Gameday Thoughts: Jaguars at Miami Dolphins

Nov. 15, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess (15) reacts after missing a catch during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo defeats Miami 19 to 14. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

It is safe to say that the Miami Dolphins will not be playing in the playoffs this year, but it does not mean that the season is over. Many questions still need to be answered by this current fifty three man roster. I think we may be able to see one of those questions answered today with Devone Bess not playing today. That means another wide receiver will have to step up to play across from Brian Hartline, while it is likely to be Marlon Moore, I would like to see Rishard Matthews get a chance a few times during this game. He has not seen a lot of playing time this season but today, against the weak secondary of the Jags he should be able to step up and hopefully make some plays. Since training camp I have liked him and always thought he could bring his speed to the table to make plays against Jacksonville’s secondary.

Another big part of Davone Bess being out this week is that there is one less wide receiver that Tannehill can trust on the field.  That means it will not be crazy for Brian Hartline to be targeted somewhere around 20 times. I also expect Clay to find some holes  impress today against the sub par defense of the Jags. Throughout the game keep an eye on the backfield for the Dolphins, last week Lamar Miller was on the backfield more then usual  but Reggie Bush was also on the field as a slot receiver  It seems like Joe Philbin is looking at all the possible reasons to try to resign Reggie, if he can really help this team make plays or to let him go for the lack of play making.

On the defensive side of the ball expect more nickel then usual.  This being because Koa Misi is also out this week, meaning Jason Trusnik will start in his place. Even though the sixth year man out of Ohio isn’t a bad back up I expect the Dolphins to play the extra corner back in blitz packages instead. Sean Smith, the Dolphins “Number One” Corner will be lining up against Jacksonville’s first round pick Justin Blackmon, who even though had a slow start to the season has gotten better since Chad Henne took over the quarterback job from second year man Blane Gabbert who is out with an injury. Smith NEEDS to shut down Blackmon for the better part of the game if he wants to get anything near the contract extension he is hoping for from the Dolphins. Finally, my last key player for the Dolphins today is Safety Rishad Jones who may be the most consistent member of the Dolphins secondary. He is slowly becoming a player maker, something the Dolphins have been in dire need of  all season.

This game should be an easy win for the Fins. But they play all the games for a reason. I expect a smooth game where the Dolphins have both an efficient run and pass game throughout the day. The Jags running game will be weak as well because their star running back Jones-Drew has been out for the greater part of the season  The dolphins should be able to hold to Jags to under ten points keeping Chad Henne guessing, as well as leading him into some bad passes that could result in some turnovers. But on the other hand Henne could come out looking for blood, and play like he did a few weeks ago against Houston.  I guess we will just have to wait and see what Henne shows up. Predicted final score: Miami-27 Jacksonville-10