Miami enters this week looking for a more complete performance after a game against Minnesota that featured encouraging defensive moments but an inconsistent offense. Caleb Douglas remains out, while Cincinnati appears set to field its full group, including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. That creates a tough challenge for Miami’s secondary and puts more emphasis on sustaining drives. Here are six things I’m watching.
1. Limit the Damage From Chase and Higgins
With Chase and Higgins expected to play, Miami cannot focus all its attention on one receiver. Helping against Chase can leave Higgins open, and both can punish coverage mistakes.
I want to see Jeff Hafley build on the effort to prevent chunk plays against Minnesota. Miami needs disciplined safety help, communication, and reliable tackling. Make Cincinnati earn its yards instead of giving its receivers chances to change the game on one play.
2. Generate Pressure Without Sacrificing Coverage
Miami’s ability to create pressure with four rushers was an encouraging takeaway against the Vikings. Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche generated push, converted speed into power, and helped make the stunts effective.
That needs to carry over this week. Generating pressure without sending extra defenders would let Miami keep more help in coverage against Chase and Higgins. I want to see the defensive front disrupt the passing game while keeping its rush lanes open.
3. Malik Willis Needs to Be More Consistent
I want to see Willis put together a more consistent performance this week. He has shown encouraging flashes, but Miami needs him to take the available completions, make timely decisions, and sustain drives more reliably.
His footwork is part of that, but the bigger question is whether he can execute the routine plays throughout the game. With Caleb Douglas still out, Willis needs to give his receivers opportunities to make plays and keep the offense on schedule.
4. The Receivers Need to Step Up Without Douglas
Douglas’s absence puts more responsibility on Malik Washington, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman Jr. Bell’s snap share increased against Minnesota, and I want to see him turn those opportunities into a dependable role in the passing game. Malik Washington has started to separate himself as the group's dominant WR without Douglas; you'll want to see him keep doing that.
This group needs to create separation and give Willis clear throwing options. Slowik can help with motion and formation choices, but the receivers still have to finish routes and make the catches available. Miami needs dependable contributions across the group.
5. Keep Ollie Gordon Involved Throughout the Game
I want Miami to give Gordon consistent touches and opportunities to build momentum. His heavy workload against Kansas City came because Achane and Wright were hurt, so the more balanced rotation against Minnesota made sense.
That rotation should still give Gordon chances throughout the game to establish a rhythm. Wright's speed offers another option alongside Gordon’s physical approach. Slowik needs to balance the two and keep both involved while helping Miami avoid difficult passing situations.
6. The Offensive Line Needs a Complete Performance
Miami’s interior three were dominant overall against Minnesota, while the tackles had a much more difficult game. This week, I want to see Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea, and Kadyn Proctor maintain that standard and Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson respond. The interior will have an especially tough assignment today, matching up with Dexter Lawrence.
Consistent protection would help Willis settle into the game, while run-game movement would give Gordon opportunities to get going. With Douglas unavailable, Miami needs its offensive line to help create manageable situations and give the remaining playmakers chances to contribute.
Miami enters this week looking for a more complete performance after a game against Minnesota that featured encouraging defensive moments but an inconsistent offense. Caleb Douglas remains out, while Cincinnati appears set to field its full group, including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. That creates a tough challenge for Miami’s secondary and puts more emphasis on sustaining drives. Here are six things I’m watching.
1. Limit the Damage From Chase and Higgins
With Chase and Higgins expected to play, Miami cannot focus all its attention on one receiver. Helping against Chase can leave Higgins open, and both can punish coverage mistakes.
I want to see Jeff Hafley build on the effort to prevent chunk plays against Minnesota. Miami needs disciplined safety help, communication, and reliable tackling. Make Cincinnati earn its yards instead of giving its receivers chances to change the game on one play.
2. Generate Pressure Without Sacrificing Coverage
Miami’s ability to create pressure with four rushers was an encouraging takeaway against the Vikings. Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche generated push, converted speed into power, and helped make the stunts effective.
That needs to carry over this week. Generating pressure without sending extra defenders would let Miami keep more help in coverage against Chase and Higgins. I want to see the defensive front disrupt the passing game while keeping its rush lanes open.
3. Malik Willis Needs to Be More Consistent
I want to see Willis put together a more consistent performance this week. He has shown encouraging flashes, but Miami needs him to take the available completions, make timely decisions, and sustain drives more reliably.
His footwork is part of that, but the bigger question is whether he can execute the routine plays throughout the game. With Caleb Douglas still out, Willis needs to give his receivers opportunities to make plays and keep the offense on schedule.
4. The Receivers Need to Step Up Without Douglas
Douglas’s absence puts more responsibility on Malik Washington, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman Jr. Bell’s snap share increased against Minnesota, and I want to see him turn those opportunities into a dependable role in the passing game. Malik Washington has started to separate himself as the group's dominant WR without Douglas; you'll want to see him keep doing that.
This group needs to create separation and give Willis clear throwing options. Slowik can help with motion and formation choices, but the receivers still have to finish routes and make the catches available. Miami needs dependable contributions across the group.
5. Keep Ollie Gordon Involved Throughout the Game
I want Miami to give Gordon consistent touches and opportunities to build momentum. His heavy workload against Kansas City came because Achane and Wright were hurt, so the more balanced rotation against Minnesota made sense.
That rotation should still give Gordon chances throughout the game to establish a rhythm. Wright's speed offers another option alongside Gordon’s physical approach. Slowik needs to balance the two and keep both involved while helping Miami avoid difficult passing situations.
6. The Offensive Line Needs a Complete Performance
Miami’s interior three were dominant overall against Minnesota, while the tackles had a much more difficult game. This week, I want to see Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea, and Kadyn Proctor maintain that standard and Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson respond. The interior will have an especially tough assignment today, matching up with Dexter Lawrence.
Consistent protection would help Willis settle into the game, while run-game movement would give Gordon opportunities to get going. With Douglas unavailable, Miami needs its offensive line to help create manageable situations and give the remaining playmakers chances to contribute.
