Preview: Ravens Seek Revenge Against Dolphins
The Baltimore Ravens face off against the Miami Dolphins in week two, the first home game for the Ravens in 2022. Both teams enter Sunday’s matchup 1-0 after opening week wins. The Ravens are looking to build off their strong performance from last Sunday against the Jets, as they look to move past their 2021 defeat at the hands of the Dolphins. While the Ravens are healthier at key positions, more so this year then last year against the Dolphins.
Injuries for the Ravens however are still a factor as they head into week two. The Ravens will likely be without Ronnie Stanley at least for another week, as well as receiver James Proche who was listed as doubtful with a groin injury. J.K Dobbins and Marcus Peters remain questionable as they look to play their first game in over a year. Other notable injuries are to cornerbacks Brandon Stephens (Quad) and Marlon Humphrey (Groin), as well as to fullback Patrick Ricard (Calf), all have been listed as questionable for Sunday.
J.K. Dobbins
J.K. Dobbins, who is now in his third year with the Ravens has yet to play in front of a packed crowed at M&T Bank stadium. His rookie season in 2020, caused crowds to be limited or non existent around the league. Dobbins season was cut short in 2021 after an ACL injury in the preseason. But for Dobbins, Sunday may be his first opportunity to play in front 71,000 cheering Ravens fans.
Dobbins has been a full participant all week and while his impact once he officially returns may be small, as he continues to work back into game shape, the goal of returning to the field to help this Ravens offense will be met. Dobbins will be a huge boost to a Ravens rushing attack that looked subpar last Sunday against the Jets as they rushed for only 63 yards on 21 carries. While Dobbins will be happy to play in front of his teams fans for the first time, Ravens fans will be just as happy to see him back on the field.
Ravens Secondary
With the health of top corners Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphrey, and Brandon Stephens in question for Sunday. That could spell trouble for the Ravens secondary as they look to carroll second year Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle, and former Chief, now Dolphin Tyreek Hill. Both Hill and Waddle has explosive, big play ability that the Ravens hope to stop come Sunday. Hill and Waddle accounted for 163 of the Dolphins 270 receiving yards last Sunday in their win over the New England Patriots.
The Ravens gave up 61 yards to Waddle last season, and only 14 yards to Hill as a member of the Chiefs. The likely hood of keeping Hill under 20 yards again is slim, especially with a less then 100% secondary. But the key for the Ravens secondary will be staying over the top of the Dolphins receivers and minimizing as many big plays as possible. It will take a group effort all around by the Ravens defense against this Dolphins offense that feeds off their ability to make big plays specifically in the passing game.
Prediction
The Ravens offense will look much better in the first half against the Dolphins compared to how they did in week one. While the talk all week has been how the Ravens offense will adjust to how the Dolphins defense played them last season, the Ravens will look to return to form with a run heavy offense. The ability for the Ravens to run the ball more effectively will open up the pass game and allow for tight end Mark Andrews and receivers Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay to get one-on-one matchups. The key however will be for Ravens receivers to get open for Jackson. Jackson struggled against the Dolphins blitzes in 2021 and much of it was attributed to the lack of plays being made by Ravens receivers. Expect a big day from Andrews and Bateman, as well as Jackson who will use his legs much more then he did in week one.
As mentioned previously the Ravens secondary will have their hands full with the Dolphins receivers, but a new look pass rush could cause problems for Tua Tagovailoa, especially with right tackle Austin Jackson who was placed on IR and will be out Sunday, and left tackle Terron Armstead (Toe) who has been listed as questionable. The ability for the Ravens to not only confuse Tagovailoa, but get him off his spot, will lead to turnovers and short drives in the Ravens favor. The Dolphins have plenty of offensive weapons that need to be accounted for. The Dolphins will move the ball, but a couple poor throwing decisions by Tagovailoa, and the Ravens offense taking control through the running game will give the Ravens a convincing 27-17 win.
Line: Baltimore -3.5
Over/Under: 44.5
All-Time Record: Baltimore leads series 10-7
Last Meeting: 11/11/21 Miami 22-10
