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Tale of the tape

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Week 12: Seattle Seahawks At Miami Dolphins

Seahawks

Dolphins

Russell Wilson would be looked at as a phenomenon if he was playing like this in another NFL era. In 2012, rookie quarterbacks often play sensationally. Wilson is behind Andrew Luck of Indianapolis and Robert Griffin III in Washington. However, he has completed 62.1 percent of his passes and he has a 15-9 TD-to-interception ratio. He is also an effective runner.	Quarterback	The Dolphins have hit the skids and rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill doesn’t seem to have the answer to reverse this trend. It’s really not his fault because he has not had the supporting cast to get the job done. Tannehill is very smart, reads defenses well and he knows where to throw the ball. However, his receivers just don’t get open enough.
The Seahawks want to establish the ground game and they have one of the best running backs in the league in Marshawn Lynch, who has already rushed for 1,005 yards. Sidney Rice is a gamebreaking receiver who defeat one-on-one coverage. Golden Tate has been effective (6 TDs) in the complementary receiver role.	Offense	Reggie Bush has not given the Dolphins the consistency they need running the football. He has rushed for 59 yards or less in his last six games and that’s not acceptable. Head coach Joe Philbin doesn’t really have a suitable alternative, and that’s why it’s up to receivers Brian Hartline and Davone Bess to carry the load.
The Seahawks rank fourth in overall defense and fourth in pass defense. The key reason for that strong showing is their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Chris Clemons is the best pass rusher on the team and he has 7.0 sacks. Free safety Earl Thomas is one of the most unappreciated players in the league with 43 tackles and 9 passes defensed.	Defense	The Dolphins need a huge game from their defense if they are going to get back on track. Defensive end Cameron Wake can turn this game in the Dolphins favor with his ability to get to the passer. He has 9.5 sacks and uses his long reach to make tackles and frustrate opposing quarterbacks. Middle linebacker Karlos Dansby is the team’s leading tackler with 76 stops and he also has 7 passes defensed.
Placekicker Steven Hauschka has made 15-of-18 field goal attempts and has not missed an attempt of less than 50 yards. Leon Washington is a veteran return man who can make big plays. The Seahawks are solid in both punt and kickoff return differential.	Special Teams	The Dolphins have been solid in punt and kickoff return differential. However, placekicker Dan Carpenter has been inconsistent and he is barely hanging on to his job. Carpenter has made 13-of-18 field goal attempts and he is 0-for-3 on attempts of 50 yards or more.

The winner is

Seahawks

3 out of 4

The Seahawks have been an excellent team at home but they have a difficult time matching that consistency when they go on the road. This is especially true of their young quarterback. If the Seahawks think of themselves as a playoff-worthy team, they can’t let an opportunity against Miami slip through their grasp

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