Dolphins at Colts
The Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts were both supposed to be at the beginning of long rebuilding cycles with rookie quarterbacks and first-year coaches. The relative weakness of the AFC has accelerated that process and made contending for a playoff spot a real possibility for both teams. Top overall pick Andrew Luck will be looking to get the upper hand on No. 8 selection Ryan Tannehill when the Colts host the Dolphins on Sunday.
Tannehill’s availability for the contest is in question due to a bone bruise in his left knee that limited him all week and forced him to split snaps with backup Matt Moore. Luck has helped Indianapolis to a 3-1 record since interim coach Bruce Arians took over for Chuck Pagano and led a touchdown drive in overtime last Sunday to pull the overall record above .500.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Dolphins -2.5, O/U 43
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (4-3): Tannehill has been better than expected as the starter and has two touchdowns and no interceptions during the current three-game winning streak. Should he not be able to go, Moore has plenty of experience leading Miami. The veteran served as the starter for the bulk of 2011 and passed for 131 yards and a touchdown in relief of Tannehill during last week’s 30-9 triumph at the New York Jets. While Tannehill and Reggie Bush have gotten most of the publicity outside of South Florida, it has been the defense carrying the team at times. The Dolphins rank third in the NFL against the rush, surrendering just 82.0 yards, and did not allow a touchdown until garbage time against the Jets. They have allowed an average of 12.0 points during the three-game winning streak.
ABOUT THE COLTS (4-3): Luck is one 300-yard passing performance away from tying Peyton Manning’s rookie mark with four and has already helped double Indianapolis’ win total from last season. The quarterback once again showed his strength in late-game situations last weekend, when he led a 76-yard drive in overtime before hitting fellow rookie Vick Ballard with the game-winning touchdown pass. Luck will take aim at the weak part of the Dolphins defense in the secondary. He will be without one of his other rookie targets in tight end Coby Fleener (shoulder), who was injured in the win over Tennessee. The Colts have been stubborn against the pass, allowing just 213.0 yards thanks in part to Vontae Davis, who was picked up in a trade with the Dolphins in the preseason. Davis will be a spectator against his former teammates after suffering a knee injury.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Miami became the first team in 20 years to block a punt, block a field goal and recover an onside kick in the win over the Jets.
2. Luck is a threat on the ground too, leading AFC QBs in rushing touchdowns (3) and rushing yards (143).
3. Indianapolis has taken the last three in the series, most recently a 27-23 triumph behind Manning on Sep. 21, 2009.