Game by game predictions: Week 4 @ Arizona Cardinals; Dolphins to release QB David Garrard

Overall record after week 3:  2-1

All-time record against:  8-2


Interesting matchup here in week four for the Miami Dolphins as, like the Dolphins, the Cardinals are a team with a lot of uncertainty.  They clearly don't like Kevin Kolb as journeyman John Skelton was once again named the team's starter, and, unlike opposing QB Ryan Tannehill, Skelton has an established elite receiver in Larry Fitzgerald.  This, to me, should be the biggest concern for the Dolphins going into this game.  The defense has struggled in years past with elite receivers like Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, and Randy Moss, and if that trend is continued here then expect a long day on the defensive side of the ball.

Another problem Miami will face in this one will be the rushing duo of Beanie Wells, and Ryan Williams.  Wells posted his first 1,000 yard season last year and could benefit from so much attention being put on Larry Fitzgerald and the passing game.  The Dolphins must not get sucked in and become one dimensional towards the pass or Beanie Wells could put up big numbers.

Offensively, Ryan Tannehill and company could be hit or miss, much like the Arizona defense is, in this one.  The unit features playmakers such as safety Adrian Wilson, linemen Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett, underrated inside linebacker Daryl Washington and an athletic young cornerback in Patrick Peterson.  However, this unit, which basically returns all but one starter from last season, ranked 18th overall a year ago, and 21st against the run.  Expect Mike Sherman to try and expose that early on here with Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas, while also using Ryan Tannehill to open up the running lanes with some early passing.

Overall, this game could go either way for the Fins.  The Arizona offense benefits from a balanced rushing attack with Beanie Wells, and a deep passing threat with Larry Fitzgerald.  The Fins will struggle to contain both of these throughout the game, but I believe must put more of their focus on keeping Fitzgerald contained.  The Miami offense could potentially put up points in this one, depending on which Arizona defense shows up, and must utilize both the running and passing games.  However, as I said before, the defense has always struggled with big time receivers, and unfortunately here, they have one of the biggest to go up against.

Final: Dolphins 21 Cardinals 27

[Update:  According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, the Dolphins are expected to release veteran QB David Garrard today.  The team has so far kept four QB's, but it was highly unlikely they were going to continue on with that, and with Garrard's health an issue this move shouldn't be unexpected.]