They\u2019ve been burned on this a few times, giving up a 20+ yard passing play in each of their first three games, and ranking seventh-worst in EPA per play allowed on deep attempts. I would expect Miami to try to force the issue, and if Willis and his receivers are on the same page, it could swing this game in the Dolphins\u2019 favor.<\/p>\n
Dolphins put together their best defensive performance of the season<\/p>\n
The battle between the Vikings\u2019 offense and the Dolphins\u2019 defense is one between a stoppable force and a moveable object. Minnesota\u2019s -0.19 EPA per play is tied for the fourth-worst mark in football through three weeks, while Miami\u2019s 0.15 EPA per play allowed is dead last among defenses.<\/p>\n
However, this matchup may be more favorable to Miami than meets the eye. The Dolphins\u2019 defensive front played their best game of the season in week three, and are facing off against a bottom-five unit in terms of yards per carry. If Zach Sieler and Jordan Phillips can continue their ascension and lead a strong run-defense unit, it would free up their second-level defenders to get to their zone landmarks quicker.<\/p>\n
Minnesota\u2019s passing game is already fluttering, and now will be without star wide receiver Justin Jefferson because of an ankle injury. Recent trends are favoring Jeff Hafley\u2019s defense to hunker down, and I wouldn\u2019t be shocked if it happens.<\/p>\n
Malik Washington receives 10+ touches<\/p>\n
Through Miami’s first three games, third-year wide receiver Malik Washington\u2019s touches have steadily increased, from just three in week one to seven in their most recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs.<\/p>\n
Washington spent the entirety of the offseason building chemistry with Malik Willis, unlike his receiving corps counterparts Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman Jr., and Ryan Miller, and it\u2019s shown up on multiple big occasions this season.<\/p>\n
Without De\u2019Von Achane and rookie standout Caleb Douglas, familiarity is going to be a key against a blitz-happy Brian Flores defense<\/a>, and Washington has been Willis\u2019 security blanket in out-of-structure and pressure situations so far this year. Miami has been creative in aligning Washington just about everywhere, and with their most dangerous weapon now out for the season, the versatile receiver will have to pick up the slack.<\/p>\n
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