Dolphins Face Tough Test Against Undefeated Seahawks in Week Three
The Miami Dolphins, who are 1-1, will have to take the red-eye across the country to face the undefeated Seattle Seahawks in what promises to be a tough Week Three matchup. After an already tumultuous start to the season, things are looking grim for the Dolphins, especially with the uncertainty surrounding their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa, who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, suffered another gruesome concussion last week, sparking debates about whether he should consider retiring from football. That means third-year quarterback Skylar Thompson is expected to get the start.
Thompson, who has shown flashes of promise in his limited action, is still relatively unproven as a starter in the NFL. His only starts came during his rookie season, where he faced the typical struggles of a young quarterback adjusting to the speed and complexity of professional defenses. The Dolphins kept Thompson over veteran backup Mike White, banking on the idea that his third year in Miami’s system would yield growth, particularly in his ability to communicate and execute head coach Mike McDaniel's offense. Even with Tagovailoa at the helm, the Dolphins leaned heavily on quick-game concepts in their first two games, and that strategy is likely to continue with Thompson under center.
Miami’s offense is built around getting the ball out quickly and into the hands of playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, allowing them to create yards after the catch. In the absence of Tagovailoa, the Dolphins will likely rely even more on their run game and perimeter playmakers. The Dolphins have the personnel to succeed, but Thompson's ability to manage the game and avoid costly mistakes will be critical to their chances against Seattle. Meanwhile, the Seahawks enter this game riding high after starting the season 2-0. Seattle, led by veteran quarterback Geno Smith, has already proved its mettle with a hard-fought overtime victory on the road against the New England Patriots last week. That win, which required grit and resilience, sets the Seahawks apart as the only team in the NFC West to win both of their opening games.
The Seahawks' defense, led by head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde, will present a challenge for the Dolphins. Miami is no stranger to facing Macdonald's schemes, having played against his Baltimore Ravens defense the past two seasons. In 2022, the Dolphins famously put up 42 points against Baltimore, showcasing their ability to exploit weaknesses in Macdonald’s system. However, repeating that performance without Tagovailoa will be a tall order.
For Miami, the key will be keeping Thompson comfortable and avoiding obvious passing situations where Seattle’s defense can pin its ears back and apply pressure. The Dolphins had some success last week moving the ball early against the Ravens, including a big screen pass and a third-and-long touchdown throw from Tagovailoa. However, once the score became lopsided, Baltimore’s pass rush took over, and Miami’s offense struggled to keep up. If Miami can keep the game close and maintain balance on offense, they’ll have a chance to pull off the upset in Seattle.
However, with Tagovailoa sidelined, the Dolphins will need a near-flawless performance from Thompson, along with big plays from Hill, Waddle, and their defense, to secure a victory on the road. The Seahawks, on the other hand, will look to stay undefeated and continue their strong start to the season. With a solid defense and an efficient offense, they will be tough to beat, especially at home. Miami will have to dig deep and find a way to rally behind Thompson in what could be a make-or-break game for their early-season hopes.
