Cory's Corner: Make Tua Uncomfortable
Don't be fooled by Miami. They are better than you think.
Don’t be bamboozled by their record.
The Dolphins are a different team with Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback. He left the second game of the season with his third concussion of his career and six weeks later he was back.
The Dolphins are 5-6 and in the last two games, Tagovailoa has completed 75 percent of his passes, averaging 302.5 passing yards with 3.5 touchdowns and no picks.
The Packers had six hurries against the 49ers and five the week before at Chicago. They cannot sit back and allow the fifth-year lefty to carve up the secondary. The Patriots generated seven pressures against the Dolphins and Tagovailoa was still able to throw on the move and make the off-platform completion.
The Packers are 8-3. They probably need to win two more games just to make the playoffs. But they also need to keep pace with the Lions if they want to host a postseason game. And if they want to play at Lambeau Field in January, this is a game the Packers must have.
It’s a Thanksgiving night game. Tagovailoa has already been busy giving orations as to why the weather isn’t a big deal after the Dolphins — outfitted in scuba gear — laid an egg against Kansas City in the wild card last year.
One of the most encouraging things heading into Thursday is that linebacker Quay Walker might have had his best game on Sunday. The athletic third-year linebacker has proven that he can get all over the field, but against the 49ers he showed that the game is slowing down for him. He had presnap movement and he was a step ahead of where San Francisco wanted to go.
The Dolphins are also solid on defense, by being ranked ninth in the league in run defense by allowing 106.9 yards a game. The Packers have proven that Josh Jacobs is the heart and soul of this team. Through 11 games, Jacobs has 944 rushing yards which is the most through 11 games since Ahman Green tallied 1,326 in 2003.
I would look for Matt LaFleur to use more play-action this week. Get the Dolphins defense on their heels and then use that aggressiveness against them by throwing over the top.
This is the first of a weird back-to-back Thursday slate for the Packers. After playing the majority of games on Sunday afternoon in the first half of the season, things are about to get a little crazy. The key will be to make both Thursday games as usual and normal as possible.
The Dolphins like to play fast with plenty of speed on the outside. The key is to make Tagovailoa uncomfortable and force him to make throws he doesn’t want to make. Jordan Love looked a lot better on Sunday, even though he still threw one or two jump ball throws that shouldn’t have been made.
Don’t think that the Dolphins are a bad team because they are under .500. They are surging right now and their backs are to the wall just to sneak into the playoffs in a very tough AFC.
That’s the team you have to be leery of. It is backed into a corner and it knows it has no margin for error. It is set up perfectly for Green Bay’s defensive front seven to force throws, get Tagovailoa on the run and put Miami behind the sticks.
Do that and the Packers will enjoy eating cold turkey after Thursday’s game.
This is Quay Walker at his best.
This is what Quay Walker can be.
The Packers LB hasn’t just all of a sudden figured it out, but he undoubtedly just played the best game of his NFL career.
Thread starting with this beauty: pic.twitter.com/lMeFzb2ePQ
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) November 25, 2024
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (38)
Lphill
November 26, 2024 at 06:48 am
Tua threw 40 times on Sunday, have to absolutely try and get pressure on him.
T7Steve
November 26, 2024 at 07:00 am
If they just want to be one dimensional and just pass the ball, we've got this.
Run and keep the ball for long drives while Tua and the speedsters get cold on the bench. The D just needs to remember that Hill and a couple others started their careers in places like KC and will know how to play in the cold and more importantly know what footwear will work best for them on this kind of field.
NickPerry
November 26, 2024 at 07:06 am
The Packers need to play much like they did Sunday against the 49ers. This team NEEDS to be consistent, week in and week out. They can't look forward to the Lions the following Thursday, and they can't let up after the beatdown they put on the Niners. They need to focus on the Dolphins...PERIOD!
I doubt Alexander will play, matter of fact I don't have much faith in Alexander playing much the rest of the season. The Dolphins have Waddle and Hill, PLUS De'Von Achane at RB who is probably just as fast. That's a crazy amount of speed at the skill positions and any one of them can take it to the house on any given play.
Love played better on Sunday but he has to stop throwing the other team the ball. The 49ers did him a favor and dropped the ball when Love threw it to them and hit them in the hands. RUN THE BALL. Like it or not the Packers are better at running than passing the ball. Against the Dolphins it's time to show it...AGAIN.
