Working in the Dolphins' favor is the fact that Seattle is just 1-4 on the road, with an offense putting up just 14.2 points per game away from CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks are coming off their bye after dispatching the New York Jets by a 28-7 margin two weeks ago.
DECIDING FACTORS:
Get something going offensively. Miami's offense has struggled mightily during the team's three-game skid, which is all-the-more alarming due to the fact that they've played some of the league's worst defenses in that time. The Seahawks' third ranked unit will be no easy assignment for Ryan Tannehill or a running game trying to regain its swagger. Another putrid performance will doom Miami to a fourth straight loss.
Contain the other rookie QB. Wilson has been an electric player this season but has struggled on the road. In order to keep the game manageable for the slumping offense, Miami's defense must apply pressure to Wilson, keep him from escaping the pocket, and force the rookie into making mistakes. But the Dolphins' very recent history against mobile passers suggests that's much easier said than done.
Keep Tannehill upright. Seattle boasts a fierce pass rush, led by elite defensive ends Chris Clemons and Bruce Irvin. The Seahawks' 28 team sacks are good for fifth best in the NFL. The Dolphins' two anchors on either end of the offensive line, Jake Long and Jonathon Martin, have had up-and-down seasons so far but must be at their best to give their offense a fighting chance.
Field position and, as usual, turnovers. In what will likely be a very defensive game, special teams and field position will play a major role. And, as they have done in each of their past two games, the Dolphins must stay on the positive side of the turnover battle to have a chance. Miami has shown that it not a team that can commit multiple turnovers and still win a game.
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