team will have the ability to implement its respective game plan.

--Jim Nagy, managing editor of The War Room