In Miami they're gleefully asking the question, "Can anybody stop the Wildcat offense" that opposing defenses have found harder to crack than a stone crab claw with your teeth.
In New Orleans they're wondering, "If we do, can you find any other way to beat us?"
The Dolphins chew up yardage in nibbles with the Wildcat that allows them to take big bites out of the game clock. Against the Colts in the second game of the season, the Dolphins averaged nearly 9 yards per play running the Wildcat 12 times. They held the ball for an astounding three-quarters of the game - 45 minutes to 15.
They also lost.
They have won the time of possession battle in four of their first five games of which they lost their first three and have won their last two.
The Dolphins are 0-3 when the opponent scores first. The Saints are 5-0 and have scored first in all five of those wins.
The Dolphins lack big play capability. The Saints are loaded with it. The Dolphins are minus three in turnover differential. The Saints are plus nine. The Dolphins think they've found a quality quarterback in Chad Henne. The Saints know they have one in Drew Brees.
Of Brees' statistics in the win over the Giants - 23 of 30, four touchdowns, 15 straight completions in the first half, rookie Dolphin cornerback Sean Smith said, "It's just paper. As a secondary you look forward to these kinds of games to make your name in the NFL."
Whether the afternoon results in name-making or name-calling for the Dolphin secondary, we shall see. Can the Saints slow down the Wildcat? Can the Dolphins slow down the number one offense in the NFL?
To the victor in those battles likely goes the victory in the game.
