The Week 16 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins is an historic showdown between two high-scoring teams. Both teams are averaging 30 or more points per game, with the Dolphins leading the league at 31.5 points per game and the Cowboys close behind at 30.8 points per game.
The Cowboys’ offense is loaded with playmakers, including Pro Bowl running back Tony Pollard, Pro Bowl wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, veteran Brandin Cooks, and emerging tight end Jake Ferguson. The Dolphins boast a group of skill position players known for their speed, including Tyreek Hill, who leads the league in receiving yards and touchdowns, Jaylen Waddle, who leads the league in yards per catch, Raheem Mostert, who is a co-leader in scrimmage touchdowns, and De’Von Achane, who is a co-leader in scrimmage touchdowns by rookies.
Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb expressed excitement about the matchup, noting the different ways both teams move players and the abundance of playmakers on both sides. Lamb himself has recorded the second-most plays of 20 or more yards this season, just behind Tyreek Hill.
However, the Cowboys’ fifth-ranked scoring defense is not as thrilled about facing the Dolphins’ high-powered offense. All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, who leads the NFL in quarterback pressures, acknowledged the challenge of defending against Hill’s speed and the dynamic players on the Dolphins’ offense.
To keep up with the Dolphins’ speed and motion-heavy offense, the Cowboys’ pass rush will need to speed up and disrupt quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s rhythm. Tagovailoa leads the league in completion percentage and passing yards this season.
The Cowboys’ defense is aware of the Dolphins’ utilization of a particular type of motion called “cheat motion,” where players like Hill and Waddle sprint laterally before quickly turning upfield upon the snap. Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore noted that while many teams use this motion, the speed of players like Hill sets the Dolphins apart.
In order to combat the Dolphins’ speed, the Cowboys plan to be physical and aggressive at the line of scrimmage, within the legal limits. They will also focus on improving their tackling, which was lacking in their previous game against the Buffalo Bills.
While the Cowboys’ pass defense has been strong, their run defense struggled in their last game, allowing the Bills to rush for a season-high 266 yards. The Cowboys will need to improve their tackling and limit the damage on the ground against the Dolphins.
Overall, the Cowboys believe they have the talent and game plan to compete against the Dolphins’ high-scoring offense and speed. The matchup promises to be an exciting and historic showdown between two top teams in the NFL.,
The Cowboys defense aims to improve their performance on the road against the Dolphins’ high-powered offense. Miami boasts the league’s top-ranked offense, known for their speedy players and deceptive motion tactics. Dallas defenders must focus on tightening up their strategies to counter the Dolphins’ “track runners” and their tendency to cheat motion. This matchup presents a crucial challenge that the Cowboys defense aims to overcome for a successful outcome.
