BY SEAN DONOVAN
The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-11) take the short trip down Route 95 to face the Miami Dolphins (5-8) in a game that has no relevance in the AFC playoff picture. Instead, most of the intrigue surrounds the not-so-dramatic return of former Dolphins' quarterback Chad Henne.
Henne's replacement, Ryan Tannehill, has hit somewhat of a rookie wall in the latter half of the season, but may find respite in a Jacksonville defense that ranks in the bottom-five in the league in both points and total yards allowed. (photo: Lizz Koch, Flickr)
Steady offense. The Dolphins don't need to get creative in this one. Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas should see plenty of action against Jacksonville's 31st ranked rushing defense while Tannehill plays it safe, mostly utilizing the short passing game and play action. The balanced attack should provide enough points for the defense to close the game out.
Big-play prevention. Since taking the starting job, Henne has uncovered one of the league's most promising receiving tandems in Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon. The Dolphins' primary focus should be preventing the duo from beating them with the deep ball, as Jacksonville's offense offers little else in terms of playmakers.
Protecting Tannehill. Backup right tackle Nate Garner's insertion into the starting lineup has actually improved that side of the line. He will get tested by defensive end Jason Babin, who had three sacks against Miami last season playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Keeping Tannehill clean will be key in sustaining the long, clock-eating drives that will secure a Dolphins victory.
Pass rush. Miami's defense has accrued the 5th most sacks of any team in the league, while Jacksonville's offensive line has given up the 4th most sacks to opponents. If the Dolphins can capitalize on this weakness, it should completely stifle Henne and the Jaguars' offense.
Steady offense. The Dolphins don't need to get creative in this one. Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas should see plenty of action against Jacksonville's 31st ranked rushing defense while Tannehill plays it safe, mostly utilizing the short passing game and play action. The balanced attack should provide enough points for the defense to close the game out.
Big-play prevention. Since taking the starting job, Henne has uncovered one of the league's most promising receiving tandems in Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon. The Dolphins' primary focus should be preventing the duo from beating them with the deep ball, as Jacksonville's offense offers little else in terms of playmakers.
Protecting Tannehill. Backup right tackle Nate Garner's insertion into the starting lineup has actually improved that side of the line. He will get tested by defensive end Jason Babin, who had three sacks against Miami last season playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Keeping Tannehill clean will be key in sustaining the long, clock-eating drives that will secure a Dolphins victory.
Pass rush. Miami's defense has accrued the 5th most sacks of any team in the league, while Jacksonville's offensive line has given up the 4th most sacks to opponents. If the Dolphins can capitalize on this weakness, it should completely stifle Henne and the Jaguars' offense.
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A week in Dolphins posts at AFCEastDaily.com:
Week 15 AFC East game picks: Jaguars at Dolphins
Dolphins' Bess to miss game for first time in career
Henne returning to Miami, auditioning for Jaguars job
Around-the-Web AFC East power rankings: Week 15
Analysts: Issue isn't Tannehill, it's his surroundings
Jason Taylor: 'Wake's ass-kicking is no surprise'
Wake outduels Smith, but he'd trade it for a win
Fins can't make enough plays down stretch in loss
Dolphins' Bess to miss game for first time in career
Henne returning to Miami, auditioning for Jaguars job
Around-the-Web AFC East power rankings: Week 15
Analysts: Issue isn't Tannehill, it's his surroundings
Jason Taylor: 'Wake's ass-kicking is no surprise'
Wake outduels Smith, but he'd trade it for a win
Fins can't make enough plays down stretch in loss
