Bengals vs Dolphins Matchups that Will Decide the Game

The Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars this past week in a game they could have, and maybe should have, won. The Bengals need to move on quickly because they’re traveling to Miami to take on the Miami Dolphins this Sunday.

The Dolphins are currently 0-4 and are projected as one of the favorites for the number one overall pick. However, this is the NFL, and any given Sunday, any team can beat any other team. What matchups will decide the game this week? Let’s take a look. 

Bengals vs Tackling

We saw this same matchup for the Bengals last week, and it was one they lost against the Jaguars. The Bengals’ back seven on defense are a poor tackling unit for the most part, and it shows up weekly. The Dolphins aren’t a team that has a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball, and the worst thing the Bengals defense can do is miss tackles and let them get big plays and momentum.

On top of the Dolphins’ skill players, quarterback Malik Willis can run with the ball, and the Bengals will have to make sure to slow him down. The Bengals have to tackle better if they want to win games against good teams, and that needs to start this week. 

Bengals vs Tight Ends

It’s been a talking point and a joke for years that the Bengals can’t cover tight ends, and that has continued this season. The Bengals gave up 95 yards to Brenton Strange last game. It’s a problem for this defense, and they haven’t figured out a way to fix it yet.

The Dolphins don’t have any big names at tight end, and none of them even have 100 yards on the season. This should be a game where the Bengals’ defense can shut down the opposing tight ends, but if they don’t, we could be talking about the Dolphins offense putting up the most points they have all season. 

Bengals Receivers vs Dolphins Secondary

The Bengals could be without both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this week against the Dolphins, and if they are, they are going to need some players to really step up. Dohnte Meyers would become receiver one for the Bengals, while Mitchell Tinsley would be the only other completely healthy receiver available.

Colbie Young is progressing, but is still up in the air, while Tee was out today and Chase is in concussion protocol. Depending on how the week shakes out, expect one or two receivers likely promoted from the practice squad, and they will need to help make plays for the Bengals offense.