Staff prediction for Miami Dolphins versus Arizona Cardinals
Each week the Phinphanatic staff will bring you their prediction for the upcoming game. This week the Miami Dolphins host the Arizona Cardinals in week 14 of the season.
James Anderson
It is looking like Mike Hull will be replacing Kiko Alonso this game and could do just enough to right the ship on defense. Looking at the injury report both teams are fairly banged up but the Dolphins patchwork defense finally fell apart last game. One thing that might help is how the Cardinals play with deep strikes downfield that could help with extra time for the defensive line to gain pressure. But if they stick to their regular game plan look out for David Johnson who just went 9-of-12 targets for 91 yards and a score out of the backfield last game. The Cardinals are far from road warriors allowing almost 30 points a game and their only win being Vs the 49ers. Prediction: Dolphins 28 Cardinals 21
Sean Denison
Until the Dolphins’ defense can prove they can defend the middle of the field, expect the Cardinals to copy the Ravens blueprint. On offense, the Dolphins must implement a run-first approach. If the Dolphins get down early, forcing them to rely on the arm of Ryan Tannehill, things may get as ugly as last week. Although Adam Gase has slowly changed the culture in Miami, it’s still a work in progress. Prediction: Cardinals 30 Dolphins 13
Eric Frosbutter
Miami failed miserably in their attempt to win their seventh straight game last week. The bad loss to the Ravens is behind them now, but it doesn’t discount that the Dolphins have struggled in consecutive weeks, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They now rank 30th against the run, ahead of only Cleveland and San Francisco. They allowed Colin Kaepernick and Joe Flacco to throw for a combined seven touchdowns in their last two games. With all-around featured back David Johnson coming to town, Miami will need to make whatever adjustments necessary to try and contain him. With the Dolphins defense struggling, Miami’s offense will likely need to score often in order for them to have a chance. Unfortunately, Arizona’s defense is pretty good and Miami’s offensive line is still banged up. I think Arizona wins convincingly, and the December curse rolls on in Miami. Prediction: Cardinals 31 Dolphins 17
Scott Lascari
The first time this season the Dolphins lost a game by more than 7 points (against Cincinnati), they followed that up with a similar loss (to Tennessee). Expect the same thing to occur here. Although the team returns home, the defense faces a superb running back, and the inability to finish tackles and the absences of Kiko Alonso and Rashad Jones will be felt. On offense, the Dolphins’ continuous failure to stick with the running game will mean trouble here, as the offense has yet to demonstrate that it can keep up with other, strong offenses. As was true last week, a slow start will prove fatal to the Dolphins’ chances at victory. Though it will be closer than last week, Cardinals win. Prediction: Cardinals 31 Dolphins 17
Brian Miller
Who are the real Dolphins? We will find out on Sunday. Arizona is a good football team who is having a bad season but the Dolphins are fighting for the post season and tanked last week. This will be a solid look at Adam Gase and the teams approach after a bad loss. The last time Miami lost this bad was to Tennessee and they followed that with a six game win streak. Prediction: Dolphins 24 Cardinals 23
Tyler Olson
After last week’s disaster all eyes will be on the Dolphins defense trying to stop RB David Johnson. If the Arizona Cardinals were fighting for NFC supremacy, Johnson would be included as a possible MVP candidate. The offense won’t have an easy task either going against what’s really a good Cardinals defense. The health of Tyrann Mathieu will be key. Miami needs to run the offense through Jay Ajayi and keep Johnson, and the rest of the Cardinals offense, off the field. Prediction: Dolphins 27 Cardinals 24
Carlton Ray
The Dolphins have done well at home this year, winning 5 out of 6 home games. Last week’s debacle against Baltimore snapped their winning streak but it didn’t change the team’s strengths, namely a good offensive line when healthy, a strong running game, and a defense that does well when ahead. Look for the Dolphins to jump out to a lead this weekend, and get pressure on Carson Palmer throughout the game. I expect Vance Joseph’s defense to come out firing after last week’s loss. Prediction: Dolphins 24 Cardinals 10
Matthew Stevens
The strength of the Cardinals offense plays right into the weaknesses of Miami’s defense. (Strong running game, pass-catching back, mismatch in the slot.) If Miami gets as little pressure on QB Carson Palmer as they did Joe Flacco, expect another blow-out loss. However, the Cardinals are 1-4 on the road and are coming east to play at 1pm which helps Miami. Will the Dolphins step up with the season on the line? Unfortunately, I just don’t think they are ready. Prediction: Cardinals 27 Dolphins 17