Eagles-Dolphins Scouting Report

Recent history: The Eagles defeated Miami at the Linc on Nov. 18, 2007, 17-7. The Dolphins lead the series, 7-5.

OFFENSE

Eagles

412.6 yards per game (3rd)

Dolphins

320.2 yards per game (21st)

Quarterback

Eagles

Michael Vick's top priority will be ball protection, which is something he hasn't done very well. He's 24th in the league in interception percentage with 11 picks in 300 attempts. Four of those 11 have come in the red zone, as well as two fumbles. Vick didn't have any TD passes in his last two starts.

Dolphins

Since replacing Chad Henne in Week 4, Matt Moore has done a good job of playing within himself. He's thrown just two interceptions in his last seven starts and has completed 66 percent of his passes in the Dolphins' four wins. While he's mainly a pocket quarterback, he's got enough mobility to extend plays.

Pick: Eagles

Running Back

Eagles

Even though LeSean McCoy is leading the league in rushing, the Eagles have been reluctant to run the ball much against teams with strong run defenses. Considering that the Dolphins are fifth in the league against the run and 24th vs. the pass, a 20-carry game isn't likely for McCoy.

Dolphins

Reggie Bush is a versatile pass-catcher and runner who is much better in space than he is running between the tackles. He is proving this year that he can be more than just a third-down back. He's rushed for a career-high 667 yards and has averaged 16 carries over the last six games.

Pick: Eagles

Receiving

Eagles

The receiving corps should be at full strength with the return of Jeremy Maclin, who has missed the last three games. While DeSean Jackson does impact defenses just by his mere presence, he hasn't been very productive as a pass-catcher. Since Week 2, he's got just one touchdown catch and no red-zone receptions.

Dolphins

At 6-4, 230 pounds, WR Brandon Marshall creates mismatches in the passing game and opens the field for the other receiving options. Davone Bess, who caught 155 passes the previous 2 years, has been underused. He's got just 13 receptions in the last five games. TE Anthony Fasano has a team-high four TD catches.

Pick: Eagles

Offensive Line

Eagles

Andy Reid has used youth as an excuse on defense, but this unit has two rookie starters and has played remarkably well. It is fifth in the league in sacks allowed (21). LT Jason Peters is a major reason for LeSean McCoy's rushing success. Eagles have 27 runs of 10-plus yards to the left side.

Dolphins

LT Jake Long is this unit's best player, but he's having his most inconsistent season. RG Vernon Carey, who probably is the second best, is expected to miss his second straight game with an ankle injury and will be replaced by rookie John Jerry. Dolphins are 27th in sacks allowed per pass play.

Pick: Eagles

DEFENSE

Eagles

344.8 yards per game (17th)

Dolphins

342.1 yards per game (15th)

Defensive Line

Eagles

DT Mike Patterson quietly is having a Pro Bowl-worthy season. He's third on the team in tackles, has 2 1/2 sacks and his 20 QB hurries are third only to Jason Babin's 38 and Trent Cole's 28. Despite fewer snaps this year, Cole seems to be doing the second-half fade again. He has one sack in the last three games.

Dolphins

Paul Soliai is one of the league's top NTs. The 6-4, 355-pounder is an immovable object who can hold the point of attack against double teams. DE Randy Starks is a versatile player who can be moved inside and outside. Former Penn Stater Jason Odrick is an effective nickel pass-rusher (four sacks).

Pick: Even

Linebacker

Eagles

After allowing just 3.6 yards per carry in the previous six games, the Eagles gave up a season-high 174 rushing yards to the Seahawks. Reggie Bush isn't the tackle-breaker that Marshawn Lynch is, but he's more dangerous in space. Rookie LB Brian Rolle is being replaced by Keenan Clayton in nickel.

Dolphins

Led by ILB Karlos Dansby and WLB Cameron Wake, this is a very good unit. Dansby is just one of six active player with 30-plus career sacks and 10 interceptions. Wake, who was signed out of the CFL, is one of the league's better 3-4 pass-rushers. He had 14 sacks last year and has a team-high 6 1/2 this year.

Pick: Dolphins

Secondary

Eagles

Poor safety play has been one of the biggest problems with the defense this season. Nate Allen isn't the same player he was before his 2010 knee injury and undersized Kurt Coleman misses more tackles than he makes. Rookie second-rounder Jaiquawn Jarrett still has that deer-in-headlights look and has had no impact.

Dolphins

Dolphins only have nine interceptions and are 24th in the league vs. the pass. CB Vontae Davis is their best corner. He's got good strength and athleticism and is able to disrupt receivers in press coverage. He doesn't have elite speed, but possesses very good ball skills and anticipation.

Pick: Even

Special Teams

Eagles

The best part of the special teams has been the coverage units, both ranked in the top four in the league. The worst part is the return game, which has contributed little to field position. Eagles are 26th in average drive start after kickoffs, and PR DeSean Jackson is averaging just 7.3 yards.

Dolphins

P Brandon Fields is third in the league in gross average (49.1) and has put a league-best 25 of 56 punts inside the 20. PR Davone Bess is averaging 10.8 yards per return, even though his longest is 22 yards. KR Clyde Gates had a 77-yard return last week vs. Oakland. PK Dan Carpenter has made 20 of 24 FG attempts.

Pick: Dolphins

Domo's prediction: Dolphins 27, Eagles 20

KEY MATCHUPS

1. Eagles C Jason Kelce vs. Dolphins NT Paul Soliai: Kelce will be giving up about 75 pounds to one of the league's top nose tackles. Advantage: Dolphins

2. Eagles CB Nnamdi Asomugha vs. Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall: Assuming Asomugha is healthy, he has both the size and ability to match up against the 6-4, 230-pound Marshall. Advantage: Eagles

3. Eagles LDE Jason Babin vs. Dolphins RT Marc Colombo: Presence of Cullen Jenkins and Trent Cole is going to make it difficult for Dolphins to give Colombo much double-team help on Babin. Advantage: Eagles

Hot and Not

HOT

Eagles: WR Riley Cooper. Has 13 receptions for 240 yards in the last three games.

Dolphins: QB Matt Moore. Has thrown eight touchdown passes and just one interception in the last five games.

NOT

Eagles: QB Vince Young. Threw eight interceptions in the last three games.

Dolphins: WR Davone Bess. Has just 13 receptions for 118 yards in the last five games.