Is Miami a Trap Game for Detroit?

Is this a trap game for Detroit? It could be. But I would not confuse that with saying Miami is about to win. The Lions have earned their place as the favorite. The Dolphins have to give them a reason to worry, and a 1-6 record is not going to do that by itself.

Detroit is 5-2 and trying to win its fourth straight game, according to the Associated Press preview. The AP also describes Miami as the NFL’s youngest roster, with eight rookies combining for 45 starts. The Dolphins are learning on the job. That can lead to mistakes, but it does not make them an opponent Detroit can dismiss.

Where Miami might find an opening

I would start with the injury report, not a guess about Detroit’s attitude. Jack Campbell, Cade Mays, D.J. Reed and DJ Wonnum did not practice Thursday. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kerby Joseph were limited. Those are the entries on the official report, not a confirmed list of players who will miss Sunday. Campbell has been in a Detroit area hospital recovering from a neck injury that has yet to be disclosed. Will this affect the team’s attitude and demeanor? They found enough courage to finish off the last undefeated team, the Minnesota Vikings, last week but will they be emotionally spent this week? They’ll have a lot of juggling to do already with injuries.

If Detroit has to change its lineup or limit somebody’s snaps, Miami should make those changes matter. Find the matchup worth testing. Make a replacement handle his assignment more than once. Do not just point to the injury report and assume the Lions will be easier to beat.

The Dolphins also need to help themselves. Keep drives going. Protect the ball. Put some points on the board before Detroit gets comfortable. A close first half would not prove the Lions overlooked Miami. It would put them in a game they still have to win, which is exactly where the Dolphins want them.

Detroit has plenty of reasons to be ready

The Lions average 395.4 yards and 29 points per game, according to the AP. Jared Goff has thrown a touchdown pass in 30 straight games. That offense is not going away because Miami plays with enthusiasm. The Dolphins have to cover, tackle and get some pressure on the quarterback.

I would also be careful about speculating on how Jack Campbell’s serious neck injury affects the team. The AP reported that Dan Campbell stressed being ready to play while Detroit dealt with concern for its linebacker. Nobody outside that locker room should turn a teammate’s injury into a convenient explanation for an upset pick.

My answer

Yes, there is a chance for this to become a trap game. Detroit is the favorite on the road against a struggling team, and the Lions have injury questions. That gives Miami something to work with. It does not give the Dolphins a win.

I still see Detroit’s offense as the biggest problem Miami has to solve. The Dolphins need to keep that group from taking over while doing enough with their own possessions to stay in the game. Neither part is optional.

Get to the fourth quarter with a chance, and the question becomes more interesting. Until then, calling this a trap game is just talk. Miami has to make Detroit uncomfortable on the field.