The Miami Dolphins have their hands full tomorrow against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle is coming in 2-0 while the Dolphins are 1-1, but more importantly, Dolphins will be starting Skylar Thompson at quarterback. With Tua Tagovailoa announced on the injured reserve, the line moved from initially Dolphins -1 to Seattle -6.5. Either way, the Dolphins will do their best to execute their game plan and try to come out with a win, let’s talk about how I think the game will go.
Let’s start with the Seattle offense vs Miami defense, Seattle’s offense isn’t scary but they do have a good core that plays consistently week to week. Geno Smith is a good quarterback, Kenneth Walker is a good running back, and they have three really good wide receivers. They will test an inconsistent Dolphins defense that looks different every quarter they play. Ryan Grubb is the new offensive coordinator in Seattle, and he does a great job enhancing the passing game there. Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver likes to mix his play calls, whether it is zone coverage, man coverage, or sending the blitz. It’s going to be an interesting chess match between the two new NFL coordinators.
One matchup I like for the Dolphins, Jaelan Phillips vs George Fant on the right side of the offensive line. Phillips had an outstanding first two weeks of the NFL season, and Fant is a subpar offensive line starter to say the least. I think Phillips and maybe even Quinton Bell are due for a sack in this one. Where I think Seattle has an advantage is with their run blocking offensive lineman against Miami’s defensive line. Miami has some good players on the interior of the defensive line, but in the NFL you need multiple of them. Zach Sieler is the best for them, but Calais Campbell isn’t a true defensive tackle, while guys like Benito Jones and Brandon Pili are decent depth. Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker could have a big game if Miami’s defensive line plays like they did against Buffalo.
Regarding the pass for Seattle, they have the upperhand. Their trio of receivers are going to cause issues for Miami, as even Jalen Ramsey has not played up to standard. I think the guy who will have the best game is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, as his matchup against Kader Kohou favors him.
For Miami on offense, they will do their best to get their playmakers the ball with run after catch opportunities. Do I think they will do so successfully? Probably not. Skylar Thompson has struggled mightily in his previous two seasons in the NFL, and I don’t see that changing against a well coached Seattle defense. I think Devon Achane is going to have a record number of targets and receptions, as Raheem Mostert is doubtful to play. However Seattle’s defense knows what they are doing, and they have a defensive line that can feast against the poor Dolphins offensive line.
We will see how Miami tries to get the ball downfield to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Those two players alone have a big advantage over Seattle’s secondary, however I don’t see Miami’s offensive line holding up and Skylar throwing a great ball with precision and timing to those players.
My prediction is a convincing Seattle Seahawks victory, I think they make a statement, while the Dolphins continue to show that they cannot win football games unless signal caller Tua Tagovailoa is on the field.
I will go 24-10 Seahawks.