Here’s a take a look at how the Miami Dolphins (4-3) and Detroit Lions (1-5) match up in six key areas forward of Sunday’s Week 8 sport at Ford Field (1 p.m., CBS):
When the Dolphins run: Miami posted its second crew dashing effort that surpassed 100 yards in final Sunday evening’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, with 111 on the evening. Raheem Mostert, who has grabbed maintain of the lead again position, had 79 yards on his 16 carries, constantly exhibiting stable burst and imaginative and prescient.
The return of left deal with Terron Armstead was an enormous plus, and it was evident with what number of rushes to his aspect went for sizable good points. Center Connor Williams and proper guard Robert Hunt additionally deserve credit score for what they’ve completed all through the season. Chase Edmonds solely had 17 yards on his seven carries. He bought the decision on coach Mike McDaniel’s questionable fourth-and-3 resolution. A gap was there if he stored going left, however he turned inside and was stuffed.
The Lions’ run protection is thirtieth within the NFL, and their 12 dashing touchdowns allowed is worst within the league. Free security DeShon Elliott leads the crew with 49 tackles, and center linebacker Alex Anzalone is second with 47 as Detroit runs a 4-3. Edge: Dolphins
When the Lions run: It seems gifted tailback D’Andre Swift could possibly be in line to return after being hampered by shoulder and ankle accidents that haven’t allowed him to play since Week 3. He was on a tear earlier than taking place, with a whopping 8.6 yards per carry. Power again Jamaal Williams has held it down since, dashing for a 4.5 common. Expect each to get touches.
Detroit’s seventh-ranked dashing assault is anchored inside by middle Frank Ragnow, a Pro Bowler in 2020. The Lions even have former first-round decide Penei Sewell at proper deal with.
The Dolphins held the Steelers and working again Najee Harris to 95 crew dashing yards, and so they have been bumped as much as the NFL’s No. 7 run protection. Outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Andrew Van Ginkel had been stellar final day out with eight tackles apiece and distinctive hustle performs deep into the evening. Miami misplaced some run help from robust security Brandon Jones after dropping him to a torn ACL for the season. Edge: Even
When the Dolphins move: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is again for a second sport after getting back from concussion and needs to be sharper than he was exterior of that opening drive in opposition to the Steelers. Tagovailoa missed his targets on a number of events when there have been alternatives for large performs with yards after the catch if he hit his playmakers in stride. He additionally had Pittsburgh’s protection drop 4 interceptions.
Tyreek Hill leads the NFL in receptions (57) and receiving yards (773) with Jaylen Waddle fourth in receiving yards (621). The two rank sixth and seventh amongst receivers in yards after the catch. Armstead’s return, together with veteran Brandon Shell’s emergence at proper deal with appears to be offering the move safety Tagovailoa wants. The fast passing sport additionally helps preserve the hits away.
Elliott and cornerback Jeff Okudah could have their palms full within the secondary. Aidan Hutchinson, the rookie out of Michigan, is off to a robust begin with 4 1/2 sacks in six video games. Detroit has former Dolphin first-round decide Charles Harris dashing reverse him. Edge: Dolphins
When the Lions move: Quarterback Jared Goff is finishing 62.3 % of passes with 1,583 yards, 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Standout receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (28 receptions, 275 yards, three touchdowns) is anticipated to clear concussion protocol by Sunday. Josh Reynolds (24-343-2) has been an upstart possibility for Goff, and T.J. Hockenson (23-315-3) is likely one of the higher tight ends within the league. Swift also can catch out of the backfield.
Cornerback Xavien Howard seems to be returning to kind the place he might be locking down his aspect after groin accidents have bothered him early this season. Miami hopes to get cornerbacks Kader Kohou and Keion Crossen again, however Noah Igbinoghene and Justin Bethel stepped up in a giant means with interceptions in opposition to the Steelers. The Dolphins will discover methods to exchange Jones, alongside prime free security Jevon Holland. It could possibly be a mixture of Eric Rowe, Clayton Fejedelem and Verone McKinley up from the follow squad.
Phillips has gotten his move rush going of late. If defensive finish Emmanuel Ogbah can return from his again damage, that might get the Miami move rush again to being deadly whereas additionally incorporating Van Ginkel and Melvin Ingram. Jones can even be missed for what he supplied on the security blitz. Edge: Dolphins
Special groups: The Dolphins largely cleaned up a few of their particular groups miscues within the win over Pittsburgh — or at the least they weren’t bitten by particular groups when Mostert muffed a kickoff however recovered it and Wilson had an adventurous punt catch. Kicker Jason Sanders was 3 for 3 on area objectives, and punter Thomas Morstead had 4 of his six punts downed contained in the Steelers’ 20.
The Lions are anticipated to once more elevate former University of Miami kicker Michael Badgley from the follow squad after he was 2 for two, together with one from 53 yards in final week’s loss to the Cowboys. Detroit’s punter is Jack Fox, punt returner is Kalif Raymond, and the Lions have used working again Justin Jackson and practice-squad receiver Maurice Alexander, an FIU and Miami Booker T. Washington High alum, on kick returns.
I’m banking on particular groups coordinator Danny Crossman’s unit to maintain trending up. Edge: Dolphins
Intangibles: The Dolphins have misplaced their previous two highway video games, however these had been in opposition to the Jets, who’re on a four-game successful streak, and the Bengals, who’ve received 4 of their previous 5. Meanwhile, the Lions enter on a four-game dropping streak. They have the NFL’s worst protection and, after averaging 35 factors via their first 4 video games, they’ve scored 6 factors of their previous two outings mixed. Miami’s pace on the Ford Field turf and enclosed atmosphere ought to bode properly for McDaniel’s offense. Detroit, although, will play exhausting for coach Dan Campbell, the Dolphins’ one-time interim coach in 2015. Edge: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 31, Lions 20
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Source: www.bostonherald.com