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Behind Enemy Lines: Miami Dolphins prepare to host Arizona Cardinals

Dec 9, 2016, 7:25 AM | Updated: Dec 10, 2016, 9:35 pm

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To say that it’s been a strange season for the Miami Dolphins would be an understatement.

Under first year head coach Adam Gase, the Dolphins (7-5) have had a streaky campaign. The natives got restless early in the season when Miami limped out to a 1-4 record; the only win an overtime triumph over the woeful Cleveland Browns.

Then, the Dolphins caught fire, winning their next six games, including victories over Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

The fun came to a halt last Sunday in a 38-6 shellacking at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. By point differential, the loss was the second-biggest in the NFL this season.

Currently, Miami is on the outside looking in when it comes to the AFC Playoff picture. They trail the Denver Broncos by one game for the final AFC Wild Card spot, so winning is of the utmost importance this Sunday when they host the Arizona Cardinals (5-6-1) at Hard Rock Stadium.

All week, we’ll keep you up to date on the Dolphins’ preparations for the Cardinals as we go Behind Enemy Lines


Saturday, December 10

Miami Dolphins vs. Arizona Cardinals: Five things to watch (Miami Herald)

Miami Herald reporter Armando Salguero dissects five themes to watch as the Arizona Cardinals travel to South Beach to take on the Dolphins.

Dolphins carry four-game home winning streak, season-long home success into Cardinals game (Sun Sentinel)

The Dolphins are tied with the second-best home record this season at 5-1, however many might see them as being a dominant team. Miami’s home victories have come against Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, the Jets and San Francisco.


Friday, December 9

Dolphins’ Maxwell believes ‘I’m the best’ NFL cornerback, and he might not be way off (Miami Herald)

With Darrelle Revis fighting a wrist injury and age, and Richard Sherman playing more off coverage than at any time in his career, there isn’t quite the debate there once was about who is the NFL’s premier cornerback. It’s Arizona’s Patrick Peterson.

But ask Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Maxwell if he agrees with that assessment and the introspection he shows is quite impressive.

“Man, listen, if he wants to say that, he can say that. I’m pretty sure he believes that,” Maxwell said of Peterson being the best. “Just like I believe I’m the best.

“Nothing against him, he is a great cornerback. The answer depends on who you ask.”

Cardinals’ weapons will to be too much for Dolphins to handle on Sunday (Miami Herald)

Miami opened as 2 1/2-point favorite but line shriveled fast and swung other way with heavy betting on Arizona. And understandably. Underachieving Cardbirds were 13-3 last year and have lots of talent. I mean, how wide was Carson Palmer’s grin as he watched Joe Flacco scissor up the Dolphins’ pass defense last week? ’Zona’s 1-4 road record gives us some pause, but Palmer has weapons like Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and, of course, all-purpose back and fantasy monster David Johnson.

Dolphins coordinator Christensen: I’ll never question DeVante Parker’s heart (Miami Herald)

“I’ve never questioned his wanting to play,” Christensen said. “I don’t think anyone has questioned it. This game is a hard game. I have a hard time questioning a guy’s heart. He wants to play. He plays hard. He goes in there and throws his body around. I’ve never had any reason to question his heart in this thing or his desire to play football.”

Dolphins forced to finish season with patchwork linebacker unit (Sun Sentinel)

Ever try making a dish without one of the main ingredients in the recipe? How about doing it with three of the critical components missing?

That’s been defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s challenge all season, trying to cook up a respectable defense for the Miami Dolphins with an injury-decimated, watered down linebackers unit. This is a group that was already viewed as a troublesome spot coming into the season, back when everyone was healthy.

Dolphins offensive coordinator appreciates good, clean fun (Sun Sentinel)

Dolphins offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen, a personable, upbeat sort with a lively sense of humor, can’t stop himself from joking about rookie guard Laremy Tunsil’s shower mishap.

Ryan Tannehill attempting to bounce back from lackluster showing (Sun Sentinel)

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is coming off his worst performance of the season, and one of the worst December performances of his career in last week’s three-interception game against Baltimore. He knows he must be better this week against Arizona for the Dolphins (7-5) to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Dolphins LB Kiko Alonso unsure if he will play vs. Cardinals (ESPN.com)

Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kiko Alonso missed his second day of practice Thursday with a thumb and hamstring injuries. According to Alonso, he is unsure if he will be healthy enough to play in Sunday’s game against Arizona.

