Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Miami Dolphins need to take advantage of key matchups against the Lions

By Nick Belotto

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 14: Albert Wilson #15 of the Miami Dolphins carries a pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 14: Albert Wilson #15 of the Miami Dolphins carries a pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images) /
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Miami is set to take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday in a game that Miami should win and would improve their standing in the developing playoff picture if they win

Matthew Stafford vs. Miami’s Secondary

Matt Stafford is a quality quarterback and has been for a number of years. Stafford has thrown for 1385 yards, 10 touchdowns and 5 interceptions this year on a team that is not as talented as past rosters. Just because the team isn’t as good as it has been, Detroit can still put up points and that comes from Stafford. Stafford is a gunslinger, who likes the throw the ball a lot and into tight windows. Miami’s secondary has been great this season and are doing a great job generating turnovers. Miami may need a few interceptions from their secondary to keep Stafford the Lions out of the end zone.

Golden Tate vs. Xavien Howard

Let’s get a little more specific when it comes to Miami’s secondary. Golden Tate is one of the better weapons on the Lions offense. He already has 431 yards and 3 touchdowns on the season. Xavien Howard has been one of Miami’s “x-factors” on defense. He has 3 interceptions on the season and has played great coverage on a number of quality receivers this year. Howard should be able to win this battle consistently all day and I expect a big day from our corner.

Darius Slay vs. Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson

Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson have speed that can kill defenses. Both players are quality receivers that help the offense open up it’s playbook. It will be Darius Slay’s job to keep one of these guys in check down the field. Slay is coming off of an All-Pro season and has one interception on the season. The 27 year old is a top corner in the game and should be taken into consideration when throwing the ball downfield. I don’t know if he can keep up with the speed of Miami’s receivers, but if the ball is thrown poorly, Slay will make plays that hurt our offense.

Robert Quinn vs Taylor Decker

Robert Quinn has been on my matchups list for a while, as I always feel that Quinn is going to have his big, breakout game soon. Decker is a good tackle for the Lions, but if Miami wants to get a win on Sunday, Quinn will need to put together a game that provides consistent pass rush. With the status of Cameron Wake still up in the air and Miami hurting at pass rushers in general, Quinn needs to be able to put constant pressure on Stafford to force him to make mistakes.

Let me know your key matchups in the comments below

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