NFL WEEK 7

KEYS TO THE GAME

Tua returns: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returns after a two-game absence in concussion protocol. Tagovailoa, who received the most votes in team captain voting, should provide a boost for everyone, not just the offense. When we last saw Tagovailoa (80 for 115, 1,035 yards, eight touchdowns, three interceptions) his accuracy was impressive. Tagovailoa leads the league in passer rating (109.9) and is third in completion percent (69.6). It’ll be interesting to see whether Tagovailoa is officiated differently whether it’s favorable (quick roughingthe-passer penalties, etc.) or unfavorable (quick trip to blue injury tent, etc.). The offensive line, specifically the right tackle that protects his blind side, either Austin Jackson or Brandon Shell, will have to be on top of his game, which is the case for the entire pass protection unit that includes tight ends and running backs. Play-calling might be involved here, too, as perhaps protection is a bit heavier considering the leaks that have sprung open so far.

Turnover margin:

The Dolphins are a staggering minus-5 on the season, and a stunning minus-7 during their three-game losing streak. This has tentacles all over the team. Initially, you think of the defense’s failure to produce turnovers and the offense’s propensity for committing turnovers.

But this also gets into pass protection when you consider quarterback Skylar Thompson lost a fumble on a sack, coaching when you consider the Dolphins suffered an interception shortly before halftime last Sunday when they tried to get points in thee final 28 seconds with the ball on their own 11-yard line, and ball security when you consider the Jaylen Waddle’s lategame turnover in the 24-16 loss to Minnesota.

Health: Everybody’s talking about the Dolphins’ health. It’s been a major theme during the three-game losing streak. This is as much looking at who will return for the Pittsburgh game (primarily Tagovailoa and possibly left tackle Terron Armstead) and a hope that no one else sustains injury this week.

Last week the Dolphins lost cornerback Nik Needham (Achilles) for the season. Couple that with cornerback Byron Jones (Achilles) still not returning and you’re down two starters in the secondary. But then consider cornerback Kader Kohou (oblique) missed the Vikings game and cornerback Keion Crossen (knee) left that game and you understand why the Dolphins can’t absorb more injuries. This has been an unfortunate stretch for the Dolphins.

Special teams: This has been a point of contention for the past few weeks.

It’s not necessarily poor play as much as a lack of excellent play and missed opportunities. Kicker Jason Sanders has missed an extra point attempt and all three of his field goal attempts from 50 or more yards (two missed, one blocked), which isn’t a huge deal until you consider the Dolphins lost all three of those games. Beyond that punt returner Jevon Holland muffed a punt that was recovered by linebacker Jaelan Phillips, and they’ve allowed a 42-yard kickoff return and a 25-yard punt return. Injuries have been a factor, as they have on offense and defense. Punter Thomas Morstead continues to be a standout with his ability to flip the field but others need to make some plays to give the team a boost.