Guam
November 26, 2024 at 08:22 am
I may be over thinking this NP but the Dolphins are pretty good against the run as the author pointed out so pounding the rock may not be super productive. Early in the game I expect the Packers to run some and use lots of play action to set up a quick passing game. If they get the lead late, then I expect them to pound the rock.
I think we are going to see more Packer passing than you expect. Of course I could be completely wrong too...........:)
Coldworld
November 26, 2024 at 08:58 am
The Dolphins have been 10th best in defending the run and the pass (109 and 199 yards per game respectively. I do not know that we should be concerned about the ability to run in particular.
Looking at who they have played, they’ve had a pretty easy schedule. They caught (and beat) Washington early, before they went on a tear. Looking at it, their schedule has been largely missing fearsome offenses or runners. I think their defensive prowess may be somewhat overstated as a result. I think Jacobs will be a different level of challenge for them. I would not shy away from a plan that has him lead the way.
RCPackerFan
November 26, 2024 at 09:56 am
Since week 7, these are the rushing yards they have given up and where the team ranks in rushing yards.
Week 7 - 155 rushing yards to the Colts. (11th in rushing offense)
Week 8 - 82 rushing yards to the Cardinals. (6th in rushing offense)
Week 9 - 94 rushing yards to the Bills. (15th in rushing offense)
Week 10 - 70 rushing yards to the Rams. (26th in rushing offense)
Week 11 - 60 rushing yards to the Raiders. (32nd in rushing offense)
Week 12 - 86 rushing yards to the Patriots. (13th in rushing offense)
Packers are 4th in rushing.
If we want to talk about the teams to RB's and where they rank from week 7 on.
Colts - Jonathan Taylor - 15th in rushing yards - 708 rushing yards
Cardinals - James Connor - 16th in rushing yards - 705 rushing yards
Bills - James Cook - 23rd in rushing yards - 596 rushing yards
Rams - Kyren Williams - 6th in rushing yards - 822 rushing yards
Raiders - Alexander Mattison - 43rd in rushing yards - 320 yards
Patriots - Rhamondre Stevenson - 22nd in rushing yards - 598 yards rushing
Josh Jacobs ranks 3rd with 944 rushing yards. Emanuel Wilson has 312 yards rushing which ranks 45th. These are just stats though. They don't paint the whole picture.
Jacobs ranks 1 in YAC at 540 yards after contact.
Packers have one of the best rushing attacks in the league. Also the way they scheme things in the running game are just different from other teams.
Bitternotsour
November 26, 2024 at 10:23 am
I'm unsophisticated re: scouting other run teams/schemes, but are the Packers really that different than the Rams/49er's and that Shanahan school of zone blocking? If it's different it's got to be really subtle.
Admittedly, the pieces are different, but schematically it seems pretty similar to me.
Cheezehead72
November 26, 2024 at 07:08 am
This is a tough game to predict. The Packers without Alexander will have a tough time covering these receivers and Tua has shown he can play and throw the ball all over the field. The key is that the temperature will be cold. Yes I do not put a lot on the cold because it will not be bitterly cold but it is something to consider. The field might not cause too much of an impact on the speed of their receivers being as the Dolphins play on grass. I say park the lawnmowers and keep the grass as long as it will get in the end of November.
For the Packers to win they must run the ball. We have three RBs that have shown that they can run and keep the chains moving. I would say we need about 75% run to 25% pass. That will shorten the game and keep their offense off the field.
On defense we need to blitz a lot. We cannot depend on the DBs to stay on these receivers especially if Alexander is not playing or is not 100%.
LambeauPlain
November 26, 2024 at 09:31 am
75%/25% run/pass...really? I guess that is possible. I can see a 50/50 split, especially if the run game is effective...to set up the pass for the potent Packer Air Force.
Packers were near 75/25 for the two Willis games for obvious reasons. But Love will be the field general for this game and I don't think he (or Rodgers for that matter) ever handed off 75% of snaps.
I agree to lean on the run early, yet the Fins have a very solid run D. Run heavy may be the game plan but the pass game will be difficult to "pass up".
Cheezehead72
November 26, 2024 at 07:13 am
Decided to put this in a different comment because of the change subject.
