After enjoying their week off, the Dolphins are preparing to visit the Colts this Sunday, October 20 (1 pm) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, in a Week 7 NFL underdog matchup.
The Miami team (2-3) needs the victory to consolidate its position in second place in its division and not lose the trail of the Bills (4-2), who are in first place and leave behind the New York Jets, third with 2-4. Something quite similar to what happens to Indianapolis (3-3) who is second in the South.
So it is expected to be a fairly even matchup where anyone can win and if the Colts playing at home have a great defense, Miami should be more hungry to win and better exploit its offensive strengths, while maintaining its good defense.
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All indications are that this will be Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s last game on the injured list, after completing his fourth game out of the lineup and if everything continues without setbacks, and independent doctors give the all-clear, he could be available for the Oct. 27 game against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium.
“The process will unfold as it should, you have to allow days to go by to evaluate where you are and have a proper evaluation,” said coach Mike McDaniel.
So, Tyler Huntley is preparing to be the quarterback again and is expected to perform at his best after two weeks of preparation for this clash.
Huntley has made progress, but it is still insufficient to be considered a reliable solution, but everything is in his hands.
“I just continue to go through the playbook, fine-tuning the footwork and all the different plays. I just try to recite them to myself and get a good feel for them.”
He primarily needs to connect better with wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and now Odel Beckham, as well as mix up better passing and running plays, but that will depend more on the plays called by offensive coordinator Frank Smith, who by the way hasn’t been able to get the offense working without Tua.
Hill has just 23 receptions for 12.4 yards per game, while Waddle has 21 for 12.3 yards per game when they led the NFL in passing yards last season.
The return of running back Raheem Mostert, who had 18 carries for 80 yards last game, could help. De’Von Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright could also be involved.
“We have a chance to learn from our mistakes and get better. We have a great coach and we had a great day of practice,” Hill said.
“Things aren’t going to be perfect, but I think our operation was excellent, the boys came out of the meeting well.”
The Dolphins without Tua have the worst offense in the NFL, averaging 12 points and scoring just two touchdowns over their last three games, which is ridiculous, just like their numbers in key moments.
The Dolphins score TDs on 36.4 percent of their trips to the red zone and advance on 30.3 percent of their 3rd downplays and 14.3 percent of their 4th downplays.
The good news for Miami is the full return to practice of Achane (concussion protocol), quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) and cornerback Cam Smith (hamstring).
Also playing on a limited basis were safety Jevon Holland (hand), linebackers Mohamed Kamara (ankle), David Long (knee), and Emmanuel Ogbah (biceps).
The duel against the Colts is crucial for the Dolphins since a loss practically eliminates them from the playoffs.
