Dolphins vs. Broncos: 3 things you need to know
The Denver Broncos (7-3) host the Miami Dolphins (6-4) in a potential playoff preview Sunday. Denver is coming off its most surprising loss of the season, a 22-7 decision to the St. Louis Rams last Sunday.
Miami will be well rested entering Sunday's game, coming off a 22-9 victory over the Buffalo Bills last Thursday. The Dolphins rank second in total defense and have the personnel to challenge the Broncos' high-powered offense.
Here's what you need to know:
Dolphins' pass rush vs. Peyton Manning
The Dolphins' pass rush has been outstanding all season, recording 30 sacks, the fourth most in the league. Cameron Wake has played like an All-Pro and is rated as the best 4-3 defensive end in the league by Pro Football Focus.
Wake isn't the only threat on the Dolphins. Defensive end Olivier Vernon is perpetually underrated and will be a mismatch for Broncos right tackle Chris Clark. Defensive tackles Jared Odrick and Randy Starks have been great against both the pass and run. Miami won't hesitate to bring emerging star safety Reshad Jones into the box to create a mismatch against Denver.
Getting to Manning early and often is the Dolphins' key to success. Miami has playmakers in the secondary - most notably cornerback Brent Grimes and Jones, who's playing at an All-Pro level. If the Dolphins can put pressure on Manning consistently, they have a good chance of stealing a win on the road.
How will the Broncos neutralize Ryan Tannehill?
It seems like ages ago that Ryan Tannehill lost first-team practice reps to backup quarterback Matt Moore in late September. Miami started 1-2, but since then, Tannehill has been excellent, tapping into his wide arsenal of skills.
Tannehill will attack the Broncos' defense with a series of short and intermediate passes and has never been more accurate in his career, completing over 70 percent of his passes in four of his last five games.
It's up to standout Broncos linebackers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware to keep Tannehill in the pocket, as the former college wide receiver is capable of scrambling for large chunks of yardage. Don't be surprised if the Broncos use four- or five-defensive-back sets to contain Tannehill.
Which receiver will step up for the Broncos?
Denver's offense has been excellent this season, but is not on last year's record-breaking pace. Lately, the Broncos' offense hasn't played up to its own lofty standards and the Rams neutralized a banged-up receiving group.
Demaryius Thomas may have to carry the Broncos on Sunday. Emmanuel Sanders returned to practice Friday after suffering a concussion last Sunday and tight end Julius Thomas is out. Sanders and Thomas account for 41.6 percent of the Broncos' passing offense and Denver operates at its best when Manning spreads the ball to multiple receivers.
If Cortland Finnegan can't play, Thomas will have a mismatch against Jalil Brown as Grimes primarily plays at left cornerback.