Dolphins vs Ravens Game Details
- Date: Sunday, September 19
- Time: 1:00 PM ET (18:00 UK Time)
- Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
- TV: CBS and NFL Gamepass International
- Record: Dolphins (1-0) Ravens (1-0)
Week 1 Recap
The Miami Dolphins are off to a winning start in 2022, following a convincing performance against the New England Patriots. With all 11 starters returning to the Dolphins’ roster, defensive continuity proved key as Josh Boyer’s defense picked up right where they left off with another dominant performance.
Offensively, the Dolphins were as expected. A relatively conservative game, focusing on the short-to-intermediate passes.
While the offense was not always clicking, fans were treated to glimpses of this Mike McDaniel system shining through, with receivers gaining plenty of YAC — no one more so than Jaylen Waddle. The Dolphins motioned on 75% of their snaps, using their speed and explosiveness to create separation early and often.
Tua had a good day. Not perfect, but good. Tua went 23/33 for 270 yards, a TD and a 104.4 QB rating. However, it was clear he left several plays on the field, with some questionable decisions late in the game leaving him fortunate to finish the game without a turnover.
Strengths
- Secondary excelled despite fears over CB depth
- Tua delivered in key situations, especially on 3rd down
- Hill and Waddle’s explosiveness and separation proved to be key
- Left side of the line looked solid
- Defense adapted quickly and suppressed the Patriots’ running game effectively.
Weaknesses
- Right side of the line was overpowered and left battered and bruised
- Tua’s decisiveness/situational awareness (at times)
- Inabilty to establish the run
Star Performer- Kader Kohou
It is very surprising to think that Kader Kohou was only on the field for 18 plays, given his productivity and ability to make key plays in his NFL debut. Kohou was an unlikely star in Miami’s opening day victory.
The fan base is united with Kohou being the consensus pick for Player of the Game, despite solid performances all over the field. Tyreek Hill and Terron Armstead were noticeably huge upgrades, together with Connor Williams who was the top-ranked center in the NFL after Week 1 (Editor’s note: Chiefs center Creed Humphrey has since passed Williams with his performance on Thursday night).
Ravens Week 1
The Ravens opened their 2022 campaign with a win on the road against the Jets. During the first half the Ravens’ offense looked sluggish and was not able to sustain drives. Like the Dolphins, the Ravens’ struggled to get their run game going, with former Dolphin Kenyan Drake their leading rusher with only 31 yards and 2.8 YPC.
However, in the second half, Jackson stepped up with some big-time throws downfield to Devin Duvernay to secure a 24-9 win over Miami’s division rival.
Keys to Success
1. Contain Lamar and blitz heavy
With the Ravens down their top two tackles, the Dolphins have the chance to repeat their successes from last season in containing Lamar Jackson. Miami’s ability to disguise their coverages keeps not only CBS announcer Adam Archuleta confused, but also every offense lining up opposite them.
In the Dolphins vs Ravens game last season, Miami’s blitz package was able to neutralize an otherwise lethal run game. With the Ravens struggling for depth at tackle, the Dolphins’ pass rush — especially Jaelan Phillips — can cause havoc for the Ravens.
2. Increased consistency from Tua
Tua is the epitome of the Miami Dolphins. While at times he shows real promise, looking off defenders and throwing a perfectly placed ball to Jaylen Waddle for a TD, there are other occasions whereby he struggles to get his feet set, resulting in some questionable throws or him holding on to the ball for too long. There were also some questionable decisions later on in the game.
When facing teams such as the Ravens, Tua needs to step up and elevate his game to a level which will allow him to take the game to this Ravens defense, in the event that the game turns into a shootout.
Check out Dolphins ATB contributor Tyler De Sena’s film breakdown below:
3. Spread the ball around
Having Tyreek Hill is a dream that all NFL franchises dream of. However, Tua cannot become too reliant on Tyreek Hill. In the Week 2 show down between the Chiefs and Ravens in 2021, Hill had three catches for 14 yards. Miami has to have a plan in the event that Hill is shut down.
The Dolphins’ offense is loaded, and Tua needs to utilize all of his play-makers to keep the Ravens’ defense guessing. Jaylen Waddle did not feature until late in the first half, while Mike Gesicki did not see the ball more than once. This has to change if Miami is to make the most of their play-makers and come away with the win.
Injury Concerns
The Dolphins were dealt a huge loss on Friday, with Austin Jackson now on IR for at least the next four games and Terron Armstead now listed as questionable. Depth at offensive line is likely to be tested heavily in the coming weeks.
Other notable injuries include defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who will be key in stopping the Ravens’ running game, and wide receiver Cedric Wilson.
As for the Ravens, they too are also heavily banged up. Baltimore are also without their top two tackles, with cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey also nursing injuries.
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