On Their High Horse

By Mike Rifkin

On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins will have their home opener at Hard Rock Stadium, taking on the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins will look to go 3-0 after road wins against the Chargers and Patriots. Both games were very different; the Chargers game was a shootout, and the defense stepped up when they had to; the Patriot game was more of a conservative game, where the offense had to take what it was given. 

One of the keys to the Dolphins’ early season success has been the offensive line, which has only allowed one sack through two games. The offense has also averaged 107.5 yards per game rushing. The offensive line could be getting a boost with the impending return of Left Tackle Terron Armstead. One thing to watch is the health of receiver Jaylen Waddle. He left the Patriot game with a concussion and has been in concussion protocol throughout the week, and is questionable. 

This is a revenge game for Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Broncos coach from 2019-2021, going 19-30 in those three seasons. Bradley Chubb, who was traded from the Broncos to the Dolphins at the trade deadline last year, will see his former team for the first time. Chubb is coming off his best game as a Dolphin with seven tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. The Dolphins’ defense should get a boost with the return of Jaelan Phillips, who missed Sunday’s win over the Pats with a back injury.

The Broncos have lost their first two games by a combined three points. Russell Wilson has played better under Sean Payton but has been sacked nine times in two games. The Broncos’ offense has outstanding, skilled position players with Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Javonte Williams. One matchup to watch is Patrick Surtain vs. Tyreek Hill. Surtain, whose father played for the Dolphins, has become one of the elite corners in the game.