MIAMI GARDENS — For the second time in three years it seems the Miami Dolphins will enter a must-win regular-season finale with their backup quarterback.
All indicators level to Tyler “Snoop” Huntley beginning rather than Tua Tagovailoa (hip) for the Dolphins (8-8) on Sunday on the New York Jets (4-12).
Within the 2022 season finale, Dolphins backup quarterback Skylar Thompson began rather than Tagovailoa, who was sidelined with a concussion.
Listed here are 5 issues to observe in Sunday’s recreation:
Dolphins’ QB play
Almost certainly Huntley will begin. He performed properly in final Sunday’s 20-3 win at Cleveland. His agility was an enormous a part of his success as he rushed for 52 yards on seven carries, together with a 13-yard landing run. Apparently, Huntley was injured in opposition to Indianapolis whereas operating outdoors the pocket. However coach Mike McDaniel stated he likes Huntley using his abilities so long as he does it properly.
Dolphins are 4-4 in large video games this season
That is the largest recreation of the season for the Dolphins in addition to a must-win recreation. How have the Dolphins fared in large video games this season? The Dolphins are 1-4 in opposition to playoff groups (defeating the Los Angeles Rams and dropping to Buffalo twice, Inexperienced Bay and Houston). However the Rams recreation, a 23-15 win, was an enormous recreation, and nearly must-win, contemplating the Dolphins had been on a three-game dropping streak. After all, each Buffalo video games had been large video games and so had been Inexperienced Bay and Houston.
You can argue the season opener in opposition to Jacksonville (a 20-17 Miami win) and each San Francisco (29-17 win) and Cleveland (20-3) had been large video games contemplating the Dolphins’ skinny playoff hopes.
Dolphins’ big-name gamers coming by
Extensive receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, operating again De’Von Achane, tight finish Jonnu Smith, defensive linemen Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell and cornerback Jalen Ramsey should come by because the leaders of the crew enjoying within the greatest recreation of the season. Usually, the Dolphins’ offensive gamers depart lots to be desired in large video games. This time it should be completely different.
Jets as powerful opponent
The Dolphins wanted extra time to document a 32-26 victory over the Jets final month at Arduous Rock Stadium. Jets extensive receivers Garrett Wilson (seven receptions, 114 yards) and Davante Adams (9 receptions, 109 yards) had been good. So was quarterback Aaron Rodgers (339 yards, one landing). After all, we don’t learn about Rodgers’ mentality proper now amid New York’s disappointing season. If defensive ends Will McDonald IV and Hasson Reddick aren’t contained, this might be a tough day for the Dolphins.
Dolphins’ offensive tackles
Proper sort out Kendall Lamm was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, which means he’ll miss the sport and the playoffs (if the Dolphins advance). Left sort out Terron Armstead (knee) appears uncertain to play. Which means the Dolphins may begin their second-team left sort out (rookie Patrick Paul) and their third-team proper sort out (Jackson Carman?) for the second time this season. That state of affairs didn’t work properly earlier this season in opposition to Houston because the Texans feasted for 3 sacks.
Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — will Miami win at Jets, and make playoffs? | VIDEO