Miami Dolphins vs Jacksonville Jaguars - NFL Week 3

Thursday Night Football

September 24, 2020
8:20 PM ET

Jacksonville, Florida
TIAA Bank Stadium

About the Dolphins

The Dolphins are seeking their 1st win as they fell to 0-2 after losing to the Buffalo Bills last week 31-28. The Dolphins played much better last week and even took the lead briefly as they scored 15 points in the 4th quarter. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick showed that he still has some magic left as he threw for 328 yards and 2 TDs. TE Mike Gesicki exploded for 130 yards receiving on 8 catches and a TD as he shredded the Bills secondary as he became the 4th TE since 2018 with 50-plus receiving yards in 14 of his last 18 games played. However, the Dolphins couldn’t get anything going on the ground as they only gained 99 yards between RB’s Matt Breida, Jordan Howard, and Myles Gaskin. The Dolphins need one of them to emerge as the lead back that can be durable and dependable especially in close games. The Dolphins run defense gave up 111 yards on the ground to the Bills and DT’s Christian Wilkins and Davon Godchaux will have to solidify the interior of the defense and slow the Jags red hot rushing attack. The Dolphins must also improve their pass defense as they allowed Josh Allen to throw for 417 yards with a 147.0 QBR. CB Xavien Howard is capable of making big plays but will need help from the likes of CB’s Byron Jones and Bobby McCain trying to slow down a much improved Gardner Minshew after giving up QBR’s of over 100 in their 1st 2 games.

About the Jaguars

The 1-1 Jaguars look to defend their home turf on Thursday night after a close loss to the Tennessee Titans after an interception late in the 4th quarter by QB Gardner Minshew. Before the devastating turnover, Minshew was having a spectacular performance with 339 yards, 3 TDs and 1 interception with a 92.7 QBR. While 8 of his WR’s had 3-plus catches in the game, undrafted starting RB James Robinson has been great for the Jags and had 102 yards on 16 carries with a TD at 6.4 yards per carry against the Titans. Robinson should maintain that same momentum against the Dolphins porous run defense as they allowed 111 yards on 4.8 yards per carry in their week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills and allowed over 5 yards per carry the week before against the New England Patriots. The Jags run defense fared well against last season’s rushing champion Derrick Henry holding him to 84 yards rushing on 3.4 yards per carry but their pass defense happened to contribute to them losing the game as they allowed Titans QB Ryan Tannehill to throw for 4 TD’s with a 145.7 QBR.

Players to Watch

Devante Parker (Dolphins): Parker is a sure-handed WR who has a penchant for fighting for contested passes. Look for Fitzpatrick to target Parker in the end zone and also look for him on deep passes.

Myles Jack (Jaguars): Jack is under-sized but is a great athlete and pass rusher. Jack can make life miserable for Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins if he can get his hands on him.

Impact Rookies

Lynn Bowden (Dolphins): A multi-dimensional player who can play several positions and is capable of becoming a dynamic weapon on offense.

Davon Hamilton (Jaguars): Hamilton has a knack for creating plays and wreaking havoc in the backfield and can be a disruptive presence.

Prediction

Minshew will continue to spread the ball around to his playmakers and the surprising play of Robinson continues in the Jags rushing attack. Fitzpatrick puts on another impressive performance, but the Dolphins defense implodes once again in the 4th quarter making a Dolphins comeback attempt impossible.

Final Score: Dolphins 27 / Jaguars 31