The Miami Dolphins (4-3) journey to Detroit to play the Lions (1-5) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ford Field in Week 8 of the season; listed below are some keys to the sport to look at for:
Dolphins’ scoring offense
The Dolphins common 21 factors per recreation, which ranks nineteenth within the NFL. The Lions permit 32.1 ppg, which is thirty second (final within the league). But the protection can’t proceed being required to maintain groups to lower than 20 ppg. In the previous 5 video games the Dolphins have averaged 17 ppg. If the Lions get a two-score lead within the fourth quarter it’ll be attention-grabbing to see whether or not the Dolphins offense can mount a comeback. We know they’re succesful with big-play broad receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. But the Dolphins don’t persistently rating touchdowns. This is changing into a serious difficulty.
The Lions have been with out working again DeAndre Swift (shoulder) and broad receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (concussion protocol), so their offense hasn’t been buzzing the best way it was by way of the primary 4 video games after they averaged 35 ppg. Either or each may return this week. Whatever the case, this recreation begs for the Dolphins’ scoring offense to place up a giant quantity and present it’s on its technique to enchancment. The Dolphins can transfer the ball. They rank tenth in yards per recreation at 367. But they should present they’ll rating touchdowns.
Turnover margin
This is among the most essential numbers in soccer. The Dolphins are minus-2, tied for twenty first within the league. They have been minus-5 earlier than final Sunday’s 16-10 victory over Pittsburgh however recorded a plus-3 towards the Steelers. The massive variations have been the protection produced three interceptions, and the offense didn’t undergo any turnovers (it had two interceptions and a misplaced fumble two weeks in the past).
Yes, the Dolphins improved their penalty scenario final Sunday, solely getting whistled 5 instances for 30 yards after amassing 105 yards the earlier two video games. But turnovers are the larger measure for victory and self-discipline. We’ll see if the Dolphins can keep on the constructive facet this week with excellent defensive play and good offensive play. By the best way, Detroit is minus-6 in turnover margin, thirtieth within the league.
Tua Tagovailoa has little room for error
Decision-making stays a query. We noticed Tagovailoa throw three, possibly 4 passes, that would have/ought to have been intercepted towards the Steelers. But we additionally noticed him tackle a linebacker nearly head-on on a run, and slide a bit too early on one other run. Tagovailoa (101 of 150, 1,296 yards, 9 touchdowns, three interceptions, 105.9 passer score) was coming off a two-absence and needed to knock off some rust. For probably the most half, the rust needs to be gone this Sunday and we shouldn’t see comparable misjudgments.
The margin for error for the Dolphins has been lowered drastically with the damage to security Brandon Jones (knee), which means the protection would possibly take a step again this week because it adjusts to yet one more new personnel grouping. The secondary will enter the sport with out beginning cornerbacks Byron Jones (Achilles) and Nik Needham (Achilles), and we’ll see about cornerbacks Kader Kohou (indirect) and Keion Crossen (knee), who every missed the Pittsburgh recreation. So the offense should be higher, and consequently Tagovailoa should be higher.
Controlling Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson
The rookie edge rusher has 4.5 sacks and exhibits wonderful abilities. You need to suppose left sort out Terron Armstead will likely be OK 1 on 1 towards Hutchinson. Armstead is a baller. But on the opposite facet, the place proper sort out Brandon Shell resides, issues may emerge. Granted, the Dolphins have a fast passing recreation that options Tagovailoa getting the ball out of his palms in about two seconds. That’s partly as a result of that’s the Dolphins offense, and partly as a result of defenses are taking part in deep safeties to remove the lengthy ball, inflicting the Dolphins to take the quick passes.
But it additionally cuts down on time rushers need to get to Tagovailoa. Hutchinson is a tricky participant to defend. He can use brute power, velocity or finesse. He’s not able to profitable the sport by himself, however he may trigger issues for a quarterback who has had points with concussions and decision-making.
Dolphins’ secondary
The damage tally is wonderful. We’ll see if it continues, and from what we’ve seen already this season there’s cause to suppose it miraculously will. We already talked about Byron Jones, Brandon Jones and Needham as starters misplaced to damage. Needham and Brandon Jones are out for the season. Brandon Jones was the group chief in tackles (49), tied for second in sacks (2.0), provided robust run assist and may need been the very best particular person on blitzes.
But the Dolphins have continued to seek out solutions within the secondary amongst guys similar to cornerbacks Kohou, Crossen and Justin Bethel, and safeties Clayton Fejedelem and Eric Rowe. Detroit’s passing recreation and working recreation aren’t fearsome, so we’ll see if the secondary, and the protection, can prepared the ground as soon as once more.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com