Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins face big tests in Week 3
The Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts are beat up. Both have significant tests come Week 3 with both on the road.
Miami and Indianapolis were trendy picks to be a problem in the AFC. Now they simply have problems.
The Dolphins are headed cross-country this weekend to take on the undefeated Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile the Colts are on the road looking for their first win of the 2021 campaign against the Tennessee Titans.
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While the situation is less dire for a 1-1 Miami team, the injury to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa raises serious concerns. For starters, Tagovailoa was injured throughout his time with the University of Alabama, and although it appears he recovered fully from his ankle and hip injuries, now he’s dealing with fractured ribs that will make him miss a minimum of three games after being placed on Injured Reserve.
Without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins are turning to Jacoby Brissett. The veteran has bounced around a bit, most-notably playing four seasons with the Colts and starting 30 games in that period. However, while a competent player, Brissett has never been more than a high-level backup and low-level starter. For Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, the move is clearly to rely on his excellent defensive personnel while allowing Brissett to spread the ball to his speedy weapons on quick throws. Will that be enough to win tough games in upcoming weeks against the Raiders, Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Speaking of the Indianapolis Colts, they’re also dealing with an injury under center. After missing the summer with a foot malady, Carson Wentz now has sprains to both ankles. If he can’t start on Sunday against the Titans, the job falls to either second-year man Jacob Eason or veteran backup Brett Hundley. Hundley started nine games and win three in 2017 with the Green Bay Packers, but that’s the extent of his experience. In short, without Wentz, the Colts would be in a brutal position.
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Furthermore, Indianapolis also has a rough stretch ahead, with the Titans followed by road games in Miami and Baltimore. Good luck.
In the AFC, there are a litany of really good teams. If Miami and Indianapolis limp to 1-4 starts or so, it could spell Dom before we reach Halloween. Ultimately, the Dolphins and Colts are underdogs this week and while neither is finished off without a win, both are looking up in the standings with questions at the most important position in sports.
