(My Sportsbook) - Miami was exposed on Monday night in Green Bay, where the Packers dominated the careless Dolphins with a 24-10 win. The Fins struggled to move the ball offensively, and committed four turnovers. Miami's defense couldn't contain Brett Favre, who took full advantage of his many opportunities.
QB Ray Lucas threw two interceptions and coughed up a fumble, while the return of WR Cris Carter was also a flop. The future Hall of Famer dropped passes and also fumbled. Miami's running game never got into gear, as Ricky Williams ran 14 times for just 47 yards.
The Fins need to get back on the right track in the worst way, as back-to-back losses have allowed the rest of the division to narrow the gap. This week's showdown against the New York Jets is pivotal for both teams in the quest for the division crown.
"We're just shooting ourselves in the foot," said Lucas. "When you really look at it, nobody is stopping us yet. We were driving the ball on Monday night and we kept shooting ourselves in the foot. We can't have that. The bottom line is that we have to win, period."
Lucas is listed as questionable for this week's game following a bruised right shoulder he suffered last week, which would mean third-string QB Sage Rosenfels may make his first NFL start. Wannstedt still hasn't named a starter.
"I don't know, to be honest with you," said the coach. "[Lucas is] not 100 percent. We're just going to have to wait and see and take it one day at a time. We're preparing Sage for the possibility that he will have to play."
It's time for coach Wannstedt and offensive coordinator Norv Turner to get back to the drawing board, and hopefully the Dolphins will take better care of the ball while executing the game plan. Since the Jets have been very vulnerable to the run for the majority of the season, expect Williams to get more carries this week.
It appeared that Miami was using short passes as its main approach last week before things began to unravel. Turner was calling a lot of plays to Williams out of the backfield and many other short patterns for the receivers. Since Lucas isn't the most polished passer, Miami's philosophy will probably be the same this Sunday.
The Dolphins will continue to throw to Carter, and the former Viking should respond after his poor showing on Monday night. He is a proud player, and he will do whatever it takes to get back to his old form. Carter thrives on short routes, and he will be a factor this week for sure.
New York's defense has regained its edge, but the fact remains that the Jets are capable of a letdown after their long road trip. The Jets allow a conference-worst 146.3 yards per game on the ground and Williams will be poised to bounce back from his struggled in Green Bay. Expect Williams to get the ball at least 20 times this Sunday since Turner will need to limit Lucas' attempts.
COMING UP: The Dolphins host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.
