Where should Dolphins focus their defensive attack Week 13?
The Miami Dolphins got back to their winning ways in Week 12 of the 2020 NFL season with a smothering defensive effort against the New York Jets, bringing their season series to New York to a close with two wins by a combined 44-3 score. Needless to say, Miami out-classed and out-coached the Jets in 2020. But there’s more work to be done for these Miami Dolphins and if Miami is successfully going to claim a postseason berth this year, they’re looking at a matchup they cannot afford to lose in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
How can the Dolphins take advantage of some injuries in Cincinnati to score their eighth win of the season? Here are some areas of emphasis for Miami on defense:
Nov 29, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) celebrates his interception of a pass thrown by New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) with teammates during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Don’t worry about shadowing receivers with Xavien Howard
The Dolphins have faced some great receivers over the course of the season. They won’t find any in this contest. A.J. Green is a shell of himself. Rookie Tee Higgins has plenty of talent but he’s also still a rookie — and so Miami should look to take advantage down the field with their stud cornerback duo no matter who is in coverage. One thing to consider is who will cover slot receiver Tyler Boyd. Boyd is a viable threat and a good player, so the Dolphins need to either be comfortable with Nik Needham drawing him from the slot or otherwise consider moving someone else to shadow him. But that wouldn’t like be Howard’s assignment.
Nov 29, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Ty Johnson (25) carries the ball as Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Jerome Baker (55) pursues during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Crowd the box
Cincinnati will be without Joe Burrow in this contest but they’ll also be missing their top running back, Joe Mixon. Mixon is a tremendous threat out of the backfield and Cincinnati will look to replace his production with veteran Giovanni Bernard. The Dolphins should look to crowd the box to ensure that there isn’t a lot of room to run and if Bernard is getting the ball in check downs underneath, there should be plenty of traffic that prevents him from creating big gains. Dare the Bengals to beat you over the top.
Nov 29, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) runs the ball on an interception against New York Jets tight end Chris Herndon (89) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Change pre-snap looks on QB Brandon Allen
Burrow’s absence certainly changes the dynamics of this football game for the worse. His replacement? Brandon Allen — who has 113 career pass attempts on his NFL resume. He’s completed less than 50% of them in two seasons between Denver and Cincinnati. That’s, well, pretty bad if we’re being honest — so the Dolphins should aspire to dial up some heat but also try to play games with the young quarterback. Pressure looks but dropping 8 into zone could prompt some hasty throws and create turnovers for Miami.
When they do heat up Allen with the blitz, they shouldn’t be shy about it. Rattle his cage before he even takes the snap and let his own urgency help prompt miscues.
