Philbin confident in secondarys' ability to match up with Bears’ receivers

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
A big story-line heading into Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears is whether or not the Miami Dolphins secondary, which isn’t very big, can match up against the height and physicality of the Bears’ wide receiver corps. While on paper it’s a mismatch, Joe Philbin says it’s all about how you play on the field.

“Let’s face it, both our guys, when you measure them, they’re not as tall as the two guys outside that they have, but I think, after watching these guys play, these guys play bigger than their height indicates and both guys have good ball skills. And they’re both competitive guys. So obviously we can’t do anything to necessarily elevate them in the next four days from a statue standpoint, but you know, they are going to have to play with good fundamentals, really. It’s going to be important without a doubt. These guys are good, they’re both good.”

Philbin emphasized the fact that the Dolphins secondary must play extremely well if they want to contain the receivers due to their ability to make plays when it seems like there is nothing to be had.

“They are an awfully good combination. Those guys have had great production. Obviously, they present a unique challenge just because they are 6’3, 6’4 guys, they are fast, really confident when they go after the football. They have six or seven touchdowns between the two of those guys. Our defensive backfield is going to have to play extremely well in this game, without a doubt. These guys, they are not easy to defend.”

The defensive line was a major point of emphasis against the Green Bay Packers and it will be again this week against the Bears. However, the secondary will also need to step up their game and play physical in an effort to make up for their lack of height.