Dolphins DC Vance Joseph: No personnel changes ahead (ESPN.com)

The Miami Dolphins’ coaching staff has had no issues benching underperforming players this season. Former Pro Bowler Mario Williams and well-paid cornerback Byron Maxwell are the two biggest examples.

However, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said there will be no personnel changes after watching Miami allow an astounding 971 total yards over the past two weeks against San Francisco and Baltimore. It is the most yards the Dolphins have allowed in a two-game stretch since 1984.

Pro Bowl bound? Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi closes in on 1,000 yards (Palm Beach Post)

Ajayi’s had this in his sights for a while and he’s eying a possible Pro Bowl trip as well. He is fifth in the AFC in yards per game, second in yards per attempt and first in runs of 20 yards or more. Regardless of how the voting turns out when the league announces Pro Bowl selections in two weeks, the allure of a 1,000-yard season is undeniable.

Miami Dolphins guard Laremy Tunsil: ‘I’m hurting. I’m hurting bad’ (Palm Beach Post)

Laremy Tunsil didn’t put a percentage on it, but he didn’t have to. There can’t be any doubt the rookie guard is playing in pain because of a shoulder injury.

“I mean, I’m hurting,” Tunsil said Thursday. “I’m hurting bad, but you know I’m going to fight through it. I’m going to give it all I’ve got. At the end of the day, I’m here to help the team any way I can. We’re trying to win games. We’re trying to get to the playoff spot, so whatever I can do, I’m going to help.”


Thursday, December 8

Hull poised to start if Alonso cannot; Dolphins nuggets (Miami Herald)

Mike Hull is the Dolphins’ smallest linebacker, factoring in height (6-0) and weight (233).

On Sunday, he could be their most important, if Kiko Alonso cannot play because of hamstring and thumb injuries.

Miami Dolphins hope Mike Pouncey back for AFC East run — because they need him (Miami Herald)

Mike Pouncey is frustrated. The Miami Dolphins center has missed seven of the team’s 12 games this season, including the past three, and as of this morning there is no certainty he won’t miss at least one more.

Dolphins’ Jason Jones on his OWI: ‘Thank God that nothing major really happened’ (Miami Herald)

Jason Jones returned to practice in good shape after his two-week suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

He also returned remorseful. Jones, who was suspended for an offseason arrest on operating while intoxicated charges, said he “never took this situation lightly.”

Dolphins must run the ball effectively for offense to have success against Cardinals (Sun Sentinel)

This Sunday, the Dolphins (7-5), who are ranked No. 8 in the NFL in rushing offense at 111.5 yards per game, need to find a way to keep the running game part of the gameplan against the Arizona Cardinals, who are tied for 11th in run defense at 97.9 yards allowed per game.

Dolphins LB Kiko Alonso (thumb) limited in practice, LB Jelani Jenkins not in attendance (Sun Sentinel)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso, who had surgery Monday to repair his broken right thumb, wasn’t participating in the portion of Wednesday’s practice the media was allowed to watch. Alonso went through stretching drills but wasn’t participating otherwise.

Dolphins backup LB Mike Hull ready to step up if needed (ESPN.com)

“I think it would be a great opportunity for me,” Hull said. “I’ve been working every week of the season like I’m going to be the starter, just one play away. So I’m really excited to get out there if I have the opportunity to show what I can do.”

Damien Williams is the Miami Dolphins secret offensive weapon (Yahoo! Sports)

Outperforming his numbers from his first two seasons, Williams is quickly developing a role with this offensive unit. He can both run the football and act as a great option in the passing game. His elusiveness in the open field allows him to earn those tough yards and convert key first downs when he is called upon. As far as backup running backs go, Williams is probably near the top of the list.

Miami Dolphins kicker Andrew Franks: Confidence is not an issue (Palm Beach Post)

Franks attempted only 16 field goals as a rookie last season and has tried 17 this year. He’s philosophical as to whether he’d like to get more opportunities. The Dolphins also skipped the chance to have him try from 53 yards in the third quarter against San Francisco when up 17-14.

