3 Keys: Wildcat Wildcard Edition

Let me start by proclaiming that if the Dolphins can beat the Ravens they can beat anyone in the postseason. Anyone.

One thing that I have to observe before this game is that the Dolphins have the emotional edge. The Cam Cameron "did the best with what he had" Harbaugh comments are still out there. The Dolphins lost last time and so these wounds are only deeper. Porter, Holliday, Roth, Crowder and the other members of last year's team are going to have made this locker room material.

I think it will be a nice thing to behold, at the end of the game, as Joey Porter walks up to Cam Cameron (who's eyes go wide with fear) and Joey explains to him that it's okay. That he's just a soft bitch and that's okay because the world needs soft bitches too.

Man. I could really get into talking like Joey Porter. BTW: For those of you with short attention spans, there is are two essential videos to watch at the bottom. Enjoy.

So what will the Dolphins have to do in order to move on to Pittsburgh?

The First Key: Make Plays In Pass Defense

A strange first key, you say, because Baltimore ran it down Miami's throat last time. Stopping the run will be important but not a likely place for generating turnovers. The Phinisher thinks that the key to winning this game will be taking the ball away from the Ravens.

A rookie quarterback is the best way to do this.

In week 7 upstart Joe Flacco had a nearly perfect game. That was also the last time we'd have to look at a poor secondary. Since that game Miami's defensive backs have been playing at an elite level and have been snagging a lot of footballs.

My magic number is 2. Either 2 interceptions or less than 200 yards in the air.

Let's go Goody, Allen, Rinaldo and Y-B. Get some.

Lastly: Porter falls into this category as well. Forced fumble a la Flacco anyone?

The Second Key: "You Can't Have Fun Unless You Stop The Run"

Joey Porter presented that gem to the media a few weeks back. It was a "Cowersim." It is the truth.

I've already discussed this week the fact that the last time the Dolphins met the Ravens they lost NT Jason Ferguson in the first quarter and that backup NT Paul Soliai was suspended that week. This forced Randy Starks, a backup DE, to play the whole game at NT.

I've been saying this since the Dolphins went to a 3-4, but I'll say it again: You can't stop the run without a good nose tackle. It doesn't matter if you have Zach Thomas and John Offerdahl in their prime playing at linebacker. You have to have a nose tackle to control the line of scrimmage. Ferguson is healthy and playing great. Soliai too, has been very solid in his reserve role. He isn't suspended either.

They ain't running it like last time.

The Third Key: Keep Pennington Upright

I know the rumors this week have been about an expanded Wildcat that supposedly will take advantage of certain things the Ravens like to do one defense. Mark my words: The Dolphins will win this game on the back of Chad Pennington.

They have to demonstrate an ability to run the ball. If they can get it going, truly running the ball well, then this all changes and the game opens up. The bottom line is we have a young line (younger than last time they played) and the Ravens have as nasty a front seven as there is.

One key match-up will be Jake Long on Terrell Suggs. Long was yet a rookie last time they met. Now he's a franchise left tackle. Good luck, Terrell.

Finally, Tony Sparano is a hard man. He didn't take his foot off the gas this week. The Phins had a "very tough" practice on New Year's eve and Sparano watched film until 4:30am on Monday after the jets game.

Harbaugh asked his team if they wanted New Years off. Let's give it to'em I say. Lets give them the New Year off.

Here are two videos. The first will bring tears to your eyes. The second will make you bawl like a new born porpoise.

Chad Pennington, our hero.

Miami Dolphins, full circle.

GO PHINS!!!!