Frankie Fins Fan Week 7 Preview
For the second straight week, the Miami Dolphins are hosting an NFC North team coming off a bye, as the Detroit Lions come into Hard Rock Stadium at 2-3. The Lions have had their ups and downs but coming off a win against the Packers two weeks ago can get back to .500. The Dolphins will be without the services of Ryan Tannehill for the second straight week, as they hope Brock Osweiler can repeat his performance from last week when he helped the Dolphins to an overtime win over the Bears. Last week Osweiler passed for 380 yards, with three touchdowns. The key to his success was Albert Wilson, who is fast becoming the most exciting player in Miami with his breakaway speed, as he leads the NFL in YAC. Wilson had two big touchdowns last week, with 155 yards largely done on his own legs after catching short passes from Osweiler.
Osweiler has a habit of beating the Bears when making his first start, having done so while playing with the Broncos, Texans and now Miami. However, he usually falters in his following start, the Dolphins can’t afford that to happen, as Tannehill could be out several games, as he deals with a shoulder injury. Though the circumstances of the injury are coming under NFL scrutiny as the Dolphins did not have him on the injury report until late last week.
While Tannehill misses his second straight game, things look more hopeful for Cameron Wake, who is expected to play after sitting out the Dolphins games against the Bengals and Bears. Which is especially important with Charles Harris and Jonathan Woodard out. The Dolphins also could be without defensive backs T.J. McDonald and Bobby McCain who are listed as questionable.
If the Dolphins are to be taken as a serious contender, this is a game they must win, especially with a Thursday Night match up with the Houston Texans coming up. The Dolphins are a home dog, despite winning their first three games at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins can win this game if they avoid the big mistake. When it is over we will know if we can take them seriously or if they are pretenders in for another year of mediocrity, because only a true contender will win, while a pretender will go down meekly when faced with this matchup.