Miami vs. Cleveland
Miami’s first game in new stadium also should be first win
Dolphins set for their first home game. Preview and analysis.
When Dolphins run
This could be a troubling area. RB Arian Foster (groin) might not play. If not, the Dolphins lose their most complete player at the position and must formulate a plan among Jay Ajayi, Kenyan Drake, Damien Williams and Isaiah Pead. Drake, the rookie thirdround pick, might be the most complete among the foursome. Cleveland counters with a run defense that’s tied for 17th at 106.5 yards allowed per game. The Dolphins need to show improvement here, led by an OL that blows open some holes, but it’s debatable whether that happens, especially without Foster.
Edge: Dolphins
When Browns run
RB Isaiah Crowell (195 yards, 6.5 yards per carry, two TDs) will provide a challenge to the Dolphins’ defense. Granted, a large part of his yards came on an 85-yard run, but he had12 carries for 62 yards (5.2 yards per carry) in the opener against Philadelphia. The Dolphins’ run defense is vulnerable, allowing136.5 yards per game (30th in the NFL). The run defense has been strong up the middle among DT Ndamukong Suh (16 tackles), MLB Kiko Alonso (22 tackles, tied for sixth in the league) and SS Reshad Jones (21 tackles, tied for 10th in NFL). But others areas have been lacking. The Dolphins have allowed more than100 yards rushing in both games this year.
Edge: Browns
When Dolphins pass
QB Ryan Tannehill (48 of 74, 575 yards, two TDs, two INTs, 86.3 passer rating) had the passing game humming in the second half lastweek when, facing a big deficit, he spread the ball around and saw TE Jordan Cameron, WR DeVante Parker and WR Jarvis Landry all make spectacular grabs. And WR Kenny Stills had a TD. For the first time this passing game lived up to its potential. As a bonus, and a tip of the hat to the OL, Tannehill wasn’t sacked. If that repeats, there’s almost noway the Dolphins lose. Browns CB Joe Haden (two INTs), a two-time Pro Bowl selection, is always a threat. CB Jamar Taylor, the Dolphins’ second-round pick in 2013, starts opposite Haden. This matchup rests largely on howwell the Dolphins execute, because on paper they have the talent edge.
Edge: Dolphins
When Browns pass
Rookie QB Cody Kessler, the third-round pick from Southern California, is making his first career start. That should be enough to excite the Dolphins’ pass rush that’s led by Suh (one sack) and DEs Cameron Wake, Mario Williams (one sack) and Jason Jones (1.5 sacks). They haven’t yet controlled a game, but they should be able to control this one. The Dolphins’ secondary has proven to be a play-making unit when it comes to turnovers. And nowthat Browns WR Corey Coleman (broken hand) appears to be sidelined there’s no reason the Dolphins shouldn’t win this battle.
Edge: Dolphins
Special teams
K Andrew Franks (2 of 3 FGs) has been decent, but that 27-yarder thatwas blocked at Seattle still looms large in the young season. P Matt Darr (47.8 yards per punt, 12th in NFL) has been strong. KOR Jakeem Grant (two returns, 33.5 yards per return) might share duties with Drake (one return, 15 yards). Landry will likely continue to field punts deep in Dolphins territory. Browns K Patrick Murray (1 of 2 FGs) and P Britton Colquitt (47.7 yards per punt, 13th in NFL) have been just as good as the Dolphins duo. RB/KOR Duke Johnson might see some action and Haden could be used on PR. This is a fairly even matchup so the home team gets the nod.
Edge: Dolphins
Intangibles
This is the home opener for the Dolphins; they’re 3-1 in their past four home openers. ...
Cleveland is 0-1on the road having lost at Philadelphia, 29-10, in the opener. ...
Cleveland senior offensive assistant Al Saunders served in the same role for the Dolphins last season. ...
Cleveland RB Duke Johnson starred at the University of Miami and Miami Norland High School. ...
Cleveland CB Tracy Howard played at UM and Miramar High School. ...
Dolphins WR DeVante Parker (eight receptions, 106 yards) is coming off an excellent performance. ...
DT Ndamukong Suh had a career-best 12 tackles last week vs. New England. ... Edge: Dolphins PREDICTION: DOLPHINS 31, BROWNS17