Photo Credit: Chris Asbrock (FTI Sports)
by Chris Asbrock
Miami Dolphins (1-2) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
Paul Brown Stadium
Thursday, 9/29/2016
8:25 P.M. EST
NFL Network
The 1-2 Cincinnati Bengals are heading into what could be a must win just four weeks into the season. Having lost already to the Steelers and Broncos, the Bengals are not sitting pretty in what is the second AFC tiebreaker. Another loss to an AFC team would be a big problem. The Bengals are coming off a rough loss to the Broncos on Sunday. The team came out very flat and uninterested and ultimately paid the price for it.
The Bengals do benefit from a short week, playing at home, thus making it easier for preparation. Another benefit is the fact they can quickly forget the game and not dwell on it. Fixing their mistakes is the most crucial aspect of the short week. Let’s take some time to look ahead to this weeks opponent, the Miami Dolphins.
Both teams are virtually dead even in the statistical category. Coming into the game, the Bengals average just nine more total yards (375 to 365.7) than the Dolphins. Andy Dalton comes into the game completing 65.2% of his passes (75-115) for 938 yards. He has stunningly thrown for only two touchdowns and two interceptions. His main target is A.J. Green, who is one of the best receivers in the league. As expected, Gio Bernard is a solid receiving target out of the backfield and rookie wideout Tyler Boyd has stepped up. Not having Tyler Eifert has certainly been a problem for this Bengals offense. The rushing attack has been the biggest problem for them but they were able to get it going this past week against Denver. Jeremy Hill has rushed for 150 yards on 37 carries. Bernard has rushed for 50 yards on 15 carries.
On the other side, the Dolphins are led by quarter back Ryan Tannehill, running back Arian Foster and wide receiver Jarvis Landry. The combo of Tannehill and Landry has been solid all season as they have connected 24 times for 314 yards and a touchdown. Like the Bengals, the Dolphins rushing attack has struggled to get going. Foster and the rest of the Dolphins running backs have struggled to rush for 50 yards. Facing the Bengals defense will be a tough task for the Dolphins to get the rushing game established. Taking the pressure of Tannehill will be crucial in this game. Tannehill has thrown for 892 yards on 73 completions. While throwing for five touchdowns, Tannehill is also known to make a mistake as he has tossed four interceptions. If Tannehill can limit the mistakes and stay calm under pressure, that could help the Dolphins establish and cause the Bengals some problems.
Advantage: Bengals
Defense
The Bengals have had one of the better defensive units in the NFL for a few years now and that has continued once again so far this year. While the game against the Broncos was not one of their better moments, the Bengals are still very stingy in allowing yards to pile up. The secondary had a bad game against Denver and they paid dearly for it. The defense has forced five turnovers (two fumbles and three interceptions) for a turnover margin of minus one. Penalties have been a thorn in the side of this defense, giving up nine first downs via the penalty. The Bengals have struggled to stop opponents on third down, allowing teams to convert 41.5% of the time. If Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap continue to put pressure on the opposing quarterback, it could mean a big night for the Bengals secondary.
The Dolphins defense boasts 3 of the best past rushers in the league. Their defensive line features Cameron Wake, Ndamukong Suh and Mario Williams, who have combined for 4.5 sacks so far this season. The Dolphins defense will put a lot of pressure on the Bengals line and Andy Dalton. The Dolphins have had an issue this season stopping the opposing teams offense, allowing over 400 yards of offense. The Dolphins defense will give the Bengals offense some problems if they can stop the run.
Advantage: Bengals
Special Teams
The kicking game between these two teams is evenly matched. Bengals Pro Bowl punter Kevin Huber has been consistently one of the best punters in the league season to season. Huber is averaging 46 yards per punt with just one touchback and seven inside the 20 yard line. Huber has always been known to have a big leg, with his longest punt being only 58 yards. Dolphins punter Matt Darr is right on par with Huber. The scale tips in the favor of the Dolphins based of the kick and punt returners. The Dolphins returners are averaging 25 yards a kick return while the Bengals are only averaging 18 yards a return. Both teams are averaging less than 10 yards a punt return. While the Bengals have one of the best returners in the league in Adam Jones, that has yet to materialize into a game changing return.
Coaching
Dolphins coach Adam Gase is one of the hottest young coaches in the league but it is very hard to argue against Marvin Lewis, who is has over 113 wins in his 13 year career. Lewis has made the playoffs in seven of those years. While is postseason record is awful (0-7) he is a great regular season coach. Lewis must be able to get his guys ready for the primetime spotlight.
Advantage: Bengals
This has the making to be a great football game with both teams needing a win. With the Bengals heading into a few winnable games before their game at New England, this is a crucial game for the Bengals to get back on track. The same can be said for the Dolphins, who just like the Bengals, are three games back in the division. The key in this game is whether or not the Bengals can get that nasty taste out of their mouth from that game against Denver. They must improve on a few things if they have any hope to come away with a win in this game.
Prediction: Bengals 20-17
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