The Dolphins returned to action in Week 13 after a successful international tour and good earnings. The table is set for Miami to maintain its momentum. Having won three of their last four games, the Dolphins could be bolstered for Sunday’s tilt against the Saints.
Tackle Austin Jackson opened his 21-day window before the Week 11 game at Madrid. He didn’t play in that game, but head coach Mike McDaniels is encouraged by the progress of the 26-year-old former first-round pick.
“I’m very excited because he’s ready to step up and I have full confidence in where he’s going to be all week long unless we have some setbacks,” McDaniel said. “So, we will progress with an aggressive disposition.”
Miami also opened a 21-day practice window earlier this week for tight end Darren Waller, who scored four touchdowns in his first three games as a Miami Dolphin.
It’s not yet clear whether Jackson or Waller will be available for Sunday’s game, but these additions could provide extensive wrinkles for a Dolphins offense that has found its stride over the past four games. Miami has focused its offensive attack on larger personnel groups – more tight ends and offensive linemen in place of wide receivers. The results have been clear.
The Dolphins have rushed for 594 yards over the last four games, the most in any four games this year. With Miami’s smashmouth identity, Waller’s size, athleticism and ball skills are the perfect complement to open up the play pass game, especially in the red zone.
That area, the red zone, was a big blow to Miami’s opposition last Sunday. New Orleans penetrated the 20-yard line on four drives, but never found the end zone in a 24–10 loss against rival Atlanta. To fix those problems on Sunday, the Saints will have to do so without their best player, Alvin Kamara. He injured his knee during the loss and did not return. He will not play in Miami on Sunday.
The Saints found the end zone once in the game via Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins’ pick-six. Whether Waller and Jackson return or not, the Dolphins have plenty of pieces to carry the offense forward. One of the best players in the NFL this season, at any position, has been Dolphins center Aaron Brewer. He has started every game the past two years for Miami, and has earned captain status through his production and leadership.
“My feelings about Aaron Brewer and his skillset are best expressed through play calling and the plays we actually run,” McDaniel said. “It’s because of his ability. He’s everywhere for a reason. I think people are starting to recognize what type of player he is, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that he’s playing like this with a ‘C’ on his chest because he’s earned his rise through the locker room as a leader and his play has followed suit.”
If the Dolphins can beat the 2-9 Saints, they will improve to 5-7 before their annual trip to the Meadowlands, where they will face the 2-9 Jets. The Dolphins are playing their best football and further progress could extend their way to a winning streak.
Be sure to check the injury report and team’s official social media accounts 90 minutes before kickoff to see who is active for the game.
Watch the game live on Fox on Sunday, November 30 at 1:00 PM ET, and listen on the Dolphins Radio Network and watch Game Center for the latest coverage.
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