South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
DOLPHINS GAMEDAY
BENGALS AT DOLPHINS | 1 P.M. SUNDAY | HARD ROCK STADIUM | CBS
KEYS TO THE GAME
Five things the Miami Dolphins (7-4) need to do to secure a victory at home against the Cincinnati Bengals (2-8-1):
Make Bengals quarterback uncomfortable
Whether it’s Brandon Allen, who started last Sunday’s loss to the Giants, or Ryan Finley, who completed 3 of 10 passes and threw an interception in Cincinnati’s loss to Washington, the Bengals will have an inexperienced quarterback under center. The best approach against green quarterbacks is to show them one look before the snap and then change it up post-snap.
Continue to feed playmakers
Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick has a knack for getting DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki involved early and often when he starts, and Miami’s offense looks significantly different when those two are catching passes and making plays. Rookie Tua Tagovailoa has acknowledged that he needs to develop better chemistry with Miami’s leading receiver and flex tight end, and the only way to do that is by continuing to work together and getting into a groove.
Don’t let Green dominate game
A.J. Green, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, is tied for fourth on the team in targets but failed to connect with Allen in last Sunday’s loss to the Giants. The veteran receiver has been held without a catch on three occasions this season, which is surprising given his pedigree and playmaking ability. But we could be looking at a spotlight game for Green, who will likely become an unrestricted free agent next offseason and could be auditioning himself for a possible suitor.
Average more than 4 yards per carry
The Dolphins’ running game has struggled most of the season, averaging a leaguelow 3.6 yards per carry. But Miami will need the running game in its push to qualify for the playoffs, and in the postseason if it takes part. The only way for the team to improve its rushing attack is to stay committed to it.
Keep quarterback comfortable in the pocket
The Dolphins have allowed 10 sacks the past two weeks, which is nearly twice as many as any offense can manage. This will likely be Miami’s second game with Jesse Davis playing right guard and rookie Robert Hunt playing right tackle, so the hope is that duo will have settled in a bit more than what they showed against the Jets.
STAFF PREDICTIONS
Latest line: Dolphins are favored by 11 ½ points. Over/ under: 42.
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 5 -6 ): Dolphins 2 7, Bengals 1 3
Without Joe Burrow, the Bengals have gone nowhere on offense, so this sets up a game the Dolphins defense should control. That also should help Tua Tagovailoa, if healthy, get back to running the offense without having the full game on his back. The Dolphins’ streak of having at least one takeaway in 17 consecutive games — the longest current streak in the NFL — should continue Sunday.
Omar Kelly, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 5 -6 ): Dolphins 2 8 , Bengals 14
The Bengals are playing without their starting quarterback, struggle at stopping the run and can’t protect their quarterback. That sounds like a recipe for disaster against Miami — regardless of who starts at quarterback for them. The Dolphins lead the NFL in third-down defense and rank second in the league in points allowed per game (18.6).
Safid Deen, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 7-4): Dolphins 27, Bengals 3
Whether it’s Tua Tagovailoa or Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins should be able to handily beat the Bengals, who are in the bottom half of the NFL defensively and are playing with a backup quarterback making his second start this season. With a win, the Dolphins will improve to 8-4, which would be their best 12-game record since 2003.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 56): Dolphins 30, Bengals 10
The Joe Burrow-versus-Tua Tagovailoa showdown that made you circle this one on your calendar months ago won’t be happening, but it undoubtedly will have playoff implications for Miami. The Dolphins defense should be able to deal with the 2-8-1 Bengals, even if the Miami offense is unsettled because of a struggling run game and quarterback changes.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 6-5): Dolphins 23, Bengals 10
The 2-8-1 Bengals are playing for pride yet again after No. 1 draft pick Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago. Brandon Allen, who was promoted from the practice squad last week, will once again start for Burrow. Allen, who started three games for the Denver Broncos last season, will be making his fifth NFL start. Stingy defense has the Dolphins in contention for their first AFC East title since 2008.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 6-5): Dolphins 38, Bengals 10
The Dolphins defense is prepared to have a dominant game with a double-digit combination of sacks and turnovers, and multiple defensive scores, very much a realistic possibility. Miami must get this eighth win before the season’s daunting final four games against the Chiefs, Patriots, Raiders and Bills, who are a combined 29-15.