What Miami Dolphins DT Ndamukong Suh said about the Cardinals, missing Alonso (Palm Beach Post)

“They have some great running backs. Obviously, a seasoned veteran at quarterback. We’re going to have a challenge obviously making sure we shut them down. They have a lot of run game, getting sideline to sideline with their offensive linemen, and then obviously, the running back coming downhill. Screens, as well, are going to be a big piece, so we have a lot on our plate. But I played against them many times, obviously being in the NFC, so hopefully they continue to stay to that same mantra of offense they like to run.”


Wednesday, December 7

Why Dolphins should be very concerned about Sunday; Dolphins, media notes (Miami Herald)

If you didn’t know the Dolphins were above .500 (7-5) and the Arizona Cardinals were under (5-6-1), you would never know looking at statistics.

Arizona is ninth in the league in total offense. Miami is 25th.

Arizona is second in the league in total defense. The Dolphins are 25th.

Arizona is 11th-best at stopping the run and third-best at stopping the pass. The Dolphins are 30th and 11th.

Arizona has outscored teams by 25. Miami has been outscored by 23.

In the other words, the Cardinals are the best sub-.500 team that Miami could possibly face.

Perkins: Dolphins’ secondary exceeding expectations | Commentary (Sun Sentinel)

With a secondary comprised largely of cornerbacks Byron Maxwell, Tony Lippett and Bobby McCain, and safeties Michael Thomas and Isa Abdul-Quddus, the Dolphins have managed to thrive, winning six of their last seven games.

Cardinals’ David Johnson, Carson Palmer pose major threat to Dolphins (ESPN.com)

Miami suffered an embarrassing 32-point loss at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, and the game served as a wake-up call of what it takes to win games in December. The stakes and intensity are raised with teams vying for playoff positioning, and the Dolphins know they must respond in order to make a postseason push.

Dolphins tumble in latest ESPN Power Rankings (ESPN.com)

What does a 32-point drubbing get the Miami Dolphins? According to ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings, it gets a trip back to the middle of the pack.

The Dolphins, not surprisingly, fell four spots to No. 16 in ESPN’s latest offering. Miami (7-5) climbed as high as No. 11 during its recent six-game winning streak. But that came to a halt Sunday with the Baltimore Ravens’ 38-6 victory.

Dolphins WR DeVante Parker learning to play through pain (ESPN.com)

The game marked a growing point for Parker, who has dealt with various injuries in his first two seasons. In the past, Parker has missed games or didn’t play well through pain, but neither was the case against the Ravens.


Tuesday, December 6

Miami Dolphins hope to correct issues that Ravens exposed in rout Sunday (Miami Herald)

During their six-game joyride, the Dolphins injected a jolt of confidence in a fan base that has had understandable trust issues with this franchise.

But for many who witnessed the Baltimore Ravens’ 38-6 drubbing of the Dolphins on Sunday, that confidence has been replaced by doubt and uneasiness, with two concerns at the forefront.

Dolphins need help from Denver in playoff quest (Miami Herald)

Sunday’s loss knocked the Dolphins out of a playoff seed and left Miami needing help to secure its first postseason berth since 2008.

The Dolphins, 7-5 and seventh in the conference, trail current wild-card teams Kansas City (9-3) and Denver (8-4).

Dolphins’ tape reveals more disturbing signs; Dolphins nuggets (Miami Herald)

Those shortcomings begin with gaping, appalling holes in the middle of the field on defense. Baltimore’s Joe Flacco completed 14 of 15 passes in the middle of the field in the first half, for 172 yards.

Kelly: Dolphins have shown progress under Gase, but need to finish season with winning record (Sun Sentinel)

While losing three of the team’s final four games and failing to produce the franchise’s first winning season since 2008 should be viewed as unacceptable, there have been plenty of encouraging signs.

Dolphins LB Kiko Alonso undergoes surgery to repair broken thumb (ESPN.com)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso has undergone surgery to repair a broken right thumb, but coach Adam Gase says he may be available to play Sunday against Arizona.

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Behind Enemy Lines: Miami Dolphins prepare to host Arizona Cardinals