Your Miami Dolphins (0-2) host the Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) in their home opener, looking for their first win of the Jeff Hafley regime, with a lot to account for on both sides of the ball. Here are the six things I’ll be watching.
Miami’s Receivers Have To Beat Press Coverage Without Caleb Douglas.
Getting off press coverage was already one of my biggest concerns for this game. Now Miami has to do it without Caleb Douglas, who is out with an ankle injury. The Dolphins lose a big outside target, and the remaining receivers have to make sure Kansas City’s corners do not disrupt their routes at the line. Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik and his staff also need to scheme a way to get these WRs off the elite press man the Chiefs run to ensure Malik Willis can play on time.
Third down against Steve Spagnuolo
Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of the best at creating pre-snap uncertainty. His pressure packages can make it hard for an offense to know who is rushing and where to protect. That is especially dangerous on third down. Miami needs to stay ahead of the sticks, but when a long third down comes, Willis and the offensive line have to recognize the pressure quickly.
Chris Jones Is Still Very, Very Good
There is so much to prepare for with Spagnuolo’s defense that Chris Jones almost becomes a separate problem. He can wreck a play by himself, particularly when he gets pressure up the middle and forces the quarterback off his spot. Miami has to know where Jones is lined up, especially on 3rd down, and keep him from taking over drives. Avoiding sacks is only part of it. The Dolphins also need enough time for their passing plays to develop.
Don’t Bite On The Play Action
Kansas City’s play action is another challenge for Miami’s defense. If the linebackers and safeties come forward too aggressively against the run, Mahomes can attack the space behind them. The Dolphins need to respect the handoff while staying disciplined in coverage.
Why Did We Let Andy Reid Get Kenneth Walker III?
Seriously, why did we let Andy Reid get an elite running back? Walker gives the Chiefs someone who can turn a small crease into an explosive play. Miami cannot focus so much on Mahomes that it lets Walker take over on the ground. His presence also makes the play action more threatening. Defenders have a real reason to step toward the run, and Reid knows how to use that hesitation.
Mahomes Is Still Mahomes
Even if Miami handles the run, covers the first read, and gets pressure, Mahomes can still make something happen. He can extend a play and find an answer when the defense appears to have won the snap.
Your Miami Dolphins (0-2) host the Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) in their home opener, looking for their first win of the Jeff Hafley regime, with a lot to account for on both sides of the ball. Here are the six things I’ll be watching.
Miami’s Receivers Have To Beat Press Coverage Without Caleb Douglas.
Getting off press coverage was already one of my biggest concerns for this game. Now Miami has to do it without Caleb Douglas, who is out with an ankle injury. The Dolphins lose a big outside target, and the remaining receivers have to make sure Kansas City’s corners do not disrupt their routes at the line. Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik and his staff also need to scheme a way to get these WRs off the elite press man the Chiefs run to ensure Malik Willis can play on time.
Third down against Steve Spagnuolo
Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of the best at creating pre-snap uncertainty. His pressure packages can make it hard for an offense to know who is rushing and where to protect. That is especially dangerous on third down. Miami needs to stay ahead of the sticks, but when a long third down comes, Willis and the offensive line have to recognize the pressure quickly.
Chris Jones Is Still Very, Very Good
There is so much to prepare for with Spagnuolo’s defense that Chris Jones almost becomes a separate problem. He can wreck a play by himself, particularly when he gets pressure up the middle and forces the quarterback off his spot. Miami has to know where Jones is lined up, especially on 3rd down, and keep him from taking over drives. Avoiding sacks is only part of it. The Dolphins also need enough time for their passing plays to develop.
Don’t Bite On The Play Action
Kansas City’s play action is another challenge for Miami’s defense. If the linebackers and safeties come forward too aggressively against the run, Mahomes can attack the space behind them. The Dolphins need to respect the handoff while staying disciplined in coverage.
Why Did We Let Andy Reid Get Kenneth Walker III?
Seriously, why did we let Andy Reid get an elite running back? Walker gives the Chiefs someone who can turn a small crease into an explosive play. Miami cannot focus so much on Mahomes that it lets Walker take over on the ground. His presence also makes the play action more threatening. Defenders have a real reason to step toward the run, and Reid knows how to use that hesitation.
Mahomes Is Still Mahomes
Even if Miami handles the run, covers the first read, and gets pressure, Mahomes can still make something happen. He can extend a play and find an answer when the defense appears to have won the snap.
