Miami Dolphins Week 5 defensive preview v. the Cincinnati Bengals
By Shawn Digity
So the Miami Dolphins are 3-1 headed into Week 5 after losing to the Patriots last week. We don’t need to expand anymore into that, but the Fins will look to bounce back against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
The Bengals, another 3-1 team, are a very talented group but have shown the inability to win meaningful games in the postseason. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, this is a regular season game, so this matchup shouldn’t be viewed as a “gimme”.
Historically, the AFC matchup has favored the Dolphins, who hold a 16-6 record in the series since the very first bout in 1968. The series has provided some memorable plays in Dolphins lore like when Cam Wake had the walk-off sack for a safety in overtime in 2013. The Dolphins have had the upper-hand looking at the record, but the Bengals bested them during their last meeting in 2016; this should be a fun matchup.
This game could go either way. Both teams have numerous bright spots but also have some fatal flaws, as well. After last week’s debacle, how can the Dolphins correct the porous defense and how do the player battles size up against each other? Let’s dive in.
Another major defensive roster move came in Jordan Phillips‘ surprising release on Tuesday. It was surprising to me, at least, that it actually happened. The writing was on the wall, though, and it was another example of both parties needing to go in separate directions.
That leaves a void on the defensive line, however. There was already a suspect rotation since there were only 4 defensive tackles on the roster. Sure, there were packages that let William Hayes play as a tackle and even some were Charles Harris moved inside, but the former is out for the year and the latter is not becoming the player the Fins envisioned. It’ll be vital for this team’s defensive success that Vincent Taylor and Davon Godchaux continue to improve and Akeem Spence make some plays.
The Bengals offensive line is good and the only starter that is fighting an injury is the rookie center, Billy Price. I suspect this could be a tough battle for the Fins D-line. That being said, I think that Robert Quinn will still be able to apply pressure.
In other defense-related news, starting corner Bobby McCain sustained a knee injury against the Patriots and looks to be out for 2-3 weeks. This calls for either Torry McTyer or Cordrea Tankersley to step up. Realistically, they’ll likely both see significant snaps with McCain sidelined. That could be worrisome, but maybe they will rise to the occasion.
Other tidbits from the injury report include Cam Wake’s not participating in Wednesday and Thursday’s practices with a listed knee injury. He was able to practice through the injury last week and play in the game, so this could be precautionary so that he’s ready again for the Bengals or it could be more serious. This is something to keep tucked away for now as I’m sure new information will eventually come to light related to his game status.
Reshad Jones was still on the injury report but was listed as a full participant. It was reported by Cameron Wolfe of ESPN that Jones will be playing on Sunday. That’s great news. Jones is one of the premier Dolphins players and having him on the field makes the team better by association.
Andre Branch is also returning to the lineup on Sunday and should see serious playing time, especially in the… wake of Wake’s injury (sorry). Walt Aikens, Stephone Anthony and Chase Allen wrap up the defensive portion of the injury report. Aikens is a backup safety and special teams ace and both Anthony and Allen are second stringers, but great seasons are built on a team’s depth because the injury bug always comes knockin’.
Let’s take a look at how the starters will face off against the Bengals offense. The biggest name here is the Bengals star receiver A.J. Green. My best guess is that Xavien Howard will shadow him. That’s the wisest thing for the team to do–pitting the teams’ two best players against each other will be a fun ride.
John Ross, the perpetually-injured speedster, is on the injury report again with a groin injury. he was restricted to sideline elliptical work on Thursday’s practice, according to Bengals beat writer Katherine Terrell of ESPN, so his availability is up in the air.
Tyler Eifert suffered a gruesome leg injury last Sunday and will not be on the field for the Dolphins game. Behind Eifert, there is Tyler Kroft and C.J. Uzomah; they’re both serviceable tight ends, but against the Dolphins lackluster ability to cover them, they could become overnight superstars.
Neither of the running backs, Joe Mixon or Giovani Bernard, are at full strength. I expect Mixon to get a bulk of the carries if they’re both active; Bernard was listed as DNP on the injury report. With both players injured, the Dolphins could control the Bengals rushing attack.
I mentioned A.J. Green already as the Bengals best player, but he isn’t the most pivotal player; that honor goes to none other than Andy Dalton. He’s had an up-and-down career, but if he has a bullish game (as he’s prone to do sometimes), then the Bengals will win this game. If Dalton has a sluggish outing and the defense can create consistent pressure and cause some turnovers, then this game will go the Dolphins’ way.
Tyler Boyd is the wild card. If Howard stays on Green, then Tankersley and/or McTyer will be on Boyd. Boyd is a good enough receiver that I would worry about him having a good game if Green is locked down, especially with McCain out.
Keep an eye on the linebacking corps. I’ll get back on my soapbox and make my weekly claim of the game slowing down for Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker. One of these days, they’ll turn the corner; I hope it’s Sunday. Kiko Alonso just needs to stay the course. He’s playing as well as any linebacker in the league.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Minkah Fitzpatrick (again). He’s already one of my favorite players and he’s going to be GOOD. He keeps making plays and he’s fun to watch. Let’s see what he can do on Sunday.