South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Who has the edge?
Injury-plagued Dolphins must cut down on mistakes to defeat Bears
The Miami Dolphins will host the Chicago Bears in a Week 6 matchup Sunday at 1 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins and Patriots are both 3-2, but New England leads the AFC East since they defeated Miami two weeks ago, while the Bears (3-1) lead in the NFC North.
When the Dolphins pass:
The Dolphins have not been able to hit on most cylinders offensively like they did with big plays during their
3-0 start. Ryan Tannehill has been efficient, but turned the ball over three times in last week’s loss to the Bengals, with two of those turnovers leading to touchdowns. Miami’s offensive line continues to be hampered by injuries, while penalties and falling behind on third down continue to plague the Dolphins, who rank
28th with 192.2 yards per game. The Bears have surrendered 230.5 yards per game through the air, and could see a fair amount of trick plays from coach Adam Gase to help the Dolphins get back on track. Edge: Bears
When the Bears pass:
Second-year quarterback Mitch Trubisky had a career performance against the porous Buccaneers’ defense in Week 4, tossing for six touchdowns and 354 yards on just 19 passes. He may not have the same luck against the Dolphins defense. Miami has at least one interception in each game, and leads the NFL with 10 picks after just getting nine all of last season. Trubisky has completed 70 percent of his passes, but has three interceptions, three fumbles, and just two touchdowns in his other three games this season. Edge: Dolphins When the Dolphins run:
Kenyan Drake saw his opportunities in the run game increase last week against the Bengals, but he was ultimately more effective as a receiving target. Frank Gore continues to be Miami’s leading rusher with 63 yards last week in Cincinnati and 202 yards on the season. The Bears defense, led by Khalil Mack, ranks first against the run in the NFL, giving up just 64 yards per game. The Bears are also the only team in the NFL to not allow a rushing touchdown this season. If the Dolphins can’t establish the run early, it could be a long day for the Dolphins. Edge: Bears When the Bears run:
Chicago starter Jordan Howard has not broken off many long runs, but he has been consistent, leading the Bears with 203 yards. Howard had a season-high 82 yards in the opener, and 61 yards with a touchdown in Week 3 against the Cardinals. Tarik Cohen has also been effective, rushing for 139 yards this season, with 53 yards coming in a blowout against the Buccaneers. The Dolphins are in the bottom half of the league, giving up 109 yards per game on the ground. Edge: Bears Special teams:
Dolphins receiver Jakeem Grant continues to be a difference maker in the return game, getting his first punt return touchdown of the season last week against the Bengals. The 71-yard score for Grant gave Miami a 14-0 lead shortly before halftime. Still, Grant’s threat to score in the return game gives the Dolphins an edge. Bears punt returner Tarik Cohen is one to watch, with a season-long 42 yard return this season. Bears kicker Cody Parker, a former Dolphin, has kicked nine field goals this season, while Dolphins punter Matt Haack regained his form against the Bengals. Edge: Dolphins Intangibles:
Adam Gase, who was Chicago’s offensive coordinator in 2015, faces his former team for the first time since becoming Dolphins coach. … Dolphins offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, who served the same role in Chicago from 2015-17, also will be facing his former team for the first time. … The Dolphins are looking for their 14th win in the last 19 games at Hard Rock Stadium. … The Bears enter the game on a three-game winning streak, their first since 2013. … Chicago has scored a touchdown on its opening drive in three of four games this season. … The Bears are second in the NFL with a plus-6 turnover margin, securing 11 turnovers while surrendering only five this season. Edge: Dolphins Prediction: Dolphins 24, Bears 17