Miami Dolphins 2015 game by game prediction
By Brian Miller
Sep 3, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins cheerleader performs against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at FedEx Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars won 17 – 16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Week One
@ Washington Redskins
The Miami Dolphins will open this season with a trip to Washington to take on the Redskins. The Dolphins open the season a 3.5 point favorite over the host team. On paper this is a game that the Dolphins should win but we all know that anything can happen on Sunday afternoons.
Why I think they will win
The Dolphins have a great match-up between their top defensive front and an offensive line that is currently starting one veteran tackle with one start and a rookie guard. Both line up on the right side where Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh will be pressuring. In addition to the defensive front, Ryan Tannehill has displayed a great competition percentage through four weeks of pre-season and this game will give him plenty of time to get into a rhythm that he was unable to fully enjoy through the exhibition season. The Dolphins will employ a new group of wide-receivers with the exception of returning sophomore Jarvis Landry.
Why the Dolphins could lose
The Dolphins secondary is a bit confusing right now where the team lost Louis Delmas at safety and will be starting Brice McCain in place of Jamar Taylor. McCain is better suited to the slot corner role in the nickel package so it’s unknown how he will perform on the edge. The Dolphins will also faced a much improved defensive front from the Redskins. Miami has questions at three of the five starting lineman spots including rookie Jamil Douglas at right guard, Dallas Thomas at left guard, and a returning Branden Albert who will be tasked with stopping Ryan Kerrigan from the outside. Kerrigan had 14.5 sacks last season. The Dolphins will also likely face a quick passing attack mixed with runs by Alfred Morris who has eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark each of his first three seasons in the league.
Prediction
I believe this game still sets up well for the Dolphins out of the gate. I predict that Miami’s improved run defense and the maturation of Ryan Tannehill will be too much for the Redskins to handle for four quarters.
Dolphins 27 – Washington 14.