Tua’s health: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose durability has been questioned in the past, is on the injury report for back and ankle ailments. The Dolphins had walk-through practices this week so that should help Tagovailoa (72 of 101, 925 yards, eight touchdowns, two interceptions, 117.8 passer rating) get some rest and treatment and start against the Bengals (1-2).
But that’s not the end of things because he could aggravate the ailments during the game, Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was unimpressive in a brief appearance last Sunday vs. the Bills but disregard that because Bridgewater is a veteran. One thing to watch regarding Tagovailoa’s health is whether the Dolphins (3-0) activate No. 3 quarterback Skylar Thompson, who hasn’t been active through three games. If that happens, you know the Dolphins are concerned about Tagovailoa, who ranks second in the NFL in passer rating and yards, is tied for third in touchdowns, and fourth in completion percentage (71%).
Dolphins’ pass defense vs. Joe Burrow and Bengals’ WRs: The numbers aren’t in the Dolphins’ favor. However, the key might be whether the Dolphins and their six sacks (tied for 22nd in the league) can crank it up enough to put pressure on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, whose 15 sacks are tied for the league lead. Elsewhere, it doesn’t look promising statistically. The Dolphins’ pass defense is 31st (among 32 teams) in passing yards allowed per game (297.7). They have just one interception (Jevon Holland vs. New England) and have dropped numerous potential interceptions.
The Bengals are 14th in passing yards per game (241.7) and while Burrow (80 of 125, 812 yards, six touchdowns, four interceptions, 85.1 passer rating) hasn’t gotten going yet and neither have wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase (21 receptions, 212 yards, two touchdowns), Tee Higgin (13 receptions, 191 yards, one touchdown) and Tyler Boyd (10 reception, 155 yards, two touchdowns). The Dolphins’ pass defense has held up against New England’s Mac Jones, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Buffalo’s Josh Allen. We’ll see what happens against Burrow, who led the Bengals to the Super Bowl last season.
Dolphins’ fatigue on short week: This is the toughest task on the NFL schedule, going on the road for a Thursday night game. The Dolphins are banged up physically with key players such as Tagovailoa, cornerback Xavien Howard (groin/glute), left tackle Terron Armstead (toe) and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (groin) ailing.
Keep an eye on this situation because these are all players who have had big roles in the Dolphins’ 3-0 start. Beyond that group, watch safety Jevon Holland (neck), cornerback Kader Kohou (ankle), right tackle Greg Little (finger) and defensive tackle Zach Sieler (hand) during the game.
Dolphins’ special teams: This is threatening to become an ‘X’ factor. Each of the past two weeks have featured a surprise whether it’s the 103-yard kickoff return touchdown by Baltimore or the now-infamous “butt punt” that threatened the outcome of the Buffalo game. The Dolphins have won both games but those missteps have complicated the process.
Special teams have done big things among punter Thomas Morstead flipping the field numerous times and defensive lineman Emmanuel Ogbah getting a hand on that Buffalo field goal attempt early in the fourth quarter. But the mistakes are becoming concerning.
Dolphins LB Melvin Ingram: Ingram, the 33-year-old, 11th-year veteran, has ignited the defense in a few ways. He had a 6-yard scoop-and-score fumble recovery touchdown against New England, and a recovered fumble against Buffalo to go along with two sacks. In three games, Ingram has seven tackles (three for losses), 2.0 sacks, five quarterback hurries, eight quarterback pressures, one pass defended, a forced fumble, two recovered fumbles, and a touchdown.
In other words, he’s been impactful. We’ll see if that continues against Cincinnati and its revamped offensive line. By the way, Ingram’s play count has increased each week going from 31 to 32 to 56. Look for that to continue, too.
()