Seahawks versus Dolphins preview: 5 questions with Miami expert

Here are five questions about Miami as the Seahawks prepare to play the Dolphins in week four.

The Seahawks are 3-0 and off to a hot start offensively. But the Dolphins in week three won convincingly so they have something to build on. Seattle also has a banged-up defense and no NFL is truly safe. Miami can easily win if Seattle comes out flat or plays poorly.

To get more information on the Seahawks week four opponent, I asked five questions about Miami to Brian Miller of FanSided’s Dolphins site Phin Phanatic five questions.

Dolphins 2020 season so far

12th Man Rising: The Dolphins blew out the Jags in week three after playing two good teams to start the season. What was the difference in week three and did the team find something they can build on for the rest of the year?

Brian Miller: They played with some consistency for a change. Ryan Fitzpatrick played well and they didn’t make many mistakes. The key was getting off to a fast start and not having to play from behind. It helped that the Jaguars didn’t have a mobile QB which Miami can’t seem to stop.

Who is the Dolphins long-term quarterback?

12th Man Rising: The Dolphins are so far sticking with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback and there is no real reason to rush Tua Tagovaioa. But how long before Dolphins fans demand Tua play and how good can the team be with Fitzpatrick if he sticks as the starter?

Brian Miller: Most Dolphins fans are pretty content with Tagovailoa sticking to the bench. There is no need to rush him in although many were surprised that he didn’t see some cleanup work last weekend against the Jaguars. At some point, he is going to need to get some work in. He hasn’t been hit since his injury at Alabama and I think some fans worry that could be an issue but it really isn’t something to worry about right now. Miami needs to keep him on the side learning the NFL speed. They haven’t been in a position to have to use him. Yet. It does help that Fitzpatrick has played well the last two games.

2 or 3 Dolphins who can change the game

12th Man Rising: Who are two or three Dolphins that Seahawks fans may not have heard of who can have big impacts on Sunday’s game?

Brian Miller: Christian Wilkins on defense has been really good so far this season. The defensive tackle is taking on blockers well and shedding them at the line. He will play a big part in this game for the Dolphins defense and typically doesn’t get the accolades for it. Jerome Baker is the Dolphins middle linebacker and he is having a quietly good season this year as well. He is a leader on the defense and is well respected. He tends to be all over the field.

Solomon Kindley has been the most impressive Dolphins rookie this year so far. The right guard has been punishing defenders and has given up no QB pressures. He has played against the Patriots stout defensive front and the Bills’ defense. He has done more than just hold his own.

Biggest worries against Seahawks and biggest hopes

12th Man Rising: What would be a couple of the Dolphins biggest worries going into the Seahawks and a couple of reasons they feel hopeful in winning?

Brian Miller: Miami can’t stop the run and they struggle to maintain consistency in the passing game. This is because they can’t get pressure on opposing QBs consistently. It’s been a big problem for the defense and it sets up the secondary to fail. The Seahawks should have a lot of opportunities to drive the ball downfield through the air. Another 5 TD game by Russell Wilson is not out of the question.

How quickly can the Dolphins be good again?

12th Man Rising: Do you think the Dolphins are headed in the right direction and how quickly can they get back to being really good?

Brian Miller: I would like to think so but it’s too early to tell. The players are relating to Brian Flores but we are in year two of a massive rebuild and have yet to see our franchise QB in any sort of action. There is a lot of youth on the team so that means the coaching staff has to do their jobs well. Last year the Dolphins won five of nine to end the season but lost their DC, Patrick Graham, who left for another job and fired OC Chad O’Shea. Miami has a few holes but those few could become a lot if these young guys don’t get better.