Tua and Gabriel’s Lefty Showdown as Dolphins Meet Browns in Wild Weather
The Miami Dolphins are gearing up to face the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field this Sunday, aiming to regain their footing in a season that has been less than stellar for both teams. With both squads sporting identical 1-5 records, the stakes are high, especially for the Browns, who are coming off a tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, several compelling storylines are emerging ahead of this Week 7 matchup.
The QB Clash
At the forefront of this contest is an intriguing quarterback matchup. Tua Tagovailoa and Dillon Gabriel, both left-handed quarterbacks hailing from Hawaii, will lead their respective teams. This encounter marks the first lefty versus lefty showdown in the NFL in nearly two decades, reminiscent of the matchup between Michael Vick and Chris Simms back in 2006.
Tua had some kind words for Gabriel, noting, “Smooth thrower. I knew of him as he was growing up, and then I think I might have played one year as he was maybe a freshman or something playing varsity. Knew about him then and as he went into college and did his thing. Smooth thrower, can run, sees the field really well, and he’s a Hawaii boy, so you always got to support the guys from back home.”
This unique battle of lefties won’t just be a highlight of the day; it sets the stage for another left-handed duel the following week when Tua faces Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons.
Weather Watch
As fans and players alike prepare for the game, the weather forecast looms large. With kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m., conditions are expected to be challenging, featuring gusts up to 40 mph and steady rain. These elements could significantly impact the passing game, leading teams to favor the run or opt for short, safe throws. The unpredictable nature of the weather adds another layer of intrigue to this already critical matchup.
The Patterson Possibility
The Dolphins will once again be without their usual kicker, Jason Sanders, who is on injured reserve due to a hip injury. In his absence, Riley Patterson has stepped in, demonstrating reliability, though he did miss a crucial 57-yarder in last week’s narrow loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Given the adverse weather conditions, it’s unlikely either team will attempt long-range kicks. However, should the game come down to a last-second field goal, all eyes will be on Patterson to deliver when it matters most.
Phillips Follow-Up
Linebacker Jaelan Phillips finds himself in the spotlight after a disappointing moment last week when he failed to bring down Justin Herbert, a play that ultimately set up the game-winning field goal. Despite the scrutiny, Phillips has been a standout performer, applying more pressure on opposing quarterbacks than any other player on the Dolphins roster. This week could provide an opportunity for him to capitalize on his efforts and make a significant impact.
Containing Quinshon
After struggling against backup running backs in previous games, the Dolphins will face a new challenge in rookie Quinshon Judkins. Having allowed over 100 rushing yards to opponents in recent weeks, including a staggering 200 yards to Rico Dowdle, Miami’s defense must tighten up against a more formidable runner. The emphasis will be on improving their run defense, a sentiment echoed by Phillips: “Obviously, it’s not good enough. That’s something that pisses us all off because we know that we’re better than that… I think at the end of the day, we just got to be accountable, work on what we need to work on and ultimately, that’ll lead to us getting better.”
As the Dolphins prepare to face the Browns in what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable game, the spotlight will be on the quarterbacks, the weather, and the critical defensive plays that could define the outcome.
