Dolphins-Cardinals Preview: Going Bird Hunting

What to watch for when the Miami Dolphins travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals

The Miami Dolphins look to bounce back from a tough loss with a trip to Arizona to face the undefeated Cardinals. The Dolphins aren't in must-win territory yet, but a loss would put the team in a 1-3 hole, from which only a handful of teams have been able to recover historically.

The Cardinals were not expected to be a juggernaut before the season began, but they have rode the NFL's second-best scoring defense to wins against Seattle, New England, and Philadelphia to start the season.

When the Dolphins have the ball: Miami struggled to get going offensively after RB Reggie Bush left the Jets game with a knee injury. He is questionable to play Sunday. Bush is averaging 6 yards per carry, fourth-best in the NFL.

Beyond Bush, the Dolphins' offense has been anemic. Rookie QB Ryan Tannehill has an anemic 52 percent completion rate, with four interceptions against only one touchdown. Arizona's pass defense has been especially stingy, giving up fewer yards through the air than all but eight other teams.

Seven Cardinals have at least one sack through the first three games, and their defense has forced six turnovers. Without Bush, Miami will still depend on the running game, with Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller expected to split carries. Miller is averaging an impressive 5.9 yards a carry, while Thomas has had trouble holding onto the ball (coughing up two fumbles this season).

When the Cardinals have the ball: As good as the Cardinals' defense has been, the offense has been lackluster at best. Only one team has gained fewer yards this season, and the passing game has struggled despite the talents of All-Pro WR Larry Fitzgerald.

QB Kevin Kolb was reinserted into the starting lineup after John Skelton completed just half his passes in week 1 against Seattle. Kolb's passer rating of 108.6 is third in the NFL. Fitzgerald has been off to a slow start, but won NFC offensive player of the week after recording nine catches for 114 yards and a touchdown against Eagles.

Miami's pass defense has been anemic, giving up the fourth-most yards in the NFL. Starting CB Richard Marshall is questionable with a back injury, potentially putting the Dolphins' pass defense in an even bigger bind. Miami's trouble pressuring the quarterback (only three teams have recorded fewer sacks this year) make things even more difficult for the secondary.

Who has the edge? An All-Pro caliber receiver and Miami's pass defense is usually a recipe for disaster. This one could get ugly.

The pick: Cardinals 28-Dolphins 13

Details: Miami Dolphins (1-2) at Arizona Cardinals (3-0)
TV: CBS, 4:05 p.m., Bill Macatee, Steve Tasker
Line: Cardinals by 6
Previously: Dolphins lost 31-10 at Arizona in 2008

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