Dolphins Prepare for Road Matchup in Indianapolis against Colts

Hill and Waddle are the only wide receivers who have multiple receptions for the Dolphins so far this season. You read that correctly. Three running backs, four tight ends, and one fullback have registered more than one catch in 2024 for Miami. Four wide receivers have one lone reception for the Dolphins. While some have to do with the absence of Tagovailoa, Miami must find ways to get the ball of other receivers involved.

Veteran Odell Beckham Jr. made his Dolphins’ debut against the Patriots but with no catches. Braxton Berrios is reception-less on his four targets so far this year. Rookie Malik Washington has been active for two games and has just one catch on his only seasonal target. Tyler “Snoop” Huntley will be the quarterback for Miami again this week, and although a heavy focus should be on the ground, this could set up the passing game in choice spots.

This is also where tight-end Jonnu Smith could be utilized. Smith is currently fourth in receptions for Miami and receiving yards. Essentially, he and Achane are the third and fourth receivers for this offense. Smith is coming off a five-catch, season-high 62-yard performance against the Patriots, a former team of his.

Indianapolis is 28th in the NFL in opponent third-down conversions at 45.3%. A strong Dolphins’ rushing attack could be what keeps the chains moving for Miami. On the flip side, the Dolphins’ defense is at the top of the league in stopping teams on third down. They are limiting opponent conversions to just 25.5%. The Dolphins defense as a whole has been a bright spot, ranking fifth in the NFL in total defense. Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver has also made excellent adjustments into the second half.

Facing a strong-armed and mobile quarterback in Anthony Richardson, Weaver’s unit has been very good against the pass. They are averaging just 159.6 passing yards against per game, which is third in the league. As a defense, quarterbacks are rated just 80.2. Additionally, Miami has given up the least amount of passing touchdowns this season so far allowing just three. Further showcasing this defense performance, opponents have only picked up 82 first downs on the Dolphins this season, the third-lowest amount in the NFL. The Miami defense is getting the ball back to the offense better than arguably any group in the NFL.

Weaver’s group should see safety Jevon Holland on Sunday. Dealing with a broken bone in his left hand suffered against the Patriots, Holland seems to be giving it a go. He could be in a protective cast or club, but he is needed in Indy. The Colts have a few injuries to monitor as well. Including running back Jonathan Taylor, inactive the last two weeks with an ankle. Taylor, nor wide receiver Alec Pierce practiced for the Colts on Thursday.

Miami’s injury report had a half dozen limited participants, including Holland (hand), Mohamed Karama (ankle), Kendall Lamm (elbow), David Long Jr. (knee), Emmanuel Ogbah (bicep), and Jordan Poyer (shin). Cornerback Cam Smith was full go as was Achane.

The Dolphins and Colts face off on Sunday at 1:00 pm EST from Lucas Oil Stadium.