Blake Bortles continues his on the job training this Sunday against Miami (Getty).
Geographical rivalries aside, the stakes are high as the Dolphins make the trip up I-95 to EverBank Field to take on the Jaguars. After Sunday’s game, the Jaguars are faced with road games at the Patriots then the Colts. If Jacksonville falls to 0-2, the season will get much more difficult with a trip to Foxboro on the horizon.
Miami has been trendy playoff pick this season, but they didn’t play like one last week against Washington. In the Dolphin debut of Ndamukong Suh, the defense surrendered over 120 yards to Alfred Morris. Washington totaled 349 yards and dominated the game, but late interceptions and a Jarvis Landry punt return save the game for Miami. Now Blake Bortles, who was effective before throwing a costly pick-six in week one, has to have a clean game if the Jaguars are going to defend EverBank Field on Sunday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Here’s more info about the matchup:
The Basics
Who:
Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
When:
Sunday, September 20, 4:05 p.m. ET
Channel:
The game will be broadcast regionally on CBS with Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker and Steve Beuerlein in the booth. Click here to see if you live in the broadcast area and find what game is on near you.
Where:
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL
Line:
Dolphins (-6.5)
Last Meeting:
Miami 27, Jacksonville 13 on October 26, 2014 in Jacksonville
Scouting the Jaguars
T.J. Yeldon made the case for more touches in Week One (Getty).
Though a late turnover secured their downfall, Jacksonville was hanging around with the Panthers, a positive sign for Jaguars fans. Another solid takeaway as that although the Jags only scored one touchdown, it came during a two-minute drill just before halftime. That success may lead to some no-huddle this week against Miami, where Blake Bortles can spread the ball around like he did during the nine-play drive against the Panthers.
On defense, the Jaguars secondary will be without top safety Jonathan Cyprien. Cyprien played week one with a cast on his broken finger, but left early in the contest with a calf injury. He’s listed as doubtful, leaving Jacksonville short-handed in an already vulnerable secondary.
Scouting the Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill threw zero interceptions and most importantly, got the victory against Washington (Getty).
Success in Miami is directly correlated to the progression of Ryan Tannehill. Now in his fourth season, Tannehill is surrounded with ample weapons to make a huge statistical leap. Jarvis Landry, Greg Jennings, Lamar Miller, Rishard Mathews, and Jordan Cameron have shaped Miami into a well-rounded attack. Tannehill didn’t throw an interception against Washington, but didn’t complete a pass play longer than 17 yards.
On defense, the Dolphins hope to solve some of the issues that plagued them against Washington. Ndamukong Suh was a non-factor, successfully double-teamed and chop-blocked all day. Safety Reshad Jones had seven tackles, not the desired stat from a defensive back. Miami forced turnovers, but Washington controlled the game and temp after jumping out to an early 10-0 lead. Blame it on the nerves, but Miami has too much talent to be trailing Washington and can prove it against the Jaguars on Sunday.
