One of the most highly anticipated games in Week 2 will be the Miami Dolphins taking on the Baltimore Ravens.
Both teams will enter Sunday will 1-0 records and this could be an early season look at two playoff teams.
This game will be a treat for fans who get to see former MVP Lamar Jackson battle it out with the up-and-coming Tua Tagovailoa.
Both QBs are coming off of strong games and have the opportunity to put the league on notice in Week 2.
For the Dolphins specifically, everyone wants to know if they are real or not.
They dominated the New England Patriots in Week 1 but that team lacks any significant offensive weapons.
Also, the first game under head coach Mike McDaniel showed a new look Dolphins offense that was very effective.
The Dolphins seem committed to getting Tyreek Hill the ball after he led the team in targets and catches.
Hill finished Week 1 with eight catches for 94 yards.
Also, Jaylen Waddle was heavily utilized, catching four balls for 69 yards and one touchdown.
Jaylen Waddle has the whole crowd waddling! 🐧 @D1__JW
📺: #NEvsMIA on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/F3er9mxUz9 pic.twitter.com/1kkw4WsHuW— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2022
Tagovailoa might be criticized for his lack of arm strength, but that seemed not to hinder him against New England.
Tua was efficient in the game completing 23 of 33 passes for 270 yards and the one touchdown to Waddle.
After doing that to a Bill Belichick-led defense it will be intriguing to see how the Dolphins react to another tough test on the road.
The Dolphins defense even recorded a strip-sack touchdown against Mac Jones that gave them their first TD of the season.
The Miami defense will certainly be in for a much tougher task this weekend.
Keys To The Game
Having to face Jackson is one of the toughest tasks in the league.
He is the best running quarterback in the league and an accurate passer.
After missing parts of last season with injuries, the former MVP showed no signs of slowing down in Week 1.
Against the Jets in his first game, Jackson threw for three touchdown passes despite having a quiet game on the ground.
LAMAR! @Lj_era8 goes DEEP for 57 yard TD, his 3rd of the day 👀🐦
📺: #BALvsNYJ on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/C0lEbWjkIT pic.twitter.com/Z8lGqALh0W— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2022
He is at his best when he can escape the pocket.
So it will be a key to the game that Miami makes sure he cannot run free.
Another key to the game will be if the Dolphins can get anything going on the ground.
In Week 1 they ran the ball 23 times for 65 yards, a 2.8 yards per carry.
That is not going to cut it against any team.
The Dolphins signed running back Chase Edmonds in the offseason to get him involved in the offense.
He only carried the ball 12 times on Sunday but did have four catches.
Expect to see more of him in Week 2.
Overall, this game should highlight two teams that operate in completely different ways.
The Dolphins have a quick passing game and the Ravens are run-heavy.
This is a great litmus test for both teams early in the season and the winner should feel good about themselves.
If Miami is expected to take that next step in becoming a playoff-caliber team, they have to play well on the road Sunday.
NEXT: Tua Tagovailoa Holds A Must-See NFL Record