Dolphins 2017 season preview: Week 8 at Baltimore Ravens

After the Miami Dolphins finish their season series with the New York Jets in Week 7, hosting their AFC East division rivals, the South Florida team heads to Maryland for a Week 8 Thursday night contest against the Baltimore Ravens. The Dolphins lost in Baltimore last year, ending their six-game winning streak with a 38-6 drubbing from the Ravens.

This year, the Dolphins will start a strange run of three-straight prime-time games with the game against the Ravens. After the Thursday Night Football contest, they will then play a Sunday Night Football game in Week 9 and a Monday Night Football game in Week 10. The Dolphins will then have their bye week in Week 11.

As we have done for the first six opponents for the Dolphins in 2017, we turn to the fans who cover each team, in this case the Ravens and the guys over at Baltimore Beatdown, to get a closer look at Miami’s opponents.

Notable free agent additions

S Tony Jefferson, WR Jeremy Maclin, CB Brandon Carr, RB Danny Woodhead, CB Brandon Boykin, DT Brandon Williams, DB Lardarius Webb,

Notable free agent departures

WR Steve Smith Sr., ILB Zachary Orr, RT Ricky Wagner, OLB Elvis Dumervil, FB Kyle Juszczyk, WR Kamar Aiken, FS Kendrick Lewis, CB Shareece Wright, DE Lawrence Guy, CB Jerraud Powers

Trades

C Jeremy Zuttah → 49ers, DT Timmy Jernigan → Eagles

Draft picks expected to contribute as rookies

CB Marlon Humphrey -- Wasn’t expected to contribute with the defensive back overhaul this offseason, but the tradition of losing a cornerback before training camp once again, struck the Ravens in the form of an ACL tear to star-in-the-making cornerback, Tavon Young. Now, Humphrey will be either outside at #2, or pushed inside the slot, depending upon his competition with Brandon Carr and Maurice Canady.

OLB Tyus Bowser: An outside linebacker with the all the athletic gifts of a pass rushing terror. His speed, power and agility can help bring about pressure from any Raven not named Terrell Suggs. He may find reps as an inside backer, with Zachary Orr’s leave and Kamalei Correa’s status up-in-the-air.

OLB Tim Williams: An Alabama linebacker on the Ravens, another tradition Baltimore loves. Williams stock fell heavily during the draft, from expected Ravens first round pick to third round. He’ll fit in nicely as a third down specialist.

OL Nico Siragusa: Baltimore currently is missing two pieces to their offensive line, and Marshal Yanda can’t do everything. If Baltimore moves Alex Lewis to right tackle, Nico has a shot at starting. If they keep James Hurst at right tackle, he’ll be fighting for a backup spot.

Biggest offseason addition

Tony Jefferson is undoubtedly the biggest addition, though the re-signing of Brandon Williams is a close second. Eric Weddle is praising his partner, Jefferson, already. The Ravens with two dominant safeties won’t be fun to play against, especially with both top five in run-stop ability. Dean Pees will hopefully use creativity to unlock their true potential.

Biggest storyline heading into training camp

Baltimore has a plethora of stories this offseason, but Zachary Orr’s return from retirement is #1.

Under-the-radar storyline heading into training camp

The Ravens defensive signings have been completely overshadowed by the signing of Jeremy Maclin. Yes, it’s exciting to see the Ravens get a receiver, but Baltimore spent almost $120 million this offseason on defensive players.

Notable injuries heading into training camp

My least favorite part to fill out here. CB Tavon Young, TE Dennis Pitta; Suspensions: TE Darren Waller (1 year), RB Kenneth Dixon (4 games)

Miami Dolphins 2017 season schedule:

Week 1
vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Setpember 10, 1pm

Week 2
at Los Angeles Chargers
September 17, 4:05pm

Week 3
at New York Jets
September 24, 1pm

Week 4
vs. New Orleans Saints (London)
October 1, 9:30am

Week 5
vs. Tennessee Titans
October 8, 1pm

Week 6
at Atlanta Falcons
October 15, 1pm

Week 7
vs. New York Jets
October 22, 1pm

Week 8
at Baltimore Ravens
October 26, 8:25pm (TNF)

Week 9
vs. Oakland Raiders
November 5, 8:30pm (SNF)

Week 10
at Carolina Panthers
November 13, 8:30pm (MNF)

Week 11
BYE

Week 12
at New England Patriots
November 26, 1pm

Week 13
vs. Denver Broncos
December 3, 1pm

Week 14
vs. New England Patriots
December 11, 8:30pm (MNF)

Week 15
at Buffalo Bills
December 17, 1pm

Week 16
at Kansas City Chiefs
December 24, 1pm

Week 17
vs. Buffalo Bills
December 31, 1pm