Mack Wilson Sr., a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals, is preparing to face the Miami Dolphins, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Having played against the Dolphins twice last season with the Patriots, Wilson is familiar with their offensive strategies. Tagovailoa’s return from a concussion that sidelined him for four games adds complexity to the Cardinals’ defensive preparations.
“It’s obviously totally different,” Wilson remarked on Wednesday. “He’s a big piece of their offense. He’s the engine of it.”
The Cardinals are coming off a strong defensive performance against the Chargers, securing a 17-15 victory and improving their record to 3-4. This win positions them just one game behind first place in the NFC West.
Conversely, the Dolphins are eager to revive their season after starting 2-4. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill expressed confidence in his team’s resurgence: “We’re back, baby.”
The Cardinals previously faced Tagovailoa in 2020 and would have preferred playing against Miami without him. During his absence, Miami’s deep-passing game suffered, with Hill and Jaylen Waddle seeing reduced production.
“That’s the reality over there,” Wilson said regarding Miami’s offensive capabilities. “They have some heavy-hitting playmakers over there that can take it the distance.”
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged that despite recent struggles, Miami remains dangerous with Tagovailoa and coach Mike McDaniel at the helm.
“You grew up idolizing a guy like Tyreek Hill,” said cornerback Starling Thomas V. “But once you go out there, you throw your fastball too.”
Tagovailoa has not officially been named Sunday’s starter but is expected to return. Despite multiple concussions leading to speculation about retirement, he clarified his commitment: “For me, this is what I love to do.”
Meanwhile, Arizona deals with injuries on defense as outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck is out for the season. Wilson may need to adjust his role accordingly.
“The resiliency we have defensively and the will we have,” Wilson noted about their recent performance against Los Angeles.
Gannon emphasized attention to detail when facing McDaniel’s offense: “You have to be on the details. It stresses you out.”
