A win is in desperate order for Gase and Tannehill.
A win can stop the bleeding and offer a chance to reload and regroup.
The Miami Dolphins will be desperate for a win at home this week after a brutal first month of the season where they were on the road 3 out of 4 games. Fortunately for the Dolphins, they now have the luxury of playing their next 4 games in Miami in front of a home crowd. Also, as an added bonus, they will being up against a team that is more at their level in the 1-3 Tennessee Titans.
The best pay per head software in the world opened the game with the Dolphins as the -3.5 point favorite. Up until Saturday, that line has stayed steady all week — at least in that Miami has been consistent.
Truth is this could be an ugly game. The Titans offense is tied for 31st worst in the league in points with only 15.5, and the Dolphins are a touch better at 28th worst with only 17.8 points scored per game. Let the offensive ugly ducklings scrap it out.
All hands will be on deck for Miami’s Offensive line as Albert and Pouncey come back from injuries. It will be interesting subplot to see if this group can make a difference. Will these “star” players and huge contracts give Tannehill time to throw and the running backs room to run? I want to believe that having Pouncey and Albert back in the lineup will make a big difference. I really, really do!
A win will allow Gase and Miami to reload and reset.
Also, the few extra days of rest and preparation should benefit the reeling staff — one would hope. This game will be a big one in Gase and Co’s 2016 evaluation. Everything is stacked in their favor as far as coaching advantages.
On Defense, the Dolphins will need to focus on stopping the Titans running attack which is currently ranked 4th best in the league averaging 127.4 yards per game. As the featured back, DeMarco Murray has raked up 340 yards and 3 touchdowns so far while also pulling down 2 pass catching touchdowns. So it would be very wise for Miami to create a defensive game plan that focuses on containing Murray…and make that plan happen. Titans also have a bruiser in Derrick Henry, and QB Marcus Mariota is also dangerous with his legs.
While it may only be the 5th game of the season, 2016 is already quickly slipping away. This will be as near to a must win game for Miami as they come. If the Dolphins cannot find a way to win this game, then it would be fair to say that this season is likely to be a lost cause. If they fail this week, Miami could very well be drafting in the top 5 of next year’s draft. Go Fins!!!