This game is a fork in the road of both teams.
The rubber will meet the road today as Miami must have a hell of a game to win.
If the Miami Dolphins want to stay on the road that leads to the the Playoff, then they are going to have to come up with a big-time performance against the Arizona Cardinals.
And what makes matters worse is that Miami is most likely going to be without Middle Linebacker Kiko Alonso, which could definitely hurt the Dolphins already slumping defense.
Of course, this also opens the door for Mike Hull to have a Cinderella performance — why not? This season has been one surprise after another.
The best pay per head sportsbook websites in the world opened the line with Miami as the -2.5 point favorite. However, the action came quickly and heavily on the Cardinals, and the line kept sinking all week.The line has now completely flipped to the Cardinals as the -2 point favorite.This is a very big movement of 4.5 points, and the action is coming in at 4 to 1 ratio on the now favored Cardinals.The flipped line does not bode well for the Dolphins, because generally when a line completely flips it means the team that was initially pegged as the favorite was not correct, and the newly favored team is the correct choice.
There is no easy road to greatness — ever.
Vance Joseph and the Dolphins need to find a way to key on RB David Johnson and contain him. If the Dolphins can’t do this, it’s going to be a very long day for our defense.
Then of course there’s Larry Fitzgerald — he will put serious pressure on any attempts at a Soft-Zone coverage…unless the pass rush is absolutely stellar.
This is why Hull will play a critical roll in this game. Hull will likely end up being in the spotlight as one of the key players with the season riding on their shoulders.
It will be very, very interesting to see how he performs.
If Miami can limit the run game and force Arizona off schedule and into obvious passing downs, it will be a major asset in limiting Fitzgerald. Let’s be real, that’s what Miami is hoping for, limiting, not stopping.
But, if Miami can contain the run and limit Fitzgerald that would likely bring a “W” to South Florida.
Another critical aspect is that Dolphins are still banged up on the Offensive line. At least Laremy Tunsil and Branden Albert appear to be available today — even if limited. No if ands or buts, the Dolphins are going to have to get something out of their running game. It might prove tough sledding early on, but they must keep pushing with the running game. Tunsil had one of his worst games last week, but despite the pain, he needs to play better in order for Miami to secure a victory.
In the passing game, Ryan Tannehill must be aware of Patrick Peterson. Peterson is one of the best cover corners in the league, and Tannehill would be wise to be very, very careful when throwing at him.
Did I say very careful?
And like a dog chasing his tail, it comes full circle back to the defense. If the “D” is an open door and lets up 3 scores before I’ve finished my first beer, then Tannehill will end up a machine gun and Ajayi a pin cushion full of splinters. And that would be a total disaster.
But, dammit I’m gonna’ believe otherwise!
The wildcard in this match-up is that the Cardinals have not been very good on the road, going 1-4. So the home field crowd could prove to be the one intangible that could tilt the scales. Fans who are attending the game, bring it! A missed play here or there or a wasted time-out could play a crucial role.
In the end, as much as I’d love an easy opponent, this is exactly the type of team that Miami needs to face. It’s when the rubber meets the road that you either wake up or crash. Truth is the truth. Today we’ll find out the truth about this 2016 team. I believe — even if my head screams otherwise. Go Fins!!!