Canal Street Chronicles
Although the Miami Dolphins are riding a three-game winning streak heading into their contest with the New Orleans Saints, Tua Tagovailoa and the offense will run into the 12th-ranked defense in the league when the teams square off on Sunday afternoon.
New Orleans is allowing just 316.1 yards per game to opposing offenses. It’s difficult to win in the NFL if you’re unable to move the football, but unfortunately for the Saints, they also give up the 11th-most points per game. Miami has a high-octane offense capable of getting into scoring position quickly.
Tagovailoa has eclipsed 2,000 passing yards every year since his rookie campaign in 2020 and is also tied for 12th in touchdown passes this season. Five of Tua’s TD passes were caught by WR1, Jaylen Waddle. The former sixth-overall pick has been one of the better pass catchers in the NFL this year, averaging nearly 15 yards per reception.
Third-year running back De’Von Achane has been vital to the Dolphins’ offensive game. He currently ranks top five in rushing yardage this season with an even 900 on the ground. Like Waddle, Achane has also managed to find the endzone consistently.
The Saints’ defense will once more rely on their defensive anchor, linebacker Demario Davis, to slow down the Dolphins’ prowess. Davis is tied for the seventh-most tackles in the NFL, a result of his effort to attack the football and fly across the field.
New Orleans has forced an interception in each of their previous two games and should continue that trend versus Miami. The Dolphins have thrown the second-most picks this year. If they can steal an extra possession or two, New Orleans will set QB Tyler Shough up nicely to have success on the offensive side of things.
While it has been a tough year for the team from the Big Easy, this feels like a game that the Saints may be able to steal as the season winds down. I expect a close matchup, but am leaning towards New Orleans in their first visit to Miami since the team’s Super Bowl XLIV victory.
