Dolphins vs. Browns preview: An insider have a look at Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Cleveland’s protection, and what the long run could also be

The Miami Dolphins begin a two-game highway journey to finish the 2024 NFL common season with their playoff hopes on the road as they go to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. Miami has to come back away with a victory on Sunday if they will hold their probabilities of a postseason berth alive heading into subsequent week’s season finale. The Browns haven’t had a terrific season, however might this be the sport that lastly journeys up the Dolphins?

To get an thought of who Cleveland is that this season, I turned to SB Nation’s Browns staff web site, Dawgs By Nature, for an insider have a look at the staff. Government editor Chris Pokorny was sort sufficient to reply my questions in regards to the Browns over the vacation week.

You’ll be able to head over to Dawgs By Nature for the Dolphins half of our dialog.

What have you ever seen from Dorian Thompson-Robinson since he was chosen within the fifth spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft and is he the way forward for the place for the Browns?

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I attempted to be optimistic about Dorian Thompson-Robinson since he was dealing with what I contemplate to be a horrible protection within the Cincinnati Bengals, however he was a letdown. Heading into the sport, I famous that his largest weak spot is that too many occasions, he takes an enormous loss on a play that simply immediately kills a drive. It occurred time and time once more within the first half in opposition to Cincinnati: sacks in quite a lot of manners, resembling him attempting to roll away when he sees strain and he makes it worse. On high of that, his general accuracy isn’t sharp sufficient to be an NFL beginning quarterback. His greatest asset is his legs, and first learn throws off of the specter of his legs.

Working again Jerome Ford has stepped up within the absence of Nick Chubb. What does he do nicely and what ought to we anticipate to see from him this week?

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Ford appears to have gotten into an excellent rhythm for feeling the fitting gap the previous few weeks, and we at all times knew from there that he had the velocity to interrupt some huge runs. He’s additionally by no means had a problem with catching the ball, so the targets have simply seen an uptick recently too. He’s sometimes not a again who will break lots of tackles, however he’s an excellent complementary again for any NFL franchise to have.

If you’re designing the Dolphins’ offensive recreation plan this week, how are you attacking the Browns protection? What ought to Miami’s protection do in opposition to the Browns’ offense?

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I nonetheless imagine that misdirections are the best way to go in opposition to this Browns’ protection, together with finish arounds with receivers, and throwing proper behind Myles Garrett’s go rush. Additionally, attacking cornerbacks Martin Emerson and Cameron Mitchell has labored nicely for different groups, because the Browns’ secondary has had an general disappointing season.

Who’re these gamers on offense and protection Dolphins followers could not know, however will have an effect on this recreation?

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On offense, it’s onerous to select a participant who doesn’t have title recognition and isn’t harm. The closest I can go along with is large receiver Michael Woods, just because he has been getting starter-level reps the previous few weeks since Cedric Tillman has not been cleared from the concussion protocol. Woods hasn’t had an enormous statistical day, however he’s not less than an unknown title who you may even see getting the ball thrown his method.

On protection, I’ll go along with defensive deal with Mike Corridor, the Browns’ second-round decide this yr. Corridor hasn’t performed a lot attributable to suspension and damage, however when he has, he’s graded fairly nicely on Professional Soccer Focus and has executed an excellent job offering a go rush and clogging the lane on runs.

What went mistaken for the Browns this yr and what do you anticipate the offseason to appear like in Cleveland? What are the largest wants for the staff?

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Deshaun Watson was terrible past perception, and the protection didn’t make any changes on their weaknesses from a yr in the past. On high of that, many points of our particular groups unit additionally took an enormous step again, together with on the kicker place with Dustin Hopkins turning into a headcase. The most important want is figuring our the quarterback place, after which after that, a mixture of left deal with, operating again, and cornerback. The Browns can soar proper again into rivalry with a few of their expertise, however that QB state of affairs actually does maintain issues up.