KEYS TO THE GAME

Dolphins’ scoring offense

The Dolphins average 21 points per game, which ranks 19th in the NFL. The Lions allow 32.1 ppg, which is last in the league. But the defense can’t continue being required to keep teams to less than 20 ppg. In the past five games the Dolphins have averaged 17 ppg. If the Lions get a two-score lead in the fourth quarter it’ll be interesting to see whether the Dolphins offense can mount a comeback. We know they’re capable with big-play wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. But the Dolphins don’t consistently score touchdowns. This game begs for the Dolphins’ scoring offense to put up a big number and show it’s on its way to improvement.

Turnover margin

This is one of the most important numbers in football. The Dolphins are minus-2, tied for 21st in the league. They were minus-5 before last Sunday’s 16-10 victory over Pittsburgh but recorded a plus-3 against the Steelers. The big differences were the defense produced three interceptions, and the offense didn’t suffer any turnovers. We’ll see if the Dolphins can stay on the positive side this week with outstanding defensive play and smart offensive play. By the way, Detroit is minus-6 in turnover margin, 30th in the league.

Tua Tagovailoa has little room for error

Decision-making remains a question. We saw Tagovailoa throw three, maybe four passes, that could have/should have been intercepted against the Steelers. But we also saw him take on a linebacker almost head-on on a run, and slide a bit too early on another run. Tagovailoa (101 of 150, 1,296 yards, nine touchdowns, three interceptions, 105.9 passer rating) was coming off a two-absence and had to knock off some rust. The margin for error for the Dolphins has been reduced greatly with the injury to safety Brandon Jones (knee), meaning the defense might take a step back this week as it adjusts to yet another new personnel grouping. So the offense must be better, and consequently Tagovailoa must be better.

Controlling Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson

The rookie edge rusher has 4.5 sacks and shows amazing skills. You have to think left tackle Terron Armstead will be OK 1 on 1 against Hutchinson. Granted, the Dolphins have a quick passing game that features Tagovailoa getting the ball out of his hands in about two seconds. Hutchinson is a tough player to defend. He can use brute strength, speed or finesse. He’s not capable of winning the game by himself, but he could cause problems for a quarterback who has had issues with concussions and decision-making.

Dolphins’ secondary

The injury tally is amazing. We’ll see if it continues, and from what we’ve seen already this season there’s reason to think it miraculously will. Nik Needham and Brandon Jones are out for the season. Jones was the team leader in tackles (49), tied for second in sacks (2.0), offered strong run support and might have been the best individual on blitzes. But the Dolphins have continued to find answers in the secondary among guys such as cornerbacks Kohou, Crossen and Justin Bethel, and safeties Clayton Fejedelem and Eric Rowe. Detroit’s passing game and running game aren’t fearsome, so we’ll see if the secondary, and the defense, can lead the way once again.