1. Do not turn the ball over. This is, by far, the most critical thing for the Miami Dolphins today. Joe Philbin said it himself before and after Sunday's loss to Houston, turning the ball over will cost you football games. The Fins were in the game last week, in-fact, they were controlling it, until they turned the ball over not once, not twice, but four consecutive times. After that the game was essentially over, and if that happens again this week you can bet on more of the same. Ryan Tannehill must protect the football, same goes for Reggie Bush, same goes for anybody on the Fins offense who touches it.
2. Create turnovers on defense. This comes in a close second to number one. As important as it is to not turn the ball over, it's equally important to create turnovers. Not only will this give the Fins a much needed momentum boost, but it will also give the offense a short field to work with, which is crucial with a young QB like Ryan Tannehill.
3. Score touchdowns in the redzone. If and when Ryan Tannehill gets that short field to work with, he must, MUST, put the ball in the endzone. The Fins failed to score a touchdown on every redzone appearance last week, and that includes multiple trips in the 4th quarter. This cannot happen again today, and that also includes field goals. With the way this offense looks lately, scoring touchdowns on the few opportunites they may get could make or break this game. The Fins must find a way to put up six, not three, or they could be staring 0-2 right in the face when it's all said and done.
4. Correct the tipped ball issue. This has been the topic of the week out of Miami, and it could potentially turn into a huge problem if the Fins don't show that it's been corrected today. Whether it's limiting the number of three step dropbacks, or Ryan Tannehill doing a better job of finding passing lanes, or the offensive line keeping the defenders hands down, or a collection of all three, the Dolphins must correct this issue.
5. Convert on third downs. The Dolphins were an embarrassing 2/10 last week on third downs, and not only does this kill drives, but it forces your defense back on the field, and this is especially crippling if you go three and out. Ryan Tannehill and Mike Sherman must find ways to convert these third downs. From the offensive coordinator, to the offensive line, to the QB, the Fins must do a better job of this today.
Prediction: I like this matchup for the Fins. I think Ryan Tannehill looks much better than he did last week, especially when it comes to finding key receivers like Brian Hartline and Davone Bess. Reggie Bush had a big game last year against this defense and I think he goes over 100 yards again today. The defense needs to continue to stuff the run game and force turnovers, and if they do I expect the Fins to come out of today with a "W."
Raiders 17 Dolphins 20
Remember to follow the live blog today, and check back right before game time for any last minute updates. Until then, go Fins!
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