Who has the edge? Dolphins vs. Cardinals, in Tua’s return
Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (2-4) and Arizona Cardinals (3-4) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 8 game at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., FOX):
When the Dolphins run: With the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa expected Sunday, don’t expect Miami to continue running the football 40-plus times, as the team has the past two games. But it would be wise for coach Mike McDaniel to continue to utilize what has worked well on the ground, especially as Tagovailoa may still be a little rusty in his first game back.
The question is if physical rookie running back Jaylen Wright will be utilized. He was unleashed in New England on Oct. 6, but the Dolphins didn’t go to him in last Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts until veteran Raheem Mostert fumbled. De’Von Achane, without missing a game recovering from concussion, led the team with 15 carries for 77 yards.
Left tackle Terron Armstead and center Aaron Brewer have created holes for the backs in what is the No. 11 rushing offense now entering Week 8. The Dolphins ground game faces a 26th-ranked Cardinals run defense that’s not exactly feared up front. Arizona has Kyzir White and Mack Wilson to look out for at linebacker, but the fact that safeties Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson — as good as that combination may be — are first and third on the team in tackles indicates this defense allows a lot of runs to get to the second level. Edge: Dolphins
When the Cardinals run: This will be a challenge for the Dolphins as Arizona ranks fifth in rushing offense. Veteran running back James Conner handles a heavy workload and is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and 72 rushing yards per game. Beyond him, quarterback Kyler Murray is a threat to hurt you on the ground with his scrambling ability, as he has 325 rushing yards on the season.
Miami’s run defense is middle of the pack at 17th in the NFL. The defensive tackle combination of Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell continues to be incredible and Da’Shawn has earned a more consistent increased role on the defensive line, but they still need more around them and a commitment to containing big plays from leaking out on the ground. The Cardinals offensive line, though, is without guard Will Hernandez, who is on injured reserve. Edge: Cardinals
When the Dolphins pass: Tagovailoa is back, and that means you throw everything that you have seen in the past four games without him completely out. The Dolphins, who had the No. 1 passing attack in 2023 with him healthy all season, are down to No. 27 in 2024 and are dead-last in scoring offense. But that should all begin to trend back up with Tagovailoa back from IR and his concussion to lead McDaniel’s offense the way it was meant to be run.
Star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have put up pedestrian numbers, including just one catch apiece last week, without him throwing passes. Although Baker and Thompson are back there at safety, along with Sean Murphy-Bunting and Garrett Williams at cornerback, Hill and Waddle can take advantage of the Cardinals’ 26th-ranked pass defense. And Tagovailoa, as the point guard of a football offense he can be, can keep tight end Jonnu Smith’s momentum in the offense going, along with hitting Achane out of the backfield and maybe getting Odell Beckham Jr. his first catch with the Dolphins.
Coming back from concussion, Tagovailoa will surely want to get the ball out quick and not expose himself to hits in the pocket. The Cardinals don’t exactly have a fierce pass rush, but outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck will have to be accounted for with his team-leading three sacks. Armstead and right tackle Austin Jackson should keep Tagovailoa clean off the edge, but the interior offensive line has to hold up in pass protection, too. Edge: Dolphins
When the Cardinals pass: Murray has managed the offense well through the air, but he averages under 200 passing yards per game. He has thrown nine touchdowns, though, to just three interceptions and is completing about two-thirds of his passes. He faces the NFL’s top passing defense, which is also No. 4 in total defense and No. 1 in third-down defense, when the pass game is so vital to pick up anything from third-and-medium and beyond.
Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has options as to how to utilize cornerback Jalen Ramsey. He can glue him to either rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., an elite prospect and son of the Hall of Famer by the same name, or tight end Trey McBride if safeties and linebackers have a tough time with him. Behind Ramsey and Kendall Fuller, the Dolphins had cornerbacks Kader Kohou and Storm Duck missing practice early in the week, which could mean second-year cornerback Cam Smith could be thrust into playing time in his first game off IR.
Miami has its pass defense success despite only having nine sacks in six games. Rookie Chop Robinson is yet to get his first in the NFL. With Jaelan Phillips out for season and Bradley Chubb still not back from the PUP list, Miami could use a return of Emmanuel Ogbah from his biceps injury, while also getting an interior pass rush from Sieler, Campbell and others. The Cardinals entrust 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr. to protect Murray’s blind side at left tackle. Edge: Dolphins
Special teams: Dolphins special teams has dealt with a series of mishaps and now is going through attrition. Return specialist Braxton Berrios is now lost for the season after suffering a torn ACL, and long snapper Blake Ferguson is on the non-football illness list. Kicker Jason Sanders missed a key long field goal off the upright last Sunday. The punting of Jake Bailey and coverage of Siran Neal and Elijah Campbell has had some good moments, though.
The Cardinals haven’t had 40-year-old kicker Matt Prater due to a knee injury, but Chad Ryland has made all but one of his kicks in his place. The Dolphins also better look out for former University of Miami standout Deejay Dallas in the kick return game, as he returned one for a touchdown earlier this season. Edge: Cardinals
Intangibles: Miami is at home for a 1 p.m. kickoff for just the second time this season and hopes to use that early-start heat and humidity to its advantage. Sure, the Cardinals come from a warm environment of their own, but it’s not as humid out in the desert. It’s also a short week for Arizona after playing on Monday night, and a three-hour time difference makes this like a 10 a.m. kickoff for the Cardinals after flying long distance. Plus, Tua’s return brings a boost as Miami cannot afford another loss if it hopes to contend this season. Edge: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 23, Cardinals 17
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