Dolphins Beat: Team is 'at a loss' with respect to struggles in rush defense

Dec 11, 2014

Dolphins beat writer James Walker on the team's recent struggles against the run:

This has been one of the biggest mysteries of the season. Three weeks ago Miami had the No. 2 defense in the NFL and was No. 8 against the run. Then, out of nowhere, the Dolphins have allowed 661 rushing yards in the past three games. They are now No. 22 against the run. Players and coaches are at a loss. They say it is poor fundamentals, tackling and run fits.

The Dolphins have been pushed around too often in the past three weeks. They played a little better defensively against the Ravens, but not enough to think the issue will be resolved on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact:

This bodes well for LeGarrette Blount, who has dominated the carries in the last three weeks. He has toted the ball 42 times in that span; the next highest carry total is 12 by Shane Vereen. We're expecting Blount will carry the ball 15-plus times in a game that the Patriots should be able to control with their ground game.

today

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans practices for second straight day

Greg Auman

0 minutes ago

Cooler weather for Bucs practice today -- Wirfs and Evans practicing again. Still no Zyon McCollum, but Troy Hill and Greg Gaines were practicing today.

Related Players: Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer

Fantasy Impact:

Fantastic news for fantasy managers hanging on to Mike Evans: he should be considered a WR1 option immediately.

yesterday

49ers TE George Kittle "good to go" for Week 12

KNBR

yesterday · 5:34 PM EST

“I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited, can’t pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure.”

George Kittle says he’s good to go for Sunday

Related Players: Eric Saubert

Fantasy Impact:

Kittle returns to a great matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in TE aFPA. He should be fired up as a high-end TE1 once again.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift misses Wednesday practice

Kevin Fishbain

yesterday · 1:29 PM EST

Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus: Ryan Bates remains in the concussion protocol. Elijah Hicks (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (groin) won't practice.

Teven Jenkins will be limited.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer

Fantasy Impact:

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, as Johnson would have a huge workload if Swift were to miss Week 12. Homer has three rush attempts and zero targets on the year.