I normally do not discuss fantasy football in comments but I have a a hard decision. On a team where I am close to not making the playoffs I have both Tua and Nix. I want to start Tua because of the issues with the Packers DBs and how good the Dolphins pass offense has been but will they be better than the Bronco's passing offense. The Broncos play the Browns at home and the Browns defense can be good. Nix is also playing well. This is one of the reasons I tend to only have one QB.
dobber
November 26, 2024 at 07:49 am
I would probably play Tua over Nix. Usually if it feels like a toss-up, I'd go with the home QB, but I think the ceiling on Tua is much higher.
I have Tua as a second QB in a league and he made it through the one week I needed him...his concussion history is scary.
Coldworld
November 26, 2024 at 07:19 am
The Dolphins are obviously a different animal with Tua, though their most recent 2 victories came against very poor teams. Only the close victory over the Ravens was against an impressive team in their current winning run.
Unlike most of our opponents thus far, the Dolphins are weighted towards the pass. Their run game is just OK and Tua is not going to run much. Their running backs do almost as much damage in the passing game, making for a lot of weapons and not merely on the perimeter. Pressure is going to be critical. We have to move him and not give him time in a stable pocket.
T7Steve
November 26, 2024 at 07:41 am
When did the Packers play him last? I remember they gave Tua one of his concussion's and got the win. 2022? Guess I'll have to wait for the "Periscope". Totally different team now, anyway.
Bitternotsour
November 26, 2024 at 07:48 am
I dread watching this game. i wish tua had retired. i respect that he's making a living, that he has competitive drive, i just don't really want to see a guy die on a football field.
in many ways he is doing a disservice to his fellow professionals, both teammates and opponents. maybe he'll get the flu right before kickoff.
MitchAnthony
November 26, 2024 at 01:22 pm
Ahh, Tua will be okay. At least for this game. Green Bay's defensive front doesn't get all that many sacks to speak of.
PeteK
November 26, 2024 at 07:52 am
The best way to beat a finesse team full of speeders is by pounding the rock and keep those track stars on ice. O line needs to be consistent and penalty free.
T7Steve
November 26, 2024 at 07:59 am
That seems to be the constant comment here today including mine.
Considering they're professionals and we aren't, they know this too. What will the Dolphins do to throw the Packers off? This is where I hope our smart coaches have thought and planned for all the possibilities.
Packers0808
November 26, 2024 at 08:39 am
My two hopes in really special order is that we win and Tua doesn't get another head injury!
T7Steve
November 26, 2024 at 08:48 am
Take it one further and wish no one is injured, and I'll be right with you.
crayzpackfan
November 26, 2024 at 09:55 am
Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing a bunch of Dolphins getting some simple leg cramps throughout the game. ;)
Packers0808
November 26, 2024 at 02:03 pm
That too for sure.
RCPackerFan
November 26, 2024 at 09:14 am
"The Dolphins are 5-6 and in the last two games, Tagovailoa has completed 75 percent of his passes, averaging 302.5 passing yards with 3.5 touchdowns and no picks."
Its almost like having a starting QB is better then having a backup QB play.
The Dolphins will be a tough team to beat for sure. Since Tua came back from injury they are 3-2. They are on a roll winning 3 games in a row. Tua since coming back is 130 completions out of 170 attempts (76%), for 1277 yards, 11 TD's, 1 INT.
But dive a bit deeper and you will see the teams they played and they beat. They lost to the Cardinals (6-5), Lost to the Bills (9-2) , Beat the Rams (5-6), Beat the Raiders (2-9) and Beat the Patriots (3-9). They beat the 3 teams under 500, and lost to the teams above 500.
The Raiders, Rams, and Patriots rank 13, 23, 27th in yards giving up by the defense
The Rams, Patriots and Raiders are 23, 25, 29th in scoring giving up by the defense.
Packers Rank 9th in yards, and 10th in scoring defensively.
The Rams, Patriots, Raiders rank 19, 24, 29th in yards for offense.
The Rams, Raiders, Patriots rank 21, 26, 29th in scoring for offense.
Packers rank 6th in yards and 8th in scoring for offense.
Packers are way better then the previous 3 teams they beat. Also you have to factor that this game is on a short week and in GB where the Dolphins are not used to playing in 20 degree weather.
LambeauPlain
November 26, 2024 at 09:38 am
Thanks for the stats, RC! At this time in the season, numbers to date are incredibly relevant.
Now I can enjoy the pre game Thanksgiving Family Dinner without added anxiety nor haste!
