MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The unbeaten Dolphins will deliver one of many NFL’s most explosive offenses and an enhancing protection into their matchup with the winless Broncos. However Miami defensive sort out Christian Wilkins is aware of higher than to underestimate Denver and Russell Wilson.
The veteran quarterback has overcome every of his two earlier 0-2 begins — each with Seattle — to make the playoffs.
“His resume speaks for itself and the issues he’s been in a position to do on this league,” Wilkins stated. “He presents plenty of challenges, simply having the ability to clearly be nice within the pocket, run when he must — an amazing chief.”
Wilson’s early numbers present enchancment from a yr in the past, when he had the bottom completion proportion (60.5), landing complete (16) and passer ranking (84.4) of his profession.
He has 5 TD passes and 485 yards in two video games. The Broncos simply haven’t been in a position to end video games, however Wilson stated he’s drawing on previous expertise to assist flip the group round.
“Positively been to the playoffs earlier than after being down 0-2,” he stated. “The nice factor is you’ve acquired extra pitches coming, extra video games to play. You don’t blink.”
That begins Sunday within the sweltering warmth of South Florida towards a Dolphins group that’s ranked No. 1 in passing offense and tied for third in scoring.
Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is getting the ball out rapidly. He’s solely been hit 4 occasions this season and leads the league with 715 yards passing.
“I believe that ought to inform you all you must know with the fellows we’ve up entrance,” Tagovailoa stated. “And guys are shopping for into new strategies, new fundamentals with how they’re getting off the ball, so having Tyreek (Hill), having (Jaylen) Waddle, having quick guys additionally helps me get the ball out faster to have the ability to distribute that and throw off timing for the rushers as effectively.”
FATHER & CHILD REUNIONS
Second-year Broncos receiver Brandon Johnson is wanting ahead to enjoying in the identical stadium the place his father, former main league catcher Charles Johnson, received Recreation 7 of the 1997 World Collection with the Marlins.
“It’s positively surreal, man,” Johnson stated. “I bear in mind going as a child and watching my dad play. The stadium is completely different now however that is positively thrilling to play in that very same stadium.”
One other father-son duo wanting ahead to the Broncos’ journey is Patrick Surtain — who performed for Miami and Kansas Metropolis throughout his 11-year NFL profession and is at present an assistant at Florida State — and Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
“Taking part in within the stadium my dad performed in, it’s going to be a surreal second,” Surtain stated. “I simply bear in mind watching video games there at Dolphin Stadium and simply enjoying on the sphere, rising up within the locker room, you already know, simply being round skilled athletes.”
UNEVEN OFFENSE
The Broncos have regarded unbeatable within the first half to date, scoring touchdowns on 5 of their eight drives, and unrecognizable after halftime, scoring only one TD in eight collection. The one rating got here on Wilson’s 50-yard Hail Mary that Johnson snared with no time left in final Sunday’s loss to Washington.
“I believe we simply should play cleaner within the third quarter,” stated Wilson, whose group leads the league in accepted penalties with 19.
DUAL THREAT
By totaling 56 yards on six runs final week, Wilson grew to become the primary participant in NFL historical past to throw for a minimum of 40,000 yards and run for five,000.
“It’s positively a cool factor,” Wilson stated. “Rising up, I watched guys like Steve Younger and Joe Montana and Michael Vick and Randall Cunningham and the Donovan McNabbs of the world, and so to be in that class and to do one thing like that may be a blessing.”
Wilson additionally threw for 308 yards final week, the fifth time in his profession he’s topped 300 yards passing and 50 yards speeding in a sport, behind solely Younger (eight occasions) and Josh Allen (six).
WHERE IT STARTED
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel started his teaching profession as an intern with the Denver Broncos in 2005 and refers to Mike Shanahan — Denver’s coach from 1995-2008 — as one among his largest influences. McDaniel’s first NFL sport was a matchup between the Broncos and Dolphins. Sunday can be his first time going through Denver as a head coach.
“It was the group that I discovered my love for soccer with … an amazing group and I wouldn’t be right here with out it,” McDaniel stated.
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AP Sports activities Author Arnie Stapleton in Denver contributed to this report.
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