Miami Dolphins: 4 bold predictions for Week 4 vs. Bengals

Miami Dolphins Week 4 Predictions:

2. The absence of Byron Jones finally shows

The news that Byron Jones would miss the first four games of the season hit hard when it was announced, given the quarterbacks that the Dolphins were to face over the first quarter of the schedule. And aside from some broken coverages in the Ravens game, things have gone relatively smoothly for the secondary in the veteran cornerback’s absence.

Miami’s luck could run out this Thursday. Kader Kohou has done a solid job of filling in, but there is only so much that can be expected of an undrafted rookie free agent, especially against an attack as deep as Cincinnati’s. Xavien Howard will assuredly be locked in with Ja’Marr Chase all game, so it will be up to Nik Needham, Kohou, and others to account for the likes of Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.

Jones will be eligible to return in Week 5 against the Jets, and it may be just what the Dolphins need after Thursday night. But given the circumstances and the teams that Miami has already played against and defeated, Jones’ visit to the IR was not such a detriment after all. Depending on how things shake out in Cincinnati, of course.