NFL GAME PREVIEW

Week 8 Preview: Dolphins at Jaguars

The Sports Xchange

October 23, 2014 at 11:29 am.

Landry has 22 receptions for 232 yards and one touchdown -- three more receptions and 37 more receiving yards than veteran Brian Hartline, who logs far more snaps. Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins (3-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla. — TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein

*Keys to the game: The Dolphins continue to run the ball very effectively — averaging 136.3 yards per game despite the season-ending injury to Knowshon Moreno. Third-year back Lamar Miller remains undersized for a true lead back role, but has improved his blocking and receiving skills, and the ground attack is complemented by Daniel Thomas and quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who scampered for 30 yards on a read-option on 3rd-and-1 last week. The versatility of the ground game is working to keep the pressure of Tannehill to make pinpoint passes, though he hit 14 in a row last week for the second time this season. The Jaguars’ defense is steadily improving as several new parts begin to mesh, and the 15th-ranked run defense must step up against Miller despite the season-ending injury suffered by MLB Paul Posluszny last week.

Former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson is the new best friend of Jaguars rookie QB Blake Bortles after rushing for 127 yards on 22 carries last week. It served as the long-awaited help from the ground game that Bortles desperately needs to keep the chains moving. The Dolphins sport a deep and fast defensive line capable of blowing up the pocket, so Jacksonville must stay in manageable down and distances.

*Matchup to watch — Dolphins Ss Louis Delmas and Reshad Jones vs. Jaguars TE Clay Harbor: Miami interchanges its safeties, and Delmas and Jones will alternate staying back and moving forward in run support depending on the situation. Jones has been lauded by the coaching staff for his performance in two games since returning from suspension, including 16 tackles and a pick. Harbor is emerging as Bortles’ safety blanket in the absence of injured Marcedes Lewis, catching all six of his targets last week for 34 yards following his first touchdown of the season in Week 6.

*Player spotlight — Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry: The rookie from LSU continues to develop as one of Tannehill’s favorite targets. Landry has 22 receptions for 232 yards and one touchdown — three more receptions and 37 more receiving yards than veteran Brian Hartline, who logs far more snaps.

*Fast facts: The Dolphins have lost 11 player games to suspensions this season. … The Jaguars’ defense is second in the NFL with 22 sacks.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Miami has quietly played three very solid games in a row and has the defensive line depth to pressure Bortles (5 TDs, 10 INTs) into multiple mistakes.

*Our pick: Dolphins 26-16