Florida is one of only two states with the necessary structure to hold the dreams of three different NFL franchises. Fake in the lone star state have a choice of three different teams in three unique Texas markets – not to be outdone – so do the fans of the great state of Florida.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 28. Both teams have struggled to string together quality performances when it matters most at the twilight of the regular season. Fans have been disappointed at the lack of playoff potential of the Dolphins and the lack of playoff confirmation of the Buccaneers. This Sunday brings a unique opportunity for both Florida franchises, who frequently meet in the preseason. However, a regular season meeting between the two Florida teams happens only once every four years.
The head-to-head series is 7-5 in favor of the Buccaneers. Both teams have had to shift personnel, inserting players that had not had a chance to prove themselves on a national stage. Of late, Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel has faced heavy criticism and a very uncertain future in south Florida. Switching away from his tactic of limiting the passes of Tua Tagovailoa, he has opted to make a drastic change, plugging rookie Quinn Ewers into the starting quarterback slot. Tagovailoa had amassed an alarming 15 picks in 15 weeks, posting a career high in interceptions so far this season. Thus, keeping a rein on turnovers is one of the major keys to a Dolphins victory this week.
Keys for the Miami Dolphins
Eliminate turnovers– The Dolphins will secure the best chance of winning if they limit turnovers. Quinn Ewers, the rookie selected by the Dolphins in the seventh round out of Texas, threw for a respectable 260 yards and displayed an efficient 20-of-30 passing output in his first career start last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, the Dolphins’ turnover troubles still continued even with Evers at the helm. He gave the ball away on two occasions, an achilles heel the Dolphins must eliminate this Sunday against the Buccaneers. They must really fight to turn this around against a team that will capitalize off turnovers.
Achane has his typical game- Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane ran for over 100 yards in four consecutive games between the dates of 11/9 and 12/7. All four games resulted in victories. In the last two games, which were both losses, he ran for only 60 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers and 81 yards against the Cleveland Browns. With their passing game still highly questionable, the Dolphins claim to victory still rests on the shoulders of their elite running game.
Keys for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Special teams- As early as week five, the Buccaneers’ special teams unit was under scrutiny. While the team posted a very optimistic 4-1 record, lackluster special teams play put heavy pressure on both the offense and defense. Blocked punts and poorly positioned punt and kickoff units on Coach McGaughey’s squad had to be addressed. Conversely, in week 11 against the Buffalo Bills, the effect of the special teams could be felt in a game-changing manner as the Buccaneers punt return unit stripped usually sure-handed Bills returner Mecole Hardman, causing a fumble and giving the Buccaneers a chance to win the game. Though the Buccaneers fell victim to their own fumble on the offensive side of the ball, the special teams unit proved they can turn a game around.
Offensive line play- The effectiveness of the Buccaneers’ offensive line impacts the outcome of the game in many indispensable ways. Baker Mayfield’s mobility as well as the number of sacks he takes are both dictated by the play of the offensive line. His ability to hold on to the football is also a direct consequence of how well his offensive line is protecting him. Mayfield has been guilty of one turnover in three straight games. He also has six turnovers in five games, a glaring stat that the offensive line must help their quarterback rectify. If the Buccaneers want a sure victory this week, the offensive line will need to help him end this streak.
Partly due to running back Bucky Irving’s injury, the Buccaneers have discovered a winning formula with the dual threat rushing attack of both Irving and Sean Tucker. Albeit they employ different running styles, both backs are very effective when they have a chance to fight through the contact. Both will require reliable blocking from the offensive line if the Buccaneers are to win this game. Although it is one game, it feels like much more because winning will give them the NFC South title, pending a Carolina Panthers loss against the Seattle Seahawks.