Chris Perkins: 5 points to observe for Thursday evening in Dolphins’ video game vs. Bengals

Tua’s wellbeing: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose toughness has been questioned in the earlier, is on the injury report for back again and ankle illnesses. The Dolphins experienced stroll-by way of tactics this 7 days so that need to aid Tagovailoa (72 of 101, 925 yards, 8 touchdowns, two interceptions, 117.8 passer ranking) get some relaxation and treatment and begin against the Bengals (1-2).

But which is not the end of things since he could irritate the illnesses all through the activity, Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was unimpressive in a quick look previous Sunday vs. the Expenditures but disregard that because Bridgewater is a veteran. Just one thing to check out relating to Tagovailoa’s well being is no matter if the Dolphins (3-) activate No. 3 quarterback Skylar Thompson, who has not been energetic by way of a few game titles. If that transpires, you know the Dolphins are worried about Tagovailoa, who ranks 2nd in the NFL in passer rating and yards, is tied for third in touchdowns, and fourth in completion percentage (71%).

Dolphins’ go protection vs. Joe Burrow and Bengals’ WRs: The quantities are not in the Dolphins’ favor. Nonetheless, the vital may possibly be irrespective of whether the Dolphins and their six sacks (tied for 22nd in the league) can crank it up adequate to place pressure on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, whose 15 sacks are tied for the league guide. Elsewhere, it does not search promising statistically. The Dolphins’ pass defense is 31st (amid 32 teams) in passing yards authorized per video game (297.7). They have just just one interception (Jevon Holland vs. New England) and have dropped quite a few likely interceptions.

The Bengals are 14th in passing yards for every video game (241.7) and even though Burrow (80 of 125, 812 yards, six touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 85.1 passer score) has not gotten likely nevertheless and neither have wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase (21 receptions, 212 yards, two touchdowns), Tee Higgin (13 receptions, 191 yards, one landing) and Tyler Boyd (10 reception, 155 yards, two touchdowns). The Dolphins’ pass defense has held up versus New England’s Mac Jones, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Buffalo’s Josh Allen. We’ll see what comes about in opposition to Burrow, who led the Bengals to the Super Bowl very last time.

Dolphins’ exhaustion on short week: This is the toughest activity on the NFL plan, going on the highway for a Thursday evening activity. The Dolphins are banged up physically with vital players these types of as Tagovailoa, cornerback Xavien Howard (groin/glute), remaining deal with Terron Armstead (toe) and huge receiver Jaylen Waddle (groin) ailing.

Hold an eye on this predicament since these are all players who have had large roles in the Dolphins’ 3- start out. Outside of that group, look at basic safety Jevon Holland (neck), cornerback Kader Kohou (ankle), appropriate deal with Greg Very little (finger) and defensive deal with Zach Sieler (hand) in the course of the sport.

Dolphins’ specific teams: This is threatening to become an ‘X’ component. Just about every of the past two months have showcased a shock regardless of whether it’s the 103-property kickoff return landing by Baltimore or the now-infamous “butt punt” that threatened the outcome of the Buffalo activity. The Dolphins have received both equally video games but these missteps have complicated the approach.

Exclusive groups have completed major matters among the punter Thomas Morstead flipping the area various occasions and defensive lineman Emmanuel Ogbah getting a hand on that Buffalo subject objective attempt early in the fourth quarter. But the issues are becoming concerning.

Dolphins LB Melvin Ingram: Ingram, the 33-12 months-previous, 11th-calendar year veteran, has ignited the defense in a couple methods. He experienced a 6-property scoop-and-score fumble restoration landing towards New England, and a recovered fumble from Buffalo to go together with two sacks. In a few games, Ingram has 7 tackles (a few for losses), 2. sacks, five quarterback hurries, 8 quarterback pressures, just one pass defended, a forced fumble, two recovered fumbles, and a landing.

In other phrases, he’s been impactful. We’ll see if that proceeds against Cincinnati and its revamped offensive line. By the way, Ingram’s enjoy count has improved each and every 7 days likely from 31 to 32 to 56. Glance for that to proceed, as well.

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