Colts vs. Dolphins Week 1 preview: Strengths and weaknesses for both teams revealed ahead of their matchup
Get to know more about the Colts vs. Dolphins Week 1 matchup
The Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins are set to go head-to-head in what on paper looks like one of the most even matchups on the NFL’s Week 1 slate. Both teams finished with a record of 8-9 last season and have made some significant roster changes in the offseason.
To prepare fans on both sides, A to Z Sports’ Colts beat writer Destin Adams and Dolphins beat writer Kyle Crabbs shared their thoughts on the matchup. Both shared the biggest strengths and weaknesses that they believe the team they cover has coming into this matchup. Time to check out what they came up with.
Matchup Strengths
Colts: Their D-Line should overpower the Dolphins’ O-Line
The Colts need to find or develop one of their current edge rushers into a true alpha pass rusher, but they have built a defensive line that is full of talent. From their star-studded interior of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart to a group of impactful players in the edge room like Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquann Lewis, with young players they are developing in Laiatu Latu and rookie JT Tuimoloau.
The team is expecting a big jump from Latu, and he gets to face a favorable matchup vs. a questionable Dolphins offensive line to kick off his second season. Latu will see matchups against Patrick Paul as well as Austin Jackson. Jackson is also currently dealing with a toe injury that has him on the team’s injury report. This, paired with getting to line up next to dominant forces at DT in Buckner and Stewart, should be a solid recipe for success for Latu and the Colts’ matchup vs. the Dolphins’ offensive line altogether. – Destin Adams
Dolphins: Use their speed to their advantage
I believe the Dolphins have the right kind of team speed to test the Colts’ communication and coverage abilities amid a new defensive system from Lou Anarumo. Having De’Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle all on the field should give Miami speed and spacing that test and stress the Colts’ back seven, especially with turnover at linebacker, cornerback, and safety. The Dolphins will, of course, need to hold their own in the trenches to take advantage of this element of the game, but it should be the foundation of how Miami tries to attack the Colts’ defense, especially with some new wrinkles coming into a new season. – Kyle Crabbs
Matchup Weaknesses
Colts: The Dolphins’ speed out wide is a tough opening test for the Colts’ new look secondary
The Colts’ decision to hire Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator told the rest of the league they were making a massive shift in defensive philosophy. They followed up that choice with significant moves to upgrade their secondary by signing corner Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum. During training camp, they also chose to sign veteran Xavien Howard.
This new look secondary is going to be put to the test right away as they will be tasked with stopping the Dolphins’ speedy WR duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Ward is expected to travel with the opposing team’s top WRs, which begins this week with one of the top WRs in the NFL, Hill. If the Colts can shut down talent like Hill and Waddle in the first week of their new defense, it could be a sign of great things to come for the unit. However, in my opinion, this matchup, being the defense’s first test, doesn’t bode well for the Colts. – Destin Adams
Dolphins: Corraling the Colts’ physically imposing skill players
The Colts have a lot of physical skill players between Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Warren, and Alec Pierce. These players could challenge Miami in the same way that the Dolphins struggled at times in 2024 — with the tackling. Throw in the potential for an Anthony Richardson package and the potential for quarterback run game, and Miami’s tackling will be paramount. The Dolphins ranked dead last in the NFL in yards allowed after contact per run in 2024, and the inexperience at cornerback could leave them vulnerable to chunk plays if they don’t tackle well outside. The Colts have the right pieces to make this a key factor in their favor. – Kyle Crabbs
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