Packers: Three Dolphins to watch out for in Week 10 meeting

The Green Bay Packers return home for what has become a must-win game. And if Green Bay hopes to be victorious, they have to win the battles against three key Miami Dolphins players.

Even with the Green Bay Packers‘ struggles this season, many of us would still think that Sunday’s game against the Dolphins is one the Packers should win.

However there have been a few games this year where what the consensus thought unfortunately did not turn out that way.

If the Packers are going to win this week they are going to have to slow down running back Kenyan Drake, edge rusher Cameron Wake, and cornerback Xavien Howard.

Running back, Kenyan Drake

The threat from Kenyan Drake comes from his ability as a pass catcher out of the backfield. It’s been an area of concern for this Packers defense because of the mismatches it creates. The likes of James White, Todd Gurley and Dalvin Cook have caused problems as pass catchers.

Packers linebacker Blake Martinez (if he even plays) struggles to match up athletically with these running backs in the open field and Oren Burks looks lost when in coverage at times, so this could be the week we see Josh Jones on the field for multiple plays.

As a pass catcher, Drake is averaging 7.19 yards per reception, has five touchdowns, and has the explosiveness to break a big play at any time.

In the running game, Drake has split time with Frank Gore, who may not be as big of a concern for the Packers as they’ve fared well against “bruising” running backs this season with Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels clogging up the middle.

Through nine weeks Drake has averaged 4.78 yards per carry, with three touchdowns and will try to make his way to the outside in an effort to find open space where he can exploit the Packers defense.

Oftentimes the Miami Dolphins offense struggles to move the ball, so if the Packers can slow down Kenyan Drake, it will go a long way in limiting the Miami offense.

Edge rusher, Cameron Wake

A big chore for the Green Bay offensive line is going to be slowing down edge rusher Cameron Wake.

Typically the Dolphins have Wake line up on the right side of the defensive line, where he would face left tackle David Bahktiari. This would be the best-case scenario for the Packers since Bahktiari is one of, if not the best left tackle in football.

However, if Wake moves and lines up against a banged up Bryan Bulaga and right guard Byron Bell, who has struggled, he could become a big nuisance for Aaron Rodgers.

Heading into Week 10, Wake is the 10th-ranked edge rusher in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (PFF). He’s compiled three sacks, 21 total tackles, three tackles for loss and seven quarterback hits.

Limiting Wake’s impact could be centered around Green Bay’s run game. This will limit the number of plays where Wake can rush Rodgers and make an impact in the passing game. In addition, Miami’s run defense is giving up over five yards per carry to opposing backs in their last six games.

Rodgers has not been the same this season when being pressured, so it is important that the offensive line keep his pocket clean.

Cornerback, Xavien Howard

Xavien Howard is Miami’s best cover corner and is one of the NFL’s most underrated cornerbacks. Howard’s responsibility is to shut down the opponent’s top receiver and for much of the season he has done that.

Although Davante Adams has had success this season against some of the league’s top corners, Green Bay can create a mismatch by having Adams travel, as Howard typically covers the same side of the field as Richard Sherman does.

Moving Adams around would most likely result in Marquez Valdes-Scantling (MVS) being paired with Howard. This would be a tough matchup for any rookie wide receiver but with his speed, we may see some deep routes from MVS in an attempt to beat Howard. Shorter routes or anything underneath is going to make it difficult for MVS to shake Howard.

Up to this point in the season, Howard has recorded 21 total tackles, three interceptions, seven pass deflections and a fumble recovery.

Howard’s strengths in his game are his ability to find the ball in the air like a receiver does and he plays it very well, which results in turnovers. In 2017, Howard had three interceptions and has the second-most in the NFL this season.

Regardless of which Packers receiver is up against Howard, it will be a difficult matchup for them and Rodgers’ ball placement will have to be spot on.

All three of these Miami Dolphins players can make an impact on any game and we will most likely hear each of their names multiple times. But if Green Bay can limit their production, they should be able to win the game.