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Week 2 preview: Dolphins at Jaguars
The Sports Xchange
Miami Dolphins (1-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, at EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla. – TV: CBS
*TV announcers: Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein
*Keys to the game: The Dolphins don’t want to be as lopsided in their play-calling as they were last week (34 pass attempts vs. 14 carries by running backs) with significant questions about the offensive line. Look for Miami make a more concerted effort to establish RB Lamar Miller early, as turnovers are the quickest way to keep an overmatched team in the game. Jacksonville allowed only 3.0 yards per carry to Carolina and wants to pressure Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill – who was lucky to escape Washington without an interception – into mistakes.
The Jaguars were likewise one-sided last week – 40 pass attempts for QB Blake Bortles to only 17 combined carries for RBs T.J. Yeldon and Denard Robinson. The Dolphins were gashed for 161 rushing yards by the Redskins, but only 55 in the second half and have vowed to shore up the run defense this week. While they have a high-priced defensive line, Miami lacks standout linebackers and Yeldon could do some damage if he’s able to get to the second level. His success is critical with Bortles still under far too much pressure too often – and making too many critical mistakes when he is.
*Matchup to watch – Dolphins LT Branden Albert vs. Jaguars DE Chris Clemons: Two aging veterans will wage a battle on Tannehill’s blind side. Albert is coming off knee surgery and appears to have lost agility and quickness. Clemons plays the “LEO” spot in coach Gus Bradley’s defense and had a sack in the opener along with a pass defensed.
*Player spotlight – Dolphins MLB Zach Vigil: The rookie had a lone tackle in platooning in the middle last week with veteran Kelvin Sheppard (five tackles), and their ability to be sound in their gap assignments is critical to the run defense improving.
*Fast facts: Dolphins TE Cameron Jordan’s average of 17.8 yards per catch is the highest in the NFL among tight ends since the start of last season. … Clemons needs three sacks to become the sixth undrafted player to reach 70 for his career.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Dolphins entered the season with high internal expectations, and received a nice kick-start from the NFL schedule makers with a pair of opening road games against overmatched opponents.
*Our pick: Dolphins 27-16
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