It will be Thanksgiving Thursday Night Football, as the Green Bay Packers take on the Miami Dolphins. Both teams would certainly be thankful for a win to celebrate the occasion.
The Packers should be pumped to host a significant prime-time matchup. Not having to travel on a short week is one extra element in Green Bay’s favor. Their 8-3 record in 2024 demonstrates a team capable of achieving victory.
Meanwhile, Miami has managed to find their form of late. Winners of three consecutive contests, the Dolphins have produced 34 points in back-to-back games. That is the most Miami has managed on offense so far this season.
Unlike last week, when the Packers played against a backup quarterback, they face an offense operating at peak performance. Green Bay’s defense will certainly be put to the test.
Key Players for the Packers
It finally happened. For the first time in 2024, Jordan Love went through an entire regular-season contest without an interception.
That’s not to say he was purely mistake-free. There was a throw to Christian Watson in tight coverage that was almost picked off. If not for a drop by the defensive back, Love would have extended his interception streak to nine games.
However, aside from that one play, Love did a great job of making smart decisions, and finding open targets. With one of the deepest pass-catching corps in the league, Love does not have to force the football to a specific player.
Offensively, the Packers are one of the more balanced teams in the NFL. In spite of Love’s talent, head coach Matt LaFleur has no problem calling run plays, especially on 1st and 2nd down.
Josh Jacobs has provided that luxury. He demonstrates great running technique with his footwork and vision. Jacobs can easily gain tough yards after contact with a combination of his strength alongside his ability to keep his feet moving and his momentum going forward.
When the offensive line can’t quite block things perfectly, Jacobs can still create positive plays on his own. That being said, the offensive line can certainly help create big runs for Jacobs.
Green Bay has five solid starters who have only missed one game combined so far this season. If any of them were to go down at this point, that would be concerning.
The line is only as strong as its weakest link. With all five starters, that weakest link is not so obvious. However, if the Packers are forced to play a backup at any spot, that could be where the Dolphins choose to exploit.
Key Players for the Dolphins
In an era of mobile passers, Tua Tagovailoa is somewhat of a throwback quarterback. The ability to scramble outside of the pocket, and extend plays in all the rage in the NFL. As is the short passing game.
However, Tagovailoa plays an old-school signal-caller style. He throws the football quickly, but he also goes downfield often. Head coach Mike McDaniel has tailored the Dolphins offensive system to fit Tagovailoa’s skill set.
Which is one reason why Miami’s offense struggled so mightily while their quarterback was out with a concussion. So few modern-day passers can match Tagovailoa’s quick release and aggressive downfield throwing.
In addition to McDaniel’s offensive system, Tagovailoa has the benefit of an incredibly athletic group of pass-catchers. That all starts with the wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Both are versatile route runners that can line up anywhere on the field, and win their routes at every level.
Either of them can catch quick receptions, and use their skill after the catch to gain first downs. If Tagovailoa wants to push the ball down the field, Hill and Waddle can haul in those deep pases. Hill especially has the speed to gain separation over the top of the defense.
Speaking of speed, there is no shortage of that on the Dolphins roster. The entire running back corps features fast rushers, who are also capable receivers. De’Von Achane headlines the group and has the ability to score from anywhere.
Meanwhile, tight end Jonnu Smith is one of the fastest and most athletic players at his position. Signing him in free-agency completed Miami’s roster. Tagovailoa now has speedy players to target all over the field and take advantage of coverage matchups. The Packers will have to stop these weapons of the Dolphins if they want to win this contest.
Keys to Win the Game
Against the talented and athletic offense of the Dolphins, the Packers secondary will be key. Even with the best cornerbacks, it is extremely difficult to shut down the Hill and Waddle duo.
Luckily for Green Bay, the safety position is one of their strongest groups. Free safety Xavier McKinny has arguably been the Packers best player this season. In addition to the seven interceptions that he has produced, McKinney has also prevented big plays as the last line of defense.
Signing McKinny in free-agency has helped transform Green Bay’s defensive backfield. But that was not the only significant addition. The Packers also drafted a pair of safeties that have immediately contributed.
Rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams will also be key when it comes to slowing down this explosive Dolphins offense. They will be tasked with helping out the cornerbacks in coverage against Waddle and Hill.
Bullard plays significant snaps as a nickel corner. Therefore, if Hill or Waddle are moved into the slot, it will put a lot of responsibility on the rookie in a key coverage assignment.
One aspect to the contest that has not yet been covered is pass-protection. Arguably the most important assignment on the offensive line is blocking the quarterback’s blind side. In most instances, such as Rasheed Walker in Green Bay, that is the left tackle.
However, since Tagovailoa is left handed, it is actually the right tackle that will protect his blind side. In this upcoming matchup, Kendall Lamm will have a tough test going against Rashan Gary. Providing pressure on Tagovailoa could be the biggest key to stopping the explosive Miami attack.