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Arizona Cardinals vs Miami Dolphins: Preview, prediction

By Scott Allen

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates after rushing for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates after rushing for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) waves to fans before their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) waves to fans before their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cardinals defense surprisingly is ranked second in the league and the Dolphins will have their hands full.  However the Cardinals have three top defenders who have not practiced yet this week.

Safety Tyrann Mathieu, who missed last Sunday’s game against the Redskins, cornerback Tharold Simon, and linebacker Markus Golden all have missed practice each day this week.

It would be surprising to see Mathieu play this week.  His shoulder suffered a setback last week and the Honey Badger had to take himself out for last week. Golden would be a huge loss if he can’t go.  He has seven sacks so far this season.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has turned things around a bit this season.  Fans were ready to run him out of town last year.  He has thrown for 2,800 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

The real test though for the Cardinals may be Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi.  He is seventh in the NFL in rushing with 908-yards and seven touchdowns in 2016. The Cardinals defensive line has been pushed around a bit the past couple of weeks allowing big holes to be created by opponent running backs.

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