Breaking down the Dolphins’ clash with the Packers at Lambeau Field promises more than just turkey and touchdowns on this Thanksgiving night. The Miami Dolphins are eyeing a chance to pull their record up to an even 6-6, while the Green Bay Packers, sitting at 8-3, look to maintain their grip on a strong season. Fresh off their blowout victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the Packers are ready to welcome the Dolphins into the not-so-balmy aura of Lambeau for the first meeting since last Christmas Day where Green Bay edged a 26-20 win.
Let’s dive into the five biggest narratives for this Week 13 face-off.
1) Dolphins vs. The Chill Factor
Miami hasn’t exactly thrived in frosty conditions in recent years—a narrative many are all too familiar with. Although the temperature won’t be quite the icebox experience of a Kansas City January, it’s far from the tropical climes of South Florida. The Dolphins need to show they can handle the chill on both offense and defense, and this game offers a prime opportunity to do so.
2) Tua’s Test
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stands at the center of this proverbial snow globe. While much has been made about his struggles in colder climates, the real question is whether he can continue his stellar play. Since his return, Tagovailoa’s efficiency has been off the charts, but now he faces a Packers defense that’s leaps and bounds ahead of the opposition the Dolphins have vanquished in recent weeks.
3) The Dual of Destiny: Tagovailoa vs. Love
Highlighting this matchup is the duel between two first-round picks from the 2020 draft: Tua Tagovailoa and Jordan Love. Love’s season has seen its share of highs and lows, not least due to an ankle injury sustained during an opener in Brazil. The turnover bug has bitten him hard, and Miami’s chances improve dramatically if they can capitalize with a takeaway or two, sprinkling in some sacks for good measure.
4) Taming the Jacobs Beast
Josh Jacobs, the dynamic runner now at Green Bay, adds another layer to the Packers’ offensive strategy. Last season, Miami found ways to contain him when he donned the Raiders’ jersey, but this is a different setting with a different supporting cast. Neutralizing Jacobs—or at least keeping him in check—remains pivotal as Miami looks to disrupt his rhythm and force the Packers into a Plan B.
5) Special Teams: Avoiding Past Pitfalls
Special teams continue to be a thorny issue for Miami, particularly in light of the 2022 encounter when Keisean Nixon’s 93-yard kickoff return sparked Green Bay’s momentum. Though the Dolphins held them to just a field goal post-return, the key takeaway is clear: they must tighten up on coverage. With the cold diminishing the ball’s carry, strategic coverage becomes all the more critical to avoid any costly mishaps.
In a matchup wrapped in Thanksgiving flair, both teams aim to showcase their seasonal prowess while battling the elements and each other. Can the Dolphins shake off their shivers, or will the Packers feast on Miami’s mistakes under the Lambeau lights? We’re about to find out.