Phin Phanatic
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Miami Dolphins: 5 keys to victory

By Brian Miller

Sep 1, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive back Byron Maxwell (41) tackles Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive back Byron Maxwell (41) tackles Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Key 1: The secondary

More specifically the cornerbacks. The Miami Dolphins traded with the Eagles for Byron Maxwell as the league new year began back in March. The Eagles signed Maxwell to a big free agent deal during the 2015 off-season based on Maxwell’s performance while with Seattle.

He returns to Seattle today.

Maxwell is a question mark specifically because his play in 2015 was not very good but he at least is a veteran with experience. Opposite Maxwell, Xavien Howard will make his first NFL start.

Taken in round 2 of this past April’s draft, Howard spent almost all of training camp injured. He played in the final week 4 pre-season game. His only NFL action thus far. The Dolphins are confident that he is ready to start the season.

Playing the nickel role will be Bobby McCain who actually has played better than expected this pre-season but the Dolphins need this entire group to play well. If the corners can do their jobs and force the Seahawks to win, and the Dolphins front seven can stop the run, Miami might just surprise some people by the end of the day.

Prediction:

Seattle 24 – Miami 23

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