One of the top teams in the AFC will square off against one of its bottom ones tonight in a match with playoff repercussions, featuring Baltimore’s running attack led by Pompano Beach native Lamar Jackson as well as their quarterback Joe Flacco. Miami could struggle against Baltimore and Jackson who will surely run through them both in one go!
Miami has become increasingly reliant on run defense as its sole form of offense.
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The Dolphins will have a chance at scoring an important conference victory that could determine their playoff seed. ESPN’s Football Power Index projections give Miami an 89.4 percent chance of making the playoffs and 73.7 percent of winning the AFC East for the first time since 2008.
Last time Tua Tagovailoa and the offense faced this Baltimore defense at home, they scored 42 points in an obliterating performance that proved fatal to them. Since then though, their No. 6-ranked pass defense has performed admirably against San Francisco.
The Dolphins must balance being cognizant of Baltimore’s deep threats with keeping up with Lamar Jackson’s various passing options, such as blitzes and other passing options. That means recognising which players may be open and giving them space. A few big plays from their defense (e.g. Isaiah Ford’s 52-yard catch) would prove invaluable in defeating Baltimore.
Miami’s defense vs. Baltimore’s passing attack
After dominating the 49ers, Baltimore is clearly the favorite against a Miami team that has struggled in recent weeks. It should be remembered, however, that Miami’s rushing attack doesn’t seem as efficient despite having an 8.1 yards per carry average.
The Dolphins possess one of the league’s premier receiving corps. Wide receivers Mike Gesicki, Kenny Stills and Antonio Riccitto can make plays in space while Jaylen Waddle and Mike Achane provide solid foundation.
Baltimore will face the difficult challenge of restricting Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from making big plays through their passing game, without allowing any big plays through its defense. Tagovailoa boasts one of the fastest throw times in NFL, so if Baltimore rush can disrupt his throwing windows or prevent him from finding his receivers quickly enough it could make for a long night for their offense.
Miami’s rushing attack vs. Baltimore’s pass rush
Miami’s offense centers around a strong running game led by Lamar Jackson from south Florida; his running is unrivaled among quarterbacks in the league. Unfortunately, their rushing attack simply cannot keep up with Baltimore’s formidable pass rush.
The Ravens boast the top sack rate and allow fewest points per game, which makes them formidable opponents against any team. Their goal must be to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage to force speedy Dolphins receivers to work hard for yards.
The Dolphins’ rushing defense has seen improvement this season, yet still needs work. If Miami wants to remain a legitimate playoff contender, stopping teams from running freely into the end zone must become priority No 1. A key test for this unit will come against Baltimore and their run game; failure would mean playoff hopes would likely vanish and it’d also put its identity as a dominant defensive unit on the line.
Miami’s offense vs. Baltimore’s defense
The Dolphins boast one of the top offenses in the league, averaging more than 400 yards per game and scoring more than 30 points on an average week – both both tops in their division. Tua Tagovailoa can extend plays with his feet. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s defense can offer both man and zone coverage, boasting one of the strongest secondary units in all of football.
But the Ravens defense will be put through its paces by a Miami offense that could be without injured wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for this trip, and by Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards-Jordan Pomeroy racking up big plays against an offensive line which has struggled against quality opponents this season. Last week the Ravens defense collected five interceptions against San Francisco 49ers en route to a convincing win, making this week even more unlikely yet still likely thanks to their top-ranked running game and defense that should make things interesting with big plays offensive showing from either team or both teams making things interesting with an impressive offensive performance from either team or both teams could come prepared with their top running game and offensive displays against their rivals this week!
