NFL WEEK 12 KEYS TO THE GAME

Limit Panthers QB Cam Newton’s scrambling:

Newton, who had been unemployed recently after New England released him at the end of training camp this summer, returned to starter status in his second game with the Panthers last Sunday and completed 21-of-27 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for another 46 yards on 10 carries in the loss.

Protect QB Tua Tagovailoa:

Tagovailoa has shown he can lead Miami to scoring drives when given time to execute the offense. The Dolphins delivered the second sackfree game of the season last Sunday against the Jets, but plenty of that had to do with Tagovailoa’s knack for getting the ball out his hands quickly and avoiding pressure.

Score 21 or more points:

Dolphins have scored more than 21 points four times this season, and two of those games resulted in losses. But the offense appears to be on an upswing with Tagovailoa at the helm, and with receiver Mack Hollins being given a larger role. The Dolphins are converting 42% of their third-down opportunities, which is slightly above the NFL average (40.1%), and have turned 56% of red-zone opportunities into touchdowns (59.6% is the NFL average).

Contain Panthers tailback Christian McCaffrey:

McCaffrey, who is one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive playmakers when healthy, has been limited by a hamstring injury this season. He’s played in six games, and is averaging 67.8 rushing yards and 57.2 receiving yards per game. He handles the ball 21 times per contest this season, which means Carolina’s offense runs through him when he plays.

Rush for 100 yards:

The Dolphins gained more than 100 rushing yards for the third time all season, and more importantly, the balance Miami’s rushing attack provided the offense kept the Jets defense off balance. Carolina has a much better defense, one that holds opponents to 288.7 yards per game, which is 61.7 yards lower than the NFL average.