Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 8th 2024
Preview and Prediction
The upcoming clash between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon will feature two quarterbacks, Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa, who bring an extra level of confidence to the field. Both players recently signed record-breaking deals for their respective teams, with Lawrence signing a five-year, $275 million extension and Tagovailoa landing a four-year contract worth $212.4 million.
During the offseason, the Jaguars added some new weapons for Lawrence, including Gabe Davis in free agency and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall pick in the draft. These additions were made to make up for the loss of Calvin Ridley, who signed with the Titans in free agency. Lawrence will also have the support of Christian Kirk, who had a breakout season in 2022 before being limited by a core muscle injury in 2023.
One of the top priorities for Lawrence this week will be keeping an eye on Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who did not practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson acknowledges Ramsey's talent and emphasizes the importance of knowing his whereabouts on the field.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, they will be without their new No. 3 receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., for the first four games of the season. However, they still have a speedy duo in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who will be at Tagovailoa's disposal. Hill led the NFL in receiving yards in 2023 and Waddle had a solid rookie season with 1,014 yards and four touchdowns.
With both teams boasting a strong offensive lineup, Lawrence is aware that this game could turn into a high-scoring affair. However, he also has faith in the Jaguars' defense and believes that they can step up when needed. The Jaguars have a new defensive coordinator in Ryan Nielsen, who previously held the same position with the Atlanta Falcons and was co-defensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints.
Pederson acknowledges the challenge that the Dolphins' offense presents, with their ability to quickly move the ball down the field. Tagovailoa, on the other hand, is more focused on studying the players he will be facing on the field rather than the defensive game plan.
Both teams have a few players dealing with injuries, with the Dolphins potentially missing linebacker Jaelan Phillips and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The Jaguars only have one player on their injury report, safety Daniel Thomas, who was limited in practice due to an Achilles issue.
Overall, this game is shaping up to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams. The Jaguars will be looking to make a statement with their new quarterback and improved roster, while the Dolphins will be aiming to continue their success from last season. It will be a game to watch for football fans.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins Recap SEP 8TH 2024
Jason Sanders nailed a 52-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Miami Dolphins a 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Miami (1-0) trailed 17-7 at the break before silencing the Jaguars in the second half.
Jacksonville running back Travis Etienne opened the door for the Dolphins, fumbling at the Miami 3 with 2:19 left in the third quarter. Kader Kohou recovered the loose ball in the back of the end zone for a touchback.
On the next play, Tua Tagovailoa connected with Tyreek Hill for an 80-yard score, pulling the Dolphins within 17-14.
Sanders later missed a 42-yard field goal that would have tied the game with 13:33 remaining in the fourth. However, he redeemed himself by making good on a 37-yarder with 4:22 to go ahead of his game-winner.
Tagovailoa finished with 338 yards and one touchdown on 23-of-37 passing. Hill had seven catches for 130 yards and the TD, while Jaylen Waddle finished with five receptions for 109 yards.
Before the game, Hill was detained by police about a block from the stadium over a traffic violation that led to a verbal argument. He was not arrested but cited for a moving violation, according to his agent.
Trevor Lawrence completed 12 of 21 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown for the Jaguars (0-1), who were outgained 400-267. Tank Bigsby was the game's leading rusher with 73 yards on 12 carries.
Jalen Ramsey was called for defensive pass interference with 4:34 left in the first quarter, costing Miami 40 yards. One play later, Etienne plunged into the end zone from 1 yard out to put the Jaguars up 7-0.
Jacksonville doubled its lead when Lawrence capped an eight-play, 55-yard drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to rookie Brian Thomas with 6:21 to go in the second quarter.
De'Von Achane got the Dolphins on the board with 1:04 remaining in the first half, rushing for a 1-yard TD.
However, Miami left too much time on the clock for the Jaguars, who managed to get a 53-yard field goal from Cam Little as time expired for a 17-7 advantage at the intermission.