The Miami Dolphins are set to take on the Denver Broncos in a Week 3 matchup at Hard Rock Stadium which will be Miami’s first at home this season.
Mike McDaniel’s team has an opportunity to move to 3-0 after beating the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots, two potential playoff contenders, in the first two games of the year.
Buy Dolphins TicketsEarning another win on Sunday would keep Miami atop the AFC East with at least a one-game lead over the second-place team. Here are a few keys to a Dolphins’ victory in Week 3:
Keep the defense guessing
Miami’s success in both the run and pass game last week is what makes the offense so dangerous. They can move down the field in a number of ways. A nearly 50-50 split of passes and runs allowed Miami to total nearly 400 yards.
Salvon Ahmed likely won’t be available, but the Dolphins still have Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane and Chris Brooks to pound the rock. And, don’t be surprised if Erik Ezukanma continues to line up in the back field from time to time.
Wideouts need to step up
Jaylen Waddle is questionable for the matchup, as he remains in concussion protocol following a hit to the head against the Patriots last week.
If he can’t go, Miami will have to see players like Ezukanma, Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft and Cedrick Wilson step up their production alongside Tyreek Hill.
Wilson has been inactive for the first two games, so this could potentially be his 2023 debut.
Don't get beat by big plays
One of the calling signs of Vic Fangio’s defense is limiting chunk plays, and Denver capitalized on one last week, hitting a hail mary pass to give them a shot at escaping with a victory against the Washington Commanders.
Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy haven’t been on the field together much during their tenures, but they both have the capability to make a game-changing play.
Cause chaos
Miami boasts one of the deepest defensive fronts in the league, and they can certainly win most battles against opposing offensive line groups. According to PFF, the Broncos have the 15th-ranked offensive line in the league. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey has allowed 13 pressures in two games.
Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and Andrew Van Ginkel should be heavily utilized to attack on the edges. Even if Fangio doesn’t bring extra pressure from frequent blitzes, they should be able to force Russell Wilson into making errant throws or taking sacks. However, it might benefit Miami’s defense to send some extra rushers from time to time.
