Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins: 5 keys to victory

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Aug 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) huddles up with teammates during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins are heavy underdogs to open the 2016 season. The Seattle Seahawks are looking for a return trip to the Super Bowl. Can Miami pull off an opening weekend upset?

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When the Miami Dolphins take the field later today they will do so knowing that no one expects them to win. The Dolphins have a new head coach, new assistant coaches, and new offensive and defensive system, and questions at just about every position. It’s not a good sign for Miami.

Despite the odds against them which include a cross-country trip and three time zone changes, Miami could still pull of what would be the biggest upset of the day.

Key 5: Keeping Ryan Tannehill upright

In order for the Dolphins to stay in the game they have to keep Ryan Tannehill from getting hit. Tannehill has been sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL since 2012, his rookie season.

Making matters worse for the Dolphins is Tannehill lacks that needed pocket awareness that top quarterbacks have and he does not have a quick release of the ball.

Where Tannehill does strive however is out of the pocket and if the Dolphins offensive line struggles against the Seahawk front seven, Miami needs to move Tannehill where he plays much better.

If Tannehill has time then the Dolphins uptempo no-huddle offense will wear down the Seahawks defense.

Sep 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Denico Autry (96)and linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) combine against Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (32) during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Key 4: Stop the run

Over the past several seasons the Achille’s heal to the Dolphins defense has been their inability to stop the run. Through the 2016 pre-season, Miami again struggled to contain opposing rushers and were torn through by both Tennessee and Dallas.

The Seahawks are not expected to play starter Thomas Rawls much on Sunday due to his recovery from injury which means Christine Michael will carry the buld. Michael has had an up and down career thus far but his pre-season has been very solid.

Michael will face Ndamukong Suh and Earl Mitchell in the middle while Jason Jones and Mario Williams will try to funnel the Seattle runners back inside where the linebackers are expected to make plays.

This is another key to today’s game. The play of Kiko Alonso in run support will be paramount.

Sep 1, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Brandon Doughty (6) throws a pass during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Tennessee won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest question mark on offense is undeniably the offensive line. Miami has struggled with pass protection and run blocking which is the only two options on offense.

The Dolphins will be starting Anthony Steen at center and rookie Laremy Tunsil at guard barring an injury setback. Tunsil was listed as questionable earlier in the week. Jermon Bushrod will line up on the right side next to Ja’Wuan James at tackle.

Miami has four first round draft picks on their offensive line but will be minus Mike Pouncey due to a hip injury. How well this unit plays will be the deciding factor in how Miami advances in this game. The Seahawks defense is one of the best in the NFL so it will be a tough game for the front men on offense.

Image courtesy of Dolphins.com

Key 2: Adam Gase

Gase will coach his first regular season game today. He has become a player favorite for his attitude and work ethic as well as his ability to meet the players eye-to-eye. He has earned their respect and thus far not one player has complained about Gase or his staff.

Gase’s biggest challenge today will be to manage both sides of the ball. His clock management will be a key factor throughout the game and of course his play calling will partly determine the successes and/or failures of the offense.

What’s more important however is how quickly Gase can adjust his game as the game moves on. Adjustments or lack thereof have doomed the Dolphins over the past four years or more. Gase has to be able to make these adjustments not just at half-time but as the game progresses.

How well he can do that and how well Vance Joseph can do that will impact the outcome of the game.

Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive back Byron Maxwell (41) tackles Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Key 1: The secondary

More specifically the cornerbacks. The Miami Dolphins traded with the Eagles for Byron Maxwell as the league new year began back in March. The Eagles signed Maxwell to a big free agent deal during the 2015 off-season based on Maxwell’s performance while with Seattle.

He returns to Seattle today.

Maxwell is a question mark specifically because his play in 2015 was not very good but he at least is a veteran with experience. Opposite Maxwell, Xavien Howard will make his first NFL start.

Taken in round 2 of this past April’s draft, Howard spent almost all of training camp injured. He played in the final week 4 pre-season game. His only NFL action thus far. The Dolphins are confident that he is ready to start the season.

Playing the nickel role will be Bobby McCain who actually has played better than expected this pre-season but the Dolphins need this entire group to play well. If the corners can do their jobs and force the Seahawks to win, and the Dolphins front seven can stop the run, Miami might just surprise some people by the end of the day.

Prediction:

Seattle 24 – Miami 23