There are several exciting matchups in Week 17, but the biggest one is Dolphins vs. Ravens. With just two weeks left in the regular season, no team has clinched the number one spot yet. That’s how close the positions are in the AFC and NFC playoff race. Miami will be on the road in Week 17 to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio knows it won’t be an easy game for Miami. Jackson is the league’s MVP and is one of the most difficult players to coach. He can beat any defense with his arm or his legs. Fangio knows this and his defense will have its hands full in Week 17. If Miami finds a way to win, then they would be in contention for the number one spot heading into the final week of the regular season.
Can the Dolphins stop Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in Week 17?
Vic Fangio on facing Lamar Jackson: ‘The only other player who’s been like him in the last 50 years is Michael Vick’https://t.co/22oVwp5202 pic.twitter.com/7DOdW0sITH
– Around the NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 29, 2023
In 2023, the Dolphins defeated teams below a .500 record and struggled against teams with a winning record. They are 11-4 this season and are coming off a big win against the Cowboys in Week 16. Jason Sanders hit a 29-yard field goal to win the game 22-20 for the Dolphins. However, they still allowed 350 yards of offense to Dallas. If that trend continues into Week 17, they’ll have a hard time stopping Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
This season, the Dolphins are in the top 10 in rushing and passing yards allowed per game. However, the Ravens are the number one team in the league this season with (159.7) rushing yards per game. Miami’s defense will only allow (90.8) rushing yards per game in 2023. Who will win the battle in the trenches in Week 17?
I love that Vic Fangio defends 😂 in the middle of the wide open FIELD! pic.twitter.com/6CaZOQlHsy
– Philly Talk Podcast (@Philly_Mike25) December 24, 2023
Vic Fangio said there is no “one way” to play Lamar Jackson. He is an elite talent and quarterback and can beat any defensive scheme thrown his way. There’s a reason Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in college and the NFL’s league MVP. Fangio said this Sunday he would dig deep into his bag of tricks to stop Jackson and the Ravens. Easier said than done. The Ravens are the favorites (3) at home.
