Who has the edge: Miami Dolphins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

DOLPHINS RUNNING GAME VS. STEELERS RUN DEFENSE

The Dolphins are coming off a season-high 150-yard rushing performance, but that was against injury-depleted Green Bay. Pittsburgh's defense is relatively healthy, and ranked first in the NFL against the run, limiting opponents to 63.6 rushing yards per game. Dolphins center Joe Berger will face the toughest challenge, lining up against Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton. (nfl jerseys wholesale)Ricky Williams is averaging 2.6 yards a carry in the two games he's played against the Steelers. Ronnie Brown averaged 2.0 in his one game.

DOLPHINS PASSING GAME VS. STEELERS PASS DEFENSE

Chad Henne's overall numbers have improved, but his fourth-quarter passing efficiency hasn't. In that critical period, Henne's completing 57.9 percent of his passes and has a quarterback rating of 61.4, which is behind 30 other starters in the NFL. Brandon Marshall has caught 17 passes for 189 yards in his three previous games against the Steelers, but hasn't scored. Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden are respected veterans, but neither are lockdown cornerbacks for the Steelers. That means Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu (27 tackles,(Cardinals Jersey) two interceptions) will be stretched pretty thin against the Dolphins.


Rashard Mendenhall is averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and is on pace for his second consecutive 1,000-plus season. He's scored five rushing touchdowns this season, making the most of a physical run blocking offensive line. The Dolphins, (Arizona Cardinals Jersey)who are allowing 109.4 rushing yards per game, are working to find ways to sure up the defensive front. Channing Crowder's return from a groin injury helped last week against Green Bay, which rushed for 76 yards, and so did starting defensive end Tony McDaniel because it allowed Randy Starks to move back to nose tackle.