Right here’s a have a look at how the Miami Dolphins (6-8) and San Francisco 49ers (6-8) match up in six key areas forward of Sunday’s Week 16 recreation at Onerous Rock Stadium (4:25 p.m., CBS):
When the Dolphins run: Miami’s run recreation has been virtually nonexistent for the previous six weeks after a powerful four-game stretch on the bottom. The Dolphins are actually all the way down to the NFL’s No. 26 dashing offense and, on a yards-per-carry foundation, are second-to-last. This for a floor recreation that led the league in yards per try final season. De’Von Achane took 12 carries for 41 yards final Sunday within the loss to the Houston Texans, whereas Raheem Mostert had six for 8 yards.
It hurts when the Dolphins are down left deal with Terron Armstead, particularly for an offensive line that already has Austin Jackson out for season and didn’t have his backup at proper deal with, Kendall Lamm, both. With defensive deal with Javon Hargrave on injured reserve, the 49ers aren’t as robust up entrance. However they nonetheless have Nick Bosa setting the sting, plus Fred Warner at linebacker and Dre Greenlaw in his second recreation again from his Achilles tear in final yr’s Tremendous Bowl alongside him. The 49ers rank fifteenth in opposition to the run. Edge: 49ers
When the 49ers run: It received’t be Christian McCaffrey operating the soccer for San Francisco. It received’t even be his backup, Jordan Mason, as each are on IR for the injury-plagued 49ers. Which means the Dolphins face Isaac Guerendo, assuming he can play by means of hamstring and foot accidents. Whoever San Francisco has at tailback, he runs behind a powerful offensive line that paves the way in which for the NFL’s eighth-ranked dashing offense. Whether or not left deal with Trent Williams can come again from an ankle harm, although, might go a great distance in figuring out the 49ers’ effectiveness on the bottom.
Miami’s run protection can also be ranked eighth and is coming off a recreation the place it held the Texans’ Joe Mixon to 23 yards on 12 carries earlier than he left injured. It begins up entrance with Zach Sieler main the line of defense, together with Calais Campbell, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks’ 121 tackles has him on tempo to be the Dolphins’ most prolific tackler in a single season since Zach Thomas. Edge: Dolphins
When the Dolphins cross: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, after a sizzling stretch, cooled down in a rush in opposition to the Texans’ mixture of their cross rush and ballhawking secondary. He turned the ball over 4 occasions final Sunday, with three interceptions and a misplaced fumble. He should work to guard the soccer in opposition to a 49ers protection that may equally get after the quarterback and pressure turnovers.
All three of his interceptions got here when focusing on star vast receiver Tyreek Hill, who’s having his worst season. He’s positive to obtain further defensive consideration from a secondary highlighted by cornerback Charvarius Ward and security Talanoa Hufanga. Particularly if Jaylen Waddle can’t play reverse him attributable to his knee harm. Possibly extra balls go the way in which of tight finish Jonnu Smith and rookie slot receiver Malik Washington.
Bosa and Leonard Floyd on the perimeters could have Miami tackles with their fingers full, particularly if it’s rookie Patrick Paul once more enjoying for Armstead or if Lamm can’t play on the precise aspect. Former observe squad lineman Jackson Carman struggled and gave up two sacks — one for a pricey strip-sack — in Houston. Tagovailoa might be below duress and compelled to make fast choices. Edge: 49ers
When the 49ers cross: San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy has taken a step again within the third season for the 2022 draft’s Mr. Irrelevant. He has simply 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 13 begins, finishing 65 p.c of passes for 3,174 yards.
It hurts him that he doesn’t have Brandon Aiyuk, who is finished for the season, however on prime of that, fellow vast receiver Deebo Samuel’s effectiveness has taken a giant hit. He’s third on the staff, with 569 receiving yards. Any 49ers opponent at all times has to cease tight finish George Kittle, and Miami has struggled masking tight ends this season. The highest exterior receiving menace for San Francisco this season has been Jauan Jennings, breaking out for 805 yards in 12 video games, so cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s time could also be spent masking him.
If Williams can’t play at left deal with, the Dolphins cross rush might have an opportunity to maintain rookie cross rusher Chop Robinson occurring the sting. Sieler has additionally produced the inside cross rush with a team-high 7 1/2 sacks. If exterior linebacker Bradley Chubb could make his season debut, it will make for a pleasant second practically a full yr after tearing his ACL, meniscus and patella in a knee. Edge: Dolphins
Particular groups: This unit for Miami is coming off one other recreation of pricey mishaps with Houston’s profitable pretend punt establishing a landing and kicker Jason Sanders lacking an additional level, though Sanders additionally related from one other lengthy subject objective of greater than 50 yards.
49ers kicker Jake Moody has missed six subject objectives this season, and San Francisco has turned not too long ago to former College of Miami punter Pat O’Donnell. Their unit has additionally allowed a kick return landing this season, so perhaps a possibility for Washington. Edge: Even
Intangibles: The 49ers get the remaining benefit of enjoying on Thursday evening the earlier week, however there’s additionally the cross-country journey for them. As slim because the Dolphins’ playoff hopes stand, San Francisco, a staff with Tremendous Bowl aspirations after reaching the large recreation final season, has even much less of an opportunity of getting within the postseason image within the NFC. It’s a must to marvel how a lot motivation there will probably be, particularly after linebacker De’Vondre Campbell walked off the sideline within the 49ers’ final recreation and is now suspended. Edge: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 23, 49ers 20
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