DOLPHINS GAMEDAY

KEYS TO THE GAME

Rosen must raise his level of play:

Now that coach Brian Flores has anointed Josh Rosen the starter for the entire season, the goal should be to see him make strides throughout the course of the year and prove he’s a capable NFL starter. That means Rosen must improve his completion percentage (51.2), yards-perattempt average (5.74), throw more touchdown passes (only one so far this season) and less interceptions (three), and give up few sacks (11). Rosen shouldn’t have too much difficultly attacking Washington’s secondary as long as he avoids Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman.

Offensive line has to have a respectable game:

The Dolphins offensive line showed some improvement in Miami’s 30-10 loss to the Chargers two weeks ago, but the unit needs to continue tightening the screws, and will have to do so against a physical Redskins defensive line. It’s possible that Jesse Davis could be moved back to right tackle because of how well J’Marcus Webb played as his replacement at left tackle against the Chargers, so it would be ideal for the Dolphins to help both players settle in by giving them tight end help from time to time.

Stop Washington’s rushing attack:

Redskins interim coach Bill Callahan has a history as a former offensive line coach, and his track record as a head coach shows that he’s been committed to establishing the run game. This season the Redskins are averaging 3.9 yards per attempt despite having Adrian Peterson in the backfield. The Dolphins are giving up the most rushing yards per game (175.8) in the NFL, but Miami held the Chargers to fewer than 100 rushing yards two weeks ago.

Make Keenum uncomfortable:

Case Keenum’s foot injury has apparently healed well enough for him to return as Washington’s starter for Sunday’s game, and his athleticism and accuracy (69.1 completion percentage) could present problems for the Dolphins. Miami must find a way to rattle Washington’s quarterback, but that won’t be easy considering Donald Penn and Morgan Moses are forceful offensive tackles. The Dolphins need to get consistent pressure from Taco Charlton, who has recorded two sacks in the two games he’s played for Miami, and Charles Harris, Avery Moss and Vince Biegel.

Rush for 100 or more yards:

Running the football effectively on first and second downs would keep the offense on schedule, which is necessary for third-down success. Washington is allowing 144 rushing yards per game and 4.7 per attempt.