Dolphins at Bengals: 5 things to know about tonight’s game

Like last year’s game against Jacksonville, the Bengals will be celebrating their Ring of Honor inductees --Willie Anderson and Isaac Curtis -- and the team will be unveiling the new “White Bengal” helmets in a much-anticipated “White-Out” game.

Here are five things to know about the matchup:

1. Putting on a show

The Bengals are expecting an energy boost from the big-game atmosphere. Cincinnati’s fanbase has been abuzz about the all-white uniforms since the helmets were announced on social media in July, and what better time to unveil the new look than on national TV? The game will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video and broadcast on WCPO News Channel 9 in Cincinnati.

At halftime, Cincinnati will induct Anderson and Curtis into the team’s Ring of Honor. The pair are set to become the fifth and sixth members of an exclusive club in its second year of existence. Both were voted in by season ticket members.

On the field, this should be a good test for the Bengals.

“We know that they’re on a hot streak now, so with that comes a lot of confidence on their end,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “Our guys are confident as well. … They’re ready for the spotlight. They’re ready for a great opportunity for a night game at home against a really good opponent that’s gonna pose some challenges. But again, our guys are built for games like this. This is where they rise up and I know that they’re ready for this one.”

2. Burrow vs. Tagovailoa

Two of the top three quarterbacks from the 2020 draft are expected to finally be going head-to-head as Joe Burrow and Tua Tagolaivoa set to meet for the first time in their third season. Miami beat Cincinnati 19-7 in 2020, but Burrow was already out for the season with a torn ACL/MCL. Tagovailoa was limited by a back injury Tuesday but said he plans to play.

The last time the two quarterbacks faced each other was late in the 2019 college season when Burrow led LSU to a 41-20 win over Alabama with Tagovailoa suffering the first regular-season loss of his three-year college career. Tagovailoa ranks second in the league with 925 passing yards and has Miami off to a strong start.

Burrow said he hasn’t thought about the offensive firepower that will be on the field, but both quarterbacks have talented receivers to target. He has Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd and Tagovailoa has Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. It should make for some entertaining football.

3. Testing the linebackers

Last week the defensive line stepped up to get more pressure on the quarterback, recording four sacks and resulting in a pair of forced fumbles for Trey Hendrickson and two recoveries for B.J. Hill. This week, it could be the linebackers that need to step up.

Tagovailoa is one of the best run-pass option (RPO) passers in the league, which defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said can put some added stress on the linebackers.

“They’re put in some difficult spots where they got to be a little bit more top-down on some runs and maybe hold off a few windows there behind them,” Anarumo said. “It creates a little bit of conflict for them for sure.”

Logan Wilson recorded the team’s first interception of the season last week. Free safety Jessie Bates followed with one at the end of the game to seal the win.

The Bengals defense also will have to be ready to defend speed. Hill and Waddle are among the fastest receivers in the league, and Cincinnati cornerback Chidobe Awuzie typically travels with the opponent’s top receiver, but could go with either one.

“You’ve gotta have it (speed) to defend it, and obviously, great technique,” Awuzie said. “We have great coaches who are going to put us in the best possible position to make plays. It’s just one of those things. We’re excited. It’s a short week. They’re coming after a win. We’re coming after a win. We’re trying to give the crowd a show.”

4. Short-week impact

The Bengals may have a slight advantage in the quick turnaround to Thursday being the home team, but Miami especially is dealing with a unique schedule this week after being forced to travel earlier in the day Wednesday than originally planned because of Hurricane Ian.

That meant the Dolphins did not get a practice in before leaving, but the short week usually is just install practices anyway. Miami held a walkthrough Tuesday.

Burrow said the main thing in a short week is just making sure your body is right.

5. Injury concerns

Taylor was still awaiting more information on D.J. Reader’s knee when he last spoke to media Monday, but the defensive tackle was seen walking out of the stadium on crutches and he did not participate in practice Tuesday. The facility was closed to media Wednesday.

Right tackle La’el Collins (back) did not practice Tuesday, either, but he missed practices last week and still started and played well Sunday against the Jets. The team had several players who would have likely been limited participants if there was a practice Monday, but those guys were all full participants Tuesday, including Joe Mixon, who finished Sunday’s game on the bench because of a sore ankle.

The Dolphins have several injury concerns. Tight end Cethan Carter (concussion), a former Bengals player, did not travel Wednesday and is out, the team announced. Tackle Terron Armstead (toe) and tight end Hunter Long (ankle) did not practice Tuesday, and nine others were limited. Tagovailoa (back/ankle), Waddle (groin) and fellow wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ribs/toe), defensive linemen Raekwon Davis (knee) and Zach Sieler (hand), cornerbacks Xavien Howard (groin) and Kader Kohou (ankle), safety Brandon Jones (chest) and offensive lineman Rob Hunt (shin) were all limited.

THURSDAY’S GAME

Dolphins at Bengals, 8:15 p.m., Amazon Prime, Ch. 9, 700, 1530, 102.7, 104.7