South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
DOLPHINS GAMEDAY
DOLPHINS AT BRONCOS | 4:05 P.M. SUNDAY | EMPOWER FIELD AT MILE HIGH | CBS
KEYS TO THE GAME
Five things the Miami Dolphins (6-3) need to do to secure a victory on the road against the Denver Broncos (3-6): Confuse Denver’s quarterback to create turnovers
Whether its Drew Lock,
Brett Rypien or Jeff Driskel behind center, the Broncos quarterbacks have been harassed by blitzing teams this season and it hasn’t just resulted in sacks. The pressure has contributed to turnovers like the four Lock threw last Sunday in Denver’s loss to the Raiders. That explains why Denver has a cumulative passer rating of 68.4, which is the lowest in the league.
Win the field-position battle
The Dolphins have been dominating the fieldposition battle this season because of timely turnovers the defense has created and dominant special teams play from Miami’s returners, punter Matt Haack, and the coverage unit. Last week the Dolphins blocked the first punt of the season, and there’s likely more where that came from.
Be efficient in the red zone
Only three teams — Tampa Bay, Buffalo and New Orleans — have gotten inside the red zone more on offense than the Dolphins (36 trips) this season, but Miami’s touchdown rate (65.9 percent) puts them in the middle of the pack (ranked 15th) when it comes to efficiency. The Dolphins need to clean up some of the redzone issues that handcuffed the offense earlier in the season, and provide some creative play-calling like the plays that have led to tight ends being wide open in the end zone the past few weeks.
Keep Tagovailoa comfortable
Tua Tagovailoa, the fifth pick in the 2020 NFL draft, is one of three rookie quarterbacks to win their first three starts, and to extend that streak the Dolphins need to keep the pocket clean, giving him time to work. With pass rushing demon Von Miller on injured reserve, all the focus can turn to defensive end Bradley Chubb, who has contributed 25 tackles, 14 quarterback hits and 5.5 sacks this season.
Average more than 4.0 yards per carry
The Dolphins running game has struggled most of the season, averaging 3.6 yards per carry, which is tied with the Chicago Bears for last in the NFL. But for the second straight week rookie Salvon Ahmed provided a spark, gaining 85 yards on 21 carries and scoring his first rushing touchdown in Miami’s win over the Chargers.
STAFF PREDICTIONS
Latest line: Dolphins are favored by 3 ½ points. Over/ under: 45.
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 4-5): Dolphins 31, Broncos 17
Denver’s defense has given up more than 30 points its past four games and this Dolphins offense is finding a proper gear under Tua Tagovailoa. Does Denver quarterback Drew Lock play? Does it matter considering he threw four interceptions last week? The main danger is the Dolphins have moved into the favorite role these days. There are expectations. Then again, when the opponent is 3-6, a good team should be favored.
Omar Kelly, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 4-5): Dolphins 28, Broncos 17
The Dolphins are riding a five-game winning streak because the team’s defense and special teams have been among the league’s best. On Sunday, expect the offense to pick up the slack and help Miami deliver its most convincing win of the season. The Broncos, who have been hit hard by injuries and COVID-19, have committed an NFL-high 21 turnovers.
Safid Deen, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 6-3): Dolphins 30, Broncos 13
Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins should overcome a tough road test to extend their winning streak to six games. Miami’s defense should play well against whoever starts at quarterback for the Broncos with starter Drew Lock’s status up in the air due to a ribs injury. Denver’s three quarterbacks have thrown an NFL-high 16 interceptions.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 45): Dolphins 33, Broncos 20
Mile High Stadium isn’t the easiest site to visit, but the Broncos are struggling and the Dolphins have been clicking on (nearly) all cylinders. Denver quarterback Drew Lock is a question mark — not just because of injuries, but his poor play. The Dolphins’ defense should be able to handle him or whoever gets the start. On the other hand, Dolphins rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa just seems to be getting better with each start.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 5-4): Dolphins 20, Broncos 13
The reeling Broncos may be without quarterback Drew Lock. If he’s unable to play, Brett Rypien — nephew of former NFL star QB Mark Rypien — will make his second career start. The surging Dolphins, led by a relentless defense, are eyeing their first division title since 2008. The Dolphins have a takeaway in 16 straight games, the longest streak in the NFL. Miami’s next three opponents — Broncos, Jets and Bengals — are a combined 5-21-1.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 5-4): Dolphins 24, Broncos 6
The Dolphins play their second in a string of four straight games in which they should be favored, before a brutal final four games
(vs. Chiefs, vs. Patriots, at Raiders, at Bills). Drew Lock is the least capable starting quarterback Miami will play all season and the defense should feast, especially with the normally raucous stadium in Denver empty.