5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Miami Dolphins – Week 6
By Chris Schad
Miami will have a season-high in carries
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel came from a run-heavy scheme in San Francisco but has employed a pass-heavy scheme in Miami. The Dolphins come into Sunday’s game 29th in the NFL with 106 rushing attempts and their 3.9 yards per carry is tied for 24th along with Washington, the Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Part of the reason is Miami’s personnel. After the Dolphins invested heavily to draft Jalen Waddle and trade for Tyreek Hill, airing it out leans into the strength of the offense. But with Tagovailoa and Bridgewater unlikely to start, it might not be wise to have Thompson throw the ball 50 times against the Vikings.
That’s where it gets interesting. The Vikings have played conservatively on defense, allowing six yards per play, and they are fifth in the NFL allowing 7.3 yards per passing attempt. But their run defense has been effective, allowing 4.4 yards per carry.
If the Dolphins decide to air it out with Thompson, they could find success on short, underneath routes that Waddle and HIll could turn into big gains. But it’s more likely they’ll try to pound the rock and protect their young quarterback.