The Phins are 0-2 and recent history says ‘that’s not much of a surprise’. To be fair, we came out of the gates facing two of our toughest division opponents and kept them close with a chance to win in the second half.
That sorta’ doesn’t sound terrible?!
Unfortunately, a good effort only goes so far in the NFL. The Phins didn’t make the critical stops or impact plays when it counted most. Now, they are 0-2 and at the crossroads in Week 3. Headed just down the road to Jacksonville on Thursday Night Football, the Phins are in an all but ‘must-win’ scenario. With a short week and the season on the line, how will Miami play against the Jaguars?
The Dolphins haven’t fared well over the last few years in prime time. Hopefully, the Dolphins can flip the script Thursday. Last week, the Pay Per Head bookie sites had the Jaguars line as the -1 point favorite. Now the line is currently -3 for the Jaguars. The Phins haven’t been favored in any game this year…
… SO, this is the best sign so far that the Phins will get a win.
But, the Phins actually getting that win won’t be easy!
The Jaguars are currently 1-1 so far this season putting up 28.5 points per game thanks to the aerial attack led by QB Gardner Minshew II. With the Phins lit up through the air by Josh Allen in Week 2, you can bet that the Jaguars will use the same playbook this week.
The Dolphins must generate a much better pass rush or opposing QBs will feast on this secondary all day, especially without Byron Jones. The bad news is that Jones is currently listed as questionable with a groin injury after missing most of the game last week. If Jones doesn’t play our secondary will be in big trouble.
Can the Phins staff scheme up the team?
The Phins offense will have to lead the way
On Offense, the Dolphins were able to generate some points against a quality Bills defense last week. Despite a lingering hamstring injury, Parker looks to start again this week. As the key piece to the offense, the Phins offense will look to carry the momentum into this week’s game through Parker because the Jaguars defense has allowed 26.5 points per game this season. This may just end up being a shoot-out between the ‘beard and the mustache’ with the last team with the possession winning the game.
Fitzpatrick and the offense need to continue using Mike Gesicki after he had one of his best games as a pro last week. Miami may need a repeat of his 8 catches for 130 yards and 1 touchdown to pull out the win. But, linebacker Myles Jack is one best in the game and will make that type of production tough. Still, if Gesicki does shine against elite opposition, it will certainly confirm that he is Miami’s answer at tight end. And if this ends up being the case, Gesicki may very well end up with Top 5 type tight end production in 2020.
As a plan B, Preston Williams could fill the gap should Gesicki be slowed. Williams hasn’t rounded into form yet, and with the Jags thin at corner, this could be the week he puts it all together and has a monster day.
We better or you can kiss the season good bye! May not even win 5 games this year. $250 million spent on fixing this defense and so far, the defense has been pathetic! Veteran leaders need to take charge and lead the younger players. Guys like Van Noy, Karras, Rowe, Ogabah, etc., guys who have won Super Bowls. Jacksonville is not a playoff team either! I told MJ that I have doubts about Boyer as DC! Flores needs to step in an work with this guy during games. Focus on the D-side of the ball and let Gailey handle the offense.
Jimmy,
We better or you can kiss the season good bye! May not even win 5 games this year. $250 million spent on fixing this defense and so far, the defense has been pathetic! Veteran leaders need to take charge and lead the younger players. Guys like Van Noy, Karras, Rowe, Ogabah, etc., guys who have won Super Bowls. Jacksonville is not a playoff team either! I told MJ that I have doubts about Boyer as DC! Flores needs to step in an work with this guy during games. Focus on the D-side of the ball and let Gailey handle the offense.