Bringing heat to Tua
CARDINALS PASS OFFENSE VS. DOLPHINS PASS DEFENSE
Kyler Murray has thrown for 360 or more yards in two of his past three games, all Cardinals victories. Although the Dolphins have the league’s top-ranked scoring defense (18.6 points per game), Miami has been susceptible to the pass, allowing 350 or more passing yards in a game three times, including last week’s win over the Rams. It will be interesting to see how sharp Murray and the passing game will be following a week off. Despite the bye, Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins still leads the league in receptions (57) and receiving yards (706). With four receptions on Sunday, Hopkins (61) would set a franchise record for most catches in the first eight games of a season. With a TD reception, Arizona’s Christian Kirk (six) would have as many TD catches in seven games played this season as he had in his first two seasons combined. Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard is tied for the league lead with four interceptions.
Cardinals
Edge:
CARDINALS RUN OFFENSE VS. DOLPHINS RUN DEFENSE
Arizona has the league’s second-ranked rushing offense, averaging 160.7 yards per game, and is second in the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns. The Cardinals, however, are expected to be without starting running back Kenyan Drake, a former Dolphin, because of an ankle injury. Backup Chase Edmonds will get the brunt of the workload and Murray, who leads the team with 437 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, will do what he always does. Jonathan Ward is listed as the No. 3 running back ahead of rookie Eno Benjamin and it will be interesting to see how many touches either of those backs happen to get. Expect to see a lot of Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker, who leads Miami with 59 tackles. Miami has allowed 10 rushing touchdowns through seven games.
Cardinals
Edge:
DOLPHINS PASS OFFENSE VS. CARDINALS PASS DEFENSE
It’s difficult to predict what to expect out of rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ passing game. This will only be his second NFL start and he only completed 12 passes for 93 yards in his debut last week against the Rams. More than likely, Miami probably will look to short passes and screens to help Tagovailoa find an early rhythm, but the Cardinals’ secondary must stay alert and not get lulled into complacency. The left-handed Tagovailoa can still throw it deep and Arizona has to be mindful of top receiver DeAvante Parker and tight end Mike Gesicki. Look for the Cardinals to bring the pressure on Tua early and often to try and knock him off his game, using some regular cornerback and safety blitzes. Forcing turnovers here will be the key and the Cardinals have seven takeaways in their last two games.
Cardinals
Edge:
DOLPHINS RUN OFFENSE VS. CARDINALS RUN DEFENSE
Miami is hurting in this particular area, where it ranks 28th in the league (98.0 yards per game) and just had to place its leading rusher, Myles Gaskin, on injured reserve with a sprained MCL. Gaskin started five games for the Dolphins (100 carries, 387 yards) and has been a threat as a pass catcher (30 receptions for 198 yards). Backup Matt Breida, who has gashed the Cardinals in the past when he played for the 49ers, hasn’t had double-digit carries this season and missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a sore hamstring. Another running back, Patrick Laird, is dealing with an ankle issue. Look for the Dolphins to finally turn to Jordan Howard, who has barely been used this season. Miami acquired running back DeAndre Washington in a trade on Tuesday with the Chiefs and if he has enough time to clear COVID-19 protocols, he could be pressed into service.
Cardinals
Edge: SPECIAL TEAMS
Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders is 15 for 15 on field goal attempts this season and was the AFC’s Specials Teams Player of the Month for October. His 86.2 career field-goal percentage is tops in team history. Miami punter Matt Haack ranks fourth in the league with 15 punts downed inside the 20-yard line and his 40.2 career net average is the best in franchise history. It’s in the return game, however, where the Dolphins have the advantage with Jakeem Grant Sr. He’s the Dolphins’ all-time record holder with five special teams return touchdowns, including an 88-yard punt return for a TD last week. His 227 punt return yards are the most in the league.
Dolphins
Edge: OVERALL
Arizona has the league’s top-ranked offense, averaging 419.1 yards per game, and is more than capable of moving the ball well against Miami. It will take more than that to win this game, however. The Cardinals’ defense needs to bring the heat on Tagovailoa and can’t neglect players like Gesicki or Howard. This shouldn’t be a trap game, unless the Cardinals make it one.
Prediction:
Cardinals 30, Dolphins 16