If the Steelers are who we think they are, then they shouldn't have a problem with a 1-4 Miami Dolphin team. But you never want to let your guard down in this league, because the word "dog" is in underdog. Dogs are always hungry and always are more feisty when protecting their own house. Ben Roethlisberger has emerged as a first class leader and he is focused on not letting his team look around Miami. "You've got to play each opponent like they're the best in the world", Ben said this week.
Let's take a look at some of the best in the world that Miami has to offer.
P-No. 4 Matt Darr
Expect to see a lot of Matt Darr on Sunday. The Dolphin punter is averaging six punts a game for 48.7 yards per punt. He has landed nearly 40% inside-the-20 (12/30). When a punter makes this side of the list, it points to a disappointing start in South Florida so far.
WR-No. 14 Jarvis Landry
Landry is the guy on the Dolphins that gets his hands dirty. He's mostly the over-the-middle guy. He's not afraid to go into traffic. Landry has 34 (5th in the NFL) catches for 403 yards and a touchdown on the year. While Tannehill will go up top more with the other guys, the 5'11" Landry will see a majority of the balls go his way.
QB-No. 17 Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill has a strong arm, but no pocket presence whatsoever. With a banged-up line, the fifth-year man from Texas A&M is running for his life and struggling. He is tied for second by being sacked 17 times this season and was under pressure 67% of his drop backs last week. Tannehill likes to throw the long ball. With deep threats in Devante Parker and Kenny Stills flying down the field, Tannehill could get back on track this week against the #30 pass defense in the NFL. And he needs to. The restless, Miami fans were calling for Matt Moore to put down the clipboard and take over during Ryan's no touchdown/two pick performance last week vs Tennessee. Though he's thrown over 1,200 yards so far in 2016, He's tied for third in the league with seven picks. That's one more than TDs thrown. If Tannehill doesn't go off against the Steelers secondary, he may get run out of town soon.
S- No. 20 Reshad Jones
Despite only three pass defenses and no interceptions, Jones is the best player in the defensive backfield of the Miami Dolphins by far. A game-time decision due to a groin injury, no Jones would be a serious problem for the Phins. Jones elevates a struggling secondary and his absence would leave Ben Roethlisberger licking his chops.
RB- No. 29 Arian Foster
The Steelers rank fifth against the run and are giving up only 77.0 YPG on the road. The Phins are the second-worst rushing team in the entire NFL. Foster's return to the lineup is still in doubt. He will be a gametime decision. Arian's presence can boost an attack that only averages 72 yards per game. With Cam Heyward and Ryan Shazier sidelined, a ball-control offense that can eat up clock and keep Big Ben in a ball cap could fuel an upset. Foster can be the key cog to that plan.
LB- No. 47 Kiko Alonso
The Oregon product has 50 tackles on the season so far and has recovered two fumbles. Kiko, on his third NFL team in his young career, is a solid coverage linebacker and will most likely be the man to shadow Lev Bell.
C- No. 74 Mike Pouncey
Pouncey, the best lineman in Miami, had missed the first month of the season due to injury. His return was more than welcome to a Dolphins team that has allowed 17 sacks this season. Athletic and agile, Pouncey is solid blocking both the run and the pass and his play is similar to that of Maurkice. This is the very first time the brothers will play each other in an NFL game. 79 tickets have been reserved in the Pouncey name for this game.
DL- No. 93 Ndamukong Suh
Suh is the kind of impact player that doesn't have to blitz to get pressure. In 2015, Suh had 60 total pressures. This year, Suh has 2.5 sacks and 28 tackles and the same nasty streak as always. The 29-year-old will command double-teams and a lot of attention. If the Steelers aren't careful, Suh will try to rip off the head off Le'Veon Bell or stomp on Ben Roethlisberger. I wish I was joking.
Other Notable Names to look out for:
HC Adam Gase, OC Clyde Christenson, DC Vance Joseph, No. 3 K Andrew Franks, No. 10 WR DeVante Parker, No. 11 WR Kenny Stills, No. 23 RB Jay Ajayi, No. 24 S Isa Abdul-Quddus, No. 25 Xavien Howard, No. 53 LB Jelani Jenkins, No. 56 LB Donald Butler, No. 67 G Laremy Tunsil, No. 70 RT Ja'Waun James, No. 74 OL Jermon Bushrod, No. 76 LT Branden Albert, No. 90 LB Mario Williams, No. 91 Cameron Wake