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As Sunday’s matchup against the Rams approaches, it looks like the Dolphins will be without some of their top offensive lineman. Brandon Albert just underwent surgery and he is expected to miss a couple of weeks. The team is also expected to be without starting center Mike Pouncey who is experiencing hip problems. This is the same hip that had him sidelined for the first four weeks of the season.
Adam Gase told Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinal that even if Pouncey didn't practice once over the course of the week, there was still a chance he could see the field against the Rams.
Assuming that Pouncey isn't a go, the starting offensive line against the Rams will likely look like this:
LEFT TACKLE: Tunsil
LEFT GUARD: Urbik
CENTER: Steen
RIGHT GUARD: Bushrod
RIGHT TACKLE: James
Obviously, losing both these men is going to hurt, but I expect Adam Gase to have a plan in place to protect Tannehill in the upcoming weeks especially against Los Angeles.
Tannehill Needs Roll Out Plays
I expect Gase to do a lot of play-action plays where Tannehill rolls out of the pocket. To do that, Miami is going to need to establish the run with Jay Ajayi. Even if some run plays aren't effective, Gase needs to stick with it because eventually Ajayi is going to break off a big run like we saw against the Jets defensive line. This will give Gase the chance to pull the trigger on play-action plays. Tannehill is also much more accurate when throwing on the run.
Quick Throws
Slants to Landry, Stills, and Parker will be in full force this week. Expect quick drop backs from Tannehill as he dumps it off to these three receivers. I think we will also see a heavy dose of wide receiver and running back screens. Damien Williams could play a big role in the offensive plan this week. Although I am not a big fan of the screens, we have to trust Gase in his preparation with this team.
The Dolphins will look to extend their win streak to 5 as they take on the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum this Sunday. The win would give Miami a 6-4 record and put them in thick of playoff talks.
Prediction:
Dolphins 21
Rams 10