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The Miami Dolphins received some good news this week with the announcement that the NFL will not be passing down any punishment to cornerback Xavien Howard for a domestic violence incident at the end of the 2019 season. Howard, who saw his charges dropped in February stemming from the incident, will be eligible to take the field with Miami in Week 1 as the team looks to debut a new-look secondary in year two under Brian Flores.
Howard, along with Byron Jones and rookie Noah Igbinoghene, should give Miami a potent slew of coverage options capable of smothering opposing receivers. But which teams on the schedule loom as the biggest possible tests for the Miami secondary this season? There are no shortage of standout players awaiting Miami — but these three offenses provide the biggest tests this season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Any time you have Patrick Mahomes on the field running the opposing team, you better be on your A-game. The Dolphins will be tested in their ability to run with the Chiefs’ speedy skill players, but the good news is Miami’s secondary is one of the fastest in the league. You’ll rarely see a team fully clamp the Chiefs passing offense — but if you can contain them, you’ll have a shot. That will be the objective for the Dolphins.
Arizona Cardinals
A mobile quarterback paired with one of the best receivers in the NFL in DeAndre Hopkins. This was already going to be a tough draw — but Kyler Murray now having Hopkins at his disposal after a deal with the Texans is a hard pill to swallow. Miami has big, physical corners however and they should at least be able to press Hopkins at the line of scrimmage and avoid giving him free run into Miami’s secondary. From there, it’s up to the pass rush to collapse the pocket around Murray.
Seattle Seahawks
In most seasons, the presence of Russell Wilson on the schedule is the high-water mark for elite quarterbacks you’ll have to face. It’s a cruel twist for Miami that they catch Wilson and Mahomes in the same season — and Wilson will be a tough draw with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett at his disposal. Add in veteran TE Greg Olsen and the fact that this game is in Seattle and the Dolphins are facing a steep test. One that — thanks to an upgraded defensive line — Miami could possibly pass, but never the less this is going to be a bear given the versatility and speed of Wilson’s targets.