Happy Thanksgiving!
RCPackerFan
November 26, 2024 at 10:11 am
The old saying that stats are for losers can be true, but it can also paint a picture. At this point of the season you can start seeing who teams really are, a lot of times stats back it up. I think it is pretty accurate.
Hopefully we can enjoy a good night of football!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Leatherhead
November 26, 2024 at 12:10 pm
RC, a win on the road against Green Bay would be a lot more impressive than anything they've done so far. Short week, weather, etc. I guarantee you Tyreek Hill and the rest won't run as fast as they normally do.
NFLfan
November 26, 2024 at 09:23 am
Quay should pass rush.
Packers 'corners' Nixon and Valentine may be outmatched.
This is where the weak Corner Room will be exposed unfortunately.
LambeauPlain
November 26, 2024 at 10:00 am
I believe the Fins won't stop the Packers O.
This should be the game where the Pack Attack Defense creates momentum for the Playoffs. Tua doesn't run much so unleash the Dogs!
Hafley began his GB journey stating he would employ an attacking, fast, vision and break Defense designed to best utilize the skills of his men.
At his first presser he said Quay would play the LB position (Mike, Will, Sam) that would best employ his skills. (I don't think it is at Mike)
He clearly saw last week his much maligned LB was an effective pass rusher. And he used base a lot...turning Quay loose more. Do it again, especially if Cooper is ready to roll with Wilson in base.
Lphill
November 26, 2024 at 10:12 am
no excuse for losing to the Dolphins , the Packers are the better team.
GregC
November 26, 2024 at 12:15 pm
Not THAT much better. I'm expecting a close game. And if the Packers lose, their season will not be over. One thing I'm NOT relying on is cold weather being a big advantage for the Packers. In recent years, warm weather teams seem to have gotten better at playing in cold weather. (I admit that I have no evidence to back up this statement.)
dobber
November 26, 2024 at 12:25 pm
I'm not expecting the Packers to win out...and losing a home game would suck, but it wouldn't be a conference game so it would have less impact on the playoff picture than if they'd lost to SF. In the end, just win and make it academic.
WestCoastPackerBacker
November 26, 2024 at 12:31 pm
Have you ever watched the NFL? Better teams lose all the time in the NFL. Cuz, you know, we're human and make mistakes.
beerandbrats
November 26, 2024 at 11:53 am
I hope to see a game plan and attitude that uses the cold weather to our advantage! The game time temperature is expected to be around 25, 10-15 mph wind and a wind chill of 15. That's frighteningly cold if you come from Miami!
Score early and often. Beat them down and keep them down! It's very important to go into halftime with a commanding lead so that the Dolphins will not want to leave the warm locker room!
Playing with the lead becomes even more important in this weather because the cold gets in your head. Run the ball down their throats and make them quit!
Ya_tittle
November 26, 2024 at 11:07 pm
A great game plan.
NFLfan
November 26, 2024 at 12:19 pm
I read that the reason Jacobs left the field for the locker room, temporarily, was that he was cramping all over.
Can't run him into ground.
dobber
November 26, 2024 at 12:26 pm
Agreed. In general, he's got to get some relief from Wilson and Brooks.
Leatherhead
November 26, 2024 at 01:23 pm
He's logged about 460 snaps, divided over 11 games leaves us with a little over 40 snaps a game. Wilson and Brooks have about 250 between them.
We want this guy 100% healthy and rested for the first playoff game.
Major Snafu
November 26, 2024 at 06:55 pm
Tua can be hot but he can be cold too, especially in the cold. Advantage packers. Miami had speed all over the place, advantage Miami. Packers need to find a pass rush. Were paying guys to get to the QB and they have failed miserably.
Love needs to take care of the ball. Miami knows, stop the run early and force Love to pass. I'm sure thats the game plan for them based on film.
All I know is I will be full of Turkey and ready for a big game. This should be a real test as to just how good the packers are.
LeotisHarris
November 26, 2024 at 07:45 pm
This installment of The Corner confirms what I've seen reported by numerous sources. There is a shortage of ADHD medication in the USA.
I believe it was Kahil Gibran (maybe Abraham Lincoln?) who said "be leery of a team that's surging right now and their backs are to the wall *and* backed into a corner and knows it has no margin for error." How true that is, yes.
May Tua leave Lambeau healthy with is team sitting at 5-7.