Philadelphia offense vs. Miami defense

	EAGLES OFFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	Run	22
	Pass	30
	Tot. Yds.	30
	Scoring	28
	Int's allowed	6
	Sacks allowed	23
	DOLPHINS DEFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	vs. Run	5
	vs. Pass	13
	Total yds. allowed	7
	No. of INTs	6
	No. of Sacks	9
	Turnover differential	-5

Eagles QB Doug Pederson had a career best day against the Bears last weekend in the first half. Pederson went to the locker room with his Eagles pegged to a 20-6 lead, having gone 16-22 for 196 yards and two touchdowns. For the first time this season, Pederson looked down the field for his receivers and actually connected, finding WR Dietrich Jells for a 57-yard touchdown.

The Eagle offense, so woeful over the first five weeks, finally showed signs of life. A great deal of this success can be attributed to the cohesive play of the offensive line. The line gave QB Doug Pederson the time to look downfield and the Philadelphia receivers time to get open, things that have been missing in weeks past. Part of the line's success is a result of the improved play of ROT Lonnie Paleilei and ROG Jeff Dellenbach. Both have improved their run blocking, allowing RB Duce Staley to run to both sides of the field.

Last week, Staley recorded his third 100-yard game of the season and was a workhorse late in the fourth quarter when the Eagles were protecting a lead and needed him most. The line will have its work cut out for it this week against the Dolphins' aggressive front seven. Key to Philly's success will be the play of rookie FB Cecil Martin, who will be asked to help pass-block in obvious passing situations.

The Miami defense is clearly one of the most talented units in the league. The defensive line is capable of pressuring the quarterback without help from the linebackers or safeties, but defensive coordinator George Hill likes to use MLB Zach Thomas up the middle to force opposing QBs to get the ball out quickly. Miami will not be forced to take too many risks against Philly, but should be able to do so should the situation require it. The Dolphin corners, Patrick Surtain and Sam Madison, have the speed to run with Philadelphia's wideouts, and should not get burned by the deep ball even if they are locked-up in single coverage.

In the trenches, Miami has a match-up that should work in its favor -- LDT Tim Bowens lining-up across from Philadelphia ROG Jeff Dellenbach. Dellenbach's play has improved the last few weeks, but he was exposed last week against Chicago LDT Jim Flanigan -- he simply does not have the strength or the toughness to match up against Bowens for four quarters. Speed rushing RDE Jason Taylor will match up against Philly LDT Tra Thomas and could have problems defending the run. Thomas is a monster who is capable of dominating smaller players at the point of attack. Taylor needs to battle Thomas to a draw and allow his linebackers to come up and make plays.

Coach Jimmy Johnson has yet to name a starting QB, but all signs point to Huard, as Marino is still experiencing discomfort in his neck and shoulder from bone spurs. If Huard gets the nod, expect the Dolphins to emphasize the running game, with RBs Cecil Collins and J.J. Johnson sharing the load, although Collins will get the majority of the carries.

Against an undersized Philadelphia defensive line, Miami will try to wear out the Eagles with a smash mouth running game. Philadelphia has been stingy against the run, however, and the play of Miami's offensive line (particularly the guards) will need to improve if the 'Phins are to neutralize a Philly linebacking corps that pursue sideline to sideline with the best units in the league.

With the running game established, Johnson will allow Huard to look up top to WR Tony Martin, who is coming off his best game as a Dolphin. If Martin is working against LDC Troy Vincent, he could have a big day - Vincent is questionable with a strained groin muscle.

Philadelphia's defense has played well since Week 1. The Eagles corner tandem of Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor is among the best in the league. Both can play the physical game, but are fast enough that they rarely get burned deep. Vincent is tied for the league lead in interceptions and the Eagles need him to play at full speed to have a chance in this game. As of Wednesday, he is day-to-day with a groin injury.

Philadelphia's linebackers are showing a great deal of promise for the future. Athletic ROLB James Darling just seems to have a nose for the ball and has shown his skills both against the run and in pass coverage this season. Miami will try to run right at the Eagles this week, which means the linebackers need to shed their blocks and make plays at or near the line of scrimmage.

Philadelphia's pass rush took a huge hit last weekend, as RDE Hugh Douglas was lost indefinitely with a torn biceps tendon. When healthy, Douglas has terrorized opposing QB's while improving his play against the run. Without him Philadelphia will use the tandem of Mike Mamula and Greg Jefferson -- undersized guys who are a liability against the run. FS Brian Dawkins could see a lot of action in run support. Rookie Damon Moore could see increased playing time at SS this week. He intercepted his first pass last week and is an upgrade over starter Tim Hauck in passing situations.