Panthers looking to execute vs. Dolphins

by Sharon Thorsland

The Panthers are back at home Sunday taking on the Miami Dolphins. Following their ugly loss to the Patriots, this is a team that is looking to get back on track. Execution has been the key word all week, and the Panthers are going to need to do that to get past this Miami team. The Dolphins are coming off their first win of the season, but they lost star receiver Tyreek Hill to a season ending knee injury in the game.

The Dolphins have gotten off to a slow start offensively this season, averaging just 286 total yards per game, that’s 26th in the NFL. But they have weapons across the board, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Jaylen Waddle, who moves into the number one role with Hill out. Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller came out of retirement this summer and just made his Dolphins debut last week, catching two touchdowns. And don’t forget about running back De’Von Achane. The third year player is an explosive runner with elite speed who is also an excellent pass catcher – he’s picked up a combined 389 yards and three touchdowns this season.

Defensively the Dolphins struggle to stop the run, they rank 30th in the NFL allowing over 148 rushing yards per game. That’s good news for a Panthers team that will be missing lead back Chuba Hubbard, who is out with a calf injury. Former NC State standout Bradley Chubb is back from a torn ACL, he has three sacks on the season. Linebacker Jaelen Phillips is also back from a torn ACL, he starts with Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson, who has two sacks and a forced fumble. The secondary is still a work in progress after the Dolphins traded away All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey this off-season, bringing in veteran Rasul Douglas to team with Jack Jones and former Tar Heel Storm Duck (don’t you just love that name!). Five time Pro Bowler Minkah Fitzpatrick starts at safety. They’ll face a Panthers offense that has been inconsistent and will be down Hubbard but gets Xavier Legette back. And we’ll see the NFL debut of former Colorado speedster Jimmy Horn – I can’t wait to see what he can do for this offense.