49ers vs Dolphins: 3 Players to Watch in Important Must Win Game

Linebacker Fred Warner is a star for the 49ers’ defense. He has made the list of players to watch multiple times. With a defense that is beginning to get healthy, the team will be putting a lot of pressure on the Dolphins’ offense. Warner has been getting after the quarterback more often this season but has also been electric defending the run. Warner will be a player to watch in the 49ers vs Dolphins matchup, especially going against a dominant Miami offense.

This season, Warner has had a total of 81 combined tackles, 50 of which have been solo, according to Pro Football Reference. Warner also has three tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, and two sacks. The linebacker is still missing an interception this season but does have eight pass deflections and one forced fumble. Each week it feels as though Warner gets closer to getting an interception, but it most likely will not be this weekend. Dolphins quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, has only thrown three interceptions this season, according to ESPN. Tagovailoa has been sacked 12 times this season though and look for Warner to potentially get another sack this game.

Last weekend, running back Elijah Mitchell sprained his MCL once again. Next on the depth chart has been rookie running back Jordan Mason. The team has not used Mason too much this season, but with Mitchell out, and Christian McCaffrey’s knee bothering him last weekend, Mason will be a player to watch in the 49ers vs Dolphins game.

This season, Mason has only had ten rushing attempts for 46 yards, according to ESPN. Three of his rushes have also been for a first down. This is not a lot to go by, but this will be Mason’s game to prove he can be a staple player for San Francisco. Miami’s opponents have averaged rushing 109.5 yards per game, according to ESPN. The 49ers are known to have a strong run game; however, their former run game coordinator and offensive coordinator is now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. It will be interesting to see how Mason fits into the playbook in the 49ers vs Dolphins matchup.

49ers vs Dolphins: Jimmie Ward

49ers safety Jimmie Ward is a captain on this team and has been underappreciated this season. Ward broke his hand and still played with just one hand. In addition to playing with one hand, Ward switched positions to nickel and still gave it his all. With Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson playing well at safety, Ward was moved to nickel, as he is valued highly on this team.

Wednesday night on an Instagram Live, Ward expressed he was okay with switching positions because he always loves to learn something new, and wants to do whatever it takes to help this team win. While having to play with one hand and switching positions came with a slight struggle, Ward has done a great job recently. His first game back was against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he was still able to hold off Travis Kelce with one hand, despite the loss.

This season, after playing just six games so far, Ward has had a total of 19 combined tackles, 12 of which have been solo, according to Pro Football Reference. Ward also has had two pass deflections and one interception this season. Every game that has gone by is another game for Ward to adjust to playing Nickel again. When on Instagram Live Wednesday night, Ward also expressed how much he enjoys watching film and wants to continue to study the top players in the position so he can learn more. With the effort Ward has put in this 2022 season, he will be a player to watch in the 49ers vs Dolphins matchup.

49ers vs Dolphins: The Coaches

Before watching the game this weekend, it must be discussed that 49ers head coach, Kyle Shanahan, and Dolphins head coach, Mike McDaniel have worked together for years. It will be interesting to see how the two coaches adjust their game plans in hopes of a win this weekend.

Be sure to watch these players in the 49ers vs Dolphins matchup this weekend in San Francisco. Both teams are currently in a fight to win their divisions and will want to win this weekend to boost their chances.

For More NFL and NCAA Football Content:

Check out my most recent Underestimated NFL Player Spotlight here. Also, check out my 49ers article on the win on Sunday against the Saints. You can also check out my article on the comments made by former 49ers players here. Be sure to also check out my most recent article on the top 5 Rutgers players of the 2022 season.