Detroit Lions vs. Miami Dolphins: 3 key matchups for Week 8
By Zach Payne
Matchup 1: Lions CB Amani Oruwariye vs. Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle
Last week in Dallas, Oruwariye had somewhat of a bounce-back game. He still gave up some catches but he was a part of a secondary that held the Cowboys’ passing game in check. This week, however, he has to face off against the exact type of receiver he’s struggled with throughout his career. Specifially, smaller and faster receivers.
Jaylen Waddle, the second-year wideout out of Alabama, is that type of receiver for the Dolphins. Through seven games this season he has amassed 621 receiving yards, good for fourth in the NFL. His 18.3 yards per catch average ranks fifth in the league. He’s done all that while being the second option in the offense, after Tyreek Hill, which proves how potent this Miami passing attack is.
Oruwariye absolutely has to contain Waddle in some capacity. The Lions can’t match his speed, so they’ll need to rely on more two-high shells to prevent explosive plays. However, Oruwariye is going to have to be able to deal with the underneath targets Waddle gets. This is a matchup, on paper, that has disaster potential for the Lions. Oruwariye absolutely needs to find a way to at least mitigate the damage Waddle does.
The matchup between Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah and Hill deserves an honorable mention here. But Oruwariye has to carry last week’s positive momentum into a tougher matchup this week.