DOLPHINS GAMEDAY

KEYS TO THE GAME Rattle Jags rookie QB Trevor Lawrence:

Like most rookie quarterbacks, Lawrence can be rattled and easily confused by a defense that switches up its coverages and disguises who is coming at the line of scrimmage on pressures. Lawrence is only completing 59.4 percent of his passes. He’s also thrown eight touchdowns, and that should give Xavien Howard and the rest of Miami’s secondary opportunities to make plays.

Win on third downs:

Last year, the Dolphins had the NFL’s best third-down defense, limiting opponents to a 31.2 percent conversion rate. After five games this season, the Dolphins have the league’s worst thirddown defense, allowing opponents to convert 57.1 percent on that critical down. And offensively the Dolphins are converting just 35.4 percent of third downs.

Prevent Jacksonville from rushing for 100 yards:

James Robinson has been dynamic in his second season as an NFL starter, averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and 77 rushing yards per game. The Jaguars are averaging 129 rushing yards per game and 24.4 carries per game, which indicates there’s a commitment to running the ball. That’s not good for Miami because the Dolphins have struggled stopping the run this season, allowing 136 rushing yards a game (which ranks 24th), and surrendering 4.4 yards per carry (ranked 20th).

Protect the quarterback:

Whether it’s Tua Tagovailoa behind center with his broken ribs, or Jacoby Brissett limping around with his hamstring injury, the Dolphins offensive line will need to provide adequate protection against Jacksonville’s pass rush, which is led by Josh Allen and Adam Gotsis, who each have two sacks. Moving Liam Eichenberg to left tackle and Austin Jackson to left guard should help Miami’s offensive line begin to stabilize .

Commit to running the football:

The Dolphins have consistently abandoned the rushing attack and become a pass-heavy offense this season. While that’s not a healthy approach, it’s time we accept that the Dolphins average a league-worst 70.4 rushing yards per game. No team runs the ball less than Miami (19 carries per game).

STAFF PREDICTIONS Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 3-2): Dolphins 28,Jaguars 17

This is a get-well game for the reeling Dolphins as the schedule lightens a little — well, a lot in the case of 0-5 Jacksonville. The big question in this game is if Urban Meyer gets on the Jaguars plane home.

The Dolphins also have a big following in London and should have the crowd behind them. Jacksonville is playing its league-high eighth game in London.

Omar Kelly, Dolphins Columnist (3-2): Dolphins 24,Jaguars 17

The hope is that Miami can stop the bleeding against another bad team. With or without Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins should have enough weapons to beat a dismal Jaguars team. But if Miami provides Jacksonville its first victory of the season, general manager Chris Grier and coach Brian Flores will certainly be on the hot seat.

David Furones, Dolphins Writer (4-1): Dolphins 24, Jaguars 20

Not again, right? The Dolphins can’t drop this one — not against the winless Jaguars, who last won a game on Sept. 13, 2020. I believe Tua Tagovailoa will be activated and his return will spark the offense. Also, the offensive line should improve as the same alignment will start for a second straight week for the first time all season. The Dolphins’ run defense against the Jaguars’ sixth-ranked rushing attack is a concern, but nose tackle Raekwon Davis should be better his second game back.

Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (3-2): Dolphins 30, Jaguars 17

Make no mistake: As much as the Dolphins might be relieved to be playing the winless Jaguars, the Jaguars are pleased they are facing a struggling 1-4 team. Each team is eager for an opportunity for get a badly needed win. If the Dolphins quarterbacks can stay healthy enough and the third-down defense toughens up, this could be just what the doctor ordered for Miami.

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor ( 3-2): Dolphins 20,Jaguars 17

The Dolphins (1-4) are tied with the Jets at the bottom of the AFC East, while the Jaguars (0-5) are the only team in the AFC with a worse record than Miami. The Dolphins have one of the league’s worst offenses, ranking near the bottom in nearly every statistical category. Their defense isn’t much better, ranking 30th. Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft, continues to improve, while RB James Robinson is coming off a career-high 149 yards against Tennessee. The Jaguars have lost 20 straight games. That streak should continue against the Dolphins.

Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (3-2): Dolphins 16,Jaguars 14 (OT)

The Dolphins have gotten through what will be, by far, the most difficult month of their schedule. The medicine for what ails them begins in London against the winless Jaguars. Starting then, the Dolphins face a final 12 games with foes owning a combined 41.7 win percentage. Can Miami recover enough to win eight of those games and rally for a winning record? One caveat: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has shown flashes of brilliance. The Dolphins must pressure him and make sure his first complete day as a pro comes back in the United States.