Tua Tagovailoa will start for the Miami Dolphins today, after recovering from a thumb injury on his throwing hand. Coach Flores intended to keep that a secret in order to put the Cincinnati Bengals on the back foot. That didn’t work out however, as Tua’s agent Leigh Steinberg accidentally revealed the news last night on his Facebook page.
Let’s hope this offense looks better than it did in the Denver game, or indeed the Chargers game. Chan Gailey needs to dial something different up and Tua needs to throw more contested balls, with better protection. Mike Gesicki and DeVante Parker need to develop some chemistry with the Rookie, as they are all we’ve got in the passing game.
The ground game is decimated, which will add to our offensive struggles. Myles Gaskin and Patrick Laird will definitely split carries. After those two it really is questionable. Malcolm Perry has that status, whilst Salvon Ahmed and DeAndre Washington are doubtful. Matt Breida is on the COVID list, which means he will be out. Sadly for the Cincinnati Bengals, their run defense is abysmal.
Xavien Howard is on Defensive Player of the Year form at the moment, so hopefully, he can pick off Brandon Allen. Emmanuel Ogbah will be looking to get back to form.
US AT AQUA THIRTEEN EVERY WEEK PUT TOGETHER OUR PREDICTIONS AHEAD OF A MATCHDAY, SO HERE ARE OUR CINCINNATI BENGALS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS PREDICTIONS.
Shane – Whilst the Cincinnati Bengals probably have better-receiving threats than the Dolphins, that’s about the only area I see them having a clear advantage. The Dolphins’ defense has been in superb form and I expect them to force more turnovers once again in this game. If the secondary can get a grip on Boyd, Higgins, and Green it will go a long way to securing a Dolphins victory.
Joe Burrow being missing turns what could have been a potentially tricky game into one you would expect the Dolphins should win. I don’t expect fireworks from the Dolphins, who have question marks over who will start at QB, but a measured and assured performance from either Tua or Fitz should see them over the line. Cincinnati Bengals 13-24 Miami Dolphins
Jay – If Burrow played this would have trap game all over it… however he isn’t, so I can’t see the Bengals’ offense causing us too many problems and there’s a very realistic chance of a defensive score again. Regardless of who starts under centre I think we’ve got the players on offense to outplay the Bengals defense but I don’t think it’s going to be overly spectacular. Cincinnati Bengals 9-17 Miami Dolphins.
Rich – It looks like Tua will get the nod to start this week and I think that’s really important for the Dolphins in establishing a rhythm on offense with Tua. This is also his best shot at quietening all the rumors that he is not the guy. Tua has always risen to the tough challenges in his College career. Today is the perfect time for him to come through when there is a lot riding on this game for him personally.
A commanding and confident performance against a generally weak Bengals defense will mean that the Denver game will start to look like a blip. The Bengals’ poor run defense will also help Tua establish the passing game today. You could make a case for the Dolphins’ defense being the best in the NFL when you look at the numbers they have stacked up. If they are needed today, I expect them to largely shut down the very average Bengals offense. This should be a routine victory for Miami. Cincinnati Bengals 10-30 Miami Dolphins.
Andy – Thank goodness Joe Burrow will not be playing. This game had me worried with how well the number one overall pick was playing. However, his season-ending injury means that this game presents a more gentle challenge.
Replacement Brandon Allen presents no threat to this Miami defense. Tua has the chance to prove himself, with his agent seemingly implying that Tagovailoa will get the start over Fitzpatrick. Running back Myles Gaskin will be back after an injury layoff and has the chance to rack up the yards against this Cincinnati defense.
Miami have a great chance to get that eighth win of the season before the difficult task against the Kansas City Chiefs next week awaiting the Fins. My prediction, Cincinnati Bengals 6-17 Miami Dolphins
Gareth – I can’t see the Bengals putting up many points without Burrow. I believe Mixon is out which is huge. So without both their starting QB and RB out defense should be fine. An interesting game for Tua IF he plays. On paper a good opportunity for him to gain confidence and the easier of the remaining fixtures for him to show some promise. Their FS Bates is a good player and somebody to avoid.
This game will not be a walk in the park and if Gaskin or Laird goes down we’ve got problems. I believe they are the only 2 RB’s available. Surely Cox will get activated if for no other reason then to cover Laird on ST’s. Cincinnati Bengals 10-20 Miami Dolphins.
Me – Tua has a bounceback game, 16-23 for 200 yards, 2TD’s 1 INT. Cincinnati Bengals 15-21 Miami Dolphins
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