Right here’s a take a look at how the Miami Dolphins (3-3) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4) match up in six key areas forward of Sunday’s Week 7 sport at Laborious Rock Stadium (8:20 p.m., NBC):
When the Dolphins run: The Miami run sport took a step again once more after its finest efficiency of the season in Week 5 on the New York Jets. The Dolphins went for 73 yards on 20 makes an attempt for a 3.7 common in final Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The backfield reps proceed to pattern in Raheem Mostert’s favor as he led Miami once more with 14 carries for 49 yards, a 3rd consecutive sport the place he acquired a big bulk of the workload on the bottom.
The Dolphins rank thirtieth out of 32 groups in dashing offense (81.2 yards per sport). They may stand to enhance if they'll get their tackles again after Terron Armstead missed many of the previous two video games and Austin Jackson has missed the previous 5. Durham Smythe’s well being can also be essential as a sound, in-line, blocking tight finish.
The Steelers are center of the pack in run protection, rating 18th giving up 120.2 yards per sport. Veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, a five-time Professional Bowler and three-time All-Professional, is nice up entrance. Myles Jack leads Pittsburgh in tackles (58) in his first season there coming over from Jacksonville, and fellow inside linebacker Devin Bush Jr., a Flanagan Excessive alum, is behind him with 35 tackles. Edge: Steelers
When the Steelers run: Is it a sophomore droop for working again Najee Harris? He reached 1,200 dashing yards on a 3.9 yards-per-carry common and 7 touchdowns in a Professional Bowl rookie season (whereas additionally being a receiving risk). By six video games in 2022: 83 carries for 264 yards (3.2 common) and one landing. He’s not working behind a very robust run-blocking offensive line both.
The Dolphins have been largely stout in opposition to the run. They only appear to permit a giant run to skew the stats. Towards Minnesota and star tailback Dalvin Prepare dinner, it was the 53-yard landing scamper that sealed the Vikings’ victory, when he had simply 24 yards on his 12 different carries. Nonetheless, Miami’s run protection ranks eleventh within the NFL. After Christian Wilkins had the back-to-back tackles for loss final Sunday, his well being can be a priority after lacking Wednesday’s observe with a hand damage. Edge: Dolphins
When the Dolphins move: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is again from concussion protocol. That's certain to supply a lift to the group, as a complete. His 109.9 passer ranking leads the NFL amongst those that qualify. It will not be truthful to hyperlink it as causation, however the Dolphins did lose the three video games during which he missed two of them and many of the one earlier than with the concussion.
Tagovailoa’s accuracy and anticipation as a passer might help get the ball to his star receiver mixture of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who're first and fifth within the NFL, respectively, in receiving yards. Search for them to get yards after catch and an occasional deep shot. It was encouraging to see tight finish Mike Gesicki rating two touchdowns, however can Miami get him concerned all through a sport and never simply when mounting a comeback enjoying from behind? Getting Armstead and/or Jackson again would supply an unlimited enhance to move safety.
The Steelers, with out elite move rusher T.J. Watt (IR, knee), rank thirtieth in move protection. Former Dolphins security Minkah Fitzpatrick, a two-time All-Professional since being traded from Miami, may return from lacking final Sunday’s sport with a knee damage. He already has three interceptions this season with one returned for a landing. Outdoors linebacker Alex Highsmith (6 1/2 sacks) has picked up the pass-rushing slack with Watt out. Edge: Dolphins
When the Steelers move: It seems rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett will be capable to make it by means of concussion protocol after training absolutely on Wednesday. He has thrown one landing to 4 interceptions, so this might be a chance in prime time for the Dolphins to document their first interception for the reason that opening defensive sequence of the season.
Pickett has a formidable receiving corps to throw to between Diontae Johnson, rookie George Pickens and Chase Claypool. Tight finish Pat Freiermuth might be working again from concussion, as properly, and Harris is ready to catch the ball out of the backfield.
The Miami secondary can be examined, particularly as banged-up as it's. All-Professional cornerback Xavien Howard is now not on the damage report for his groin accidents, however Nik Needham (Achilles) is out for season. Byron Jones nonetheless has no return in sight from the PUP checklist. Kader Kohou is battling an indirect damage and Keion Crossen a knee ailment. Noah Igbinoghene, who held his personal in opposition to the Vikings, might be counted on once more. It’ll be essential for the Dolphins to get the move rush going between Emmanuel Ogbah, who's coping with a again damage, Jaelan Phillips and Melvin Ingram to have an effect on the rookie Pickett. Edge: Dolphins
Particular groups: Particular groups blunders continued in opposition to Minnesota. Early, it was Jevon Holland muffing a punt, which had the Dolphins pull him for Hill in that function. Later, it was Jason Sanders shanking a 52-yard try. All his misses this season have come from 50-plus.
Punter Thomas Morstead continues to be a plus along with his boots inside opponents’ 20-yard line and the protection from gunners Justin Bethel and Crossen, earlier than he went out.
Pittsburgh kicker Chris Boswell, although, has missed 4 area objectives, three from inside 50 yards. Second-year punter Pressley Harvin III is averaging 44.9 yards on his punts. Steven Sims returns kicks and punts for the Steelers. Edge: Even
Intangibles: There’s the enhance that Tagovailoa offers Miami. The celebration of the 1972 undefeated group. The easiest way the present Dolphins can honor that good group is by profitable. There can be some further motivation with former Miami coach Brian Flores, now a Pittsburgh defensive assistant, on the opposite aspect, however there may be an X-factor of his familiarity with Tagovailoa — granted, it’s in a distinct offensive system and he by no means coached his former quarterback whereas he had a playmaker like Hill. Laborious Rock Stadium needs to be rocking within the night-game environment. Edge: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 24, Steelers 20
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