All three Florida NFL teams will be in some intriguing matchups this weekend.
Probably the most interesting game of the three match ups is the BaltimoreRavens-Miami Dolphins game in Miami. Both teams are sitting at 7-5 and are both vying for a playoff spot. The major battle in this game will be the up-tempo Miami offense against the physical Baltimore defense.
Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill says the game is obviously important if the Dolphins want to make the playoffs.
“It’s a December game, conference game, both fighting to make the playoffs with the same record. It’s two good football teams matching up. It’s going to be fun,” Tannehill said.
Miami wide receiver Mike Wallace added that the Dolphins can’t let the Baltimore defense dictate the tempo of the game.
“We have to make them match what we do. We have to control the tempo of the game, no matter if it’s a physical game or a finesse game…we have to make them follow us not us follow them,” Wallace said.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will be in a division battle against the Houston Texans at EverBank Field. The Texans (6-6) will have to string together some wins in order to squeak into the playoffs. The Jaguars could only play spoiler for the rest of the year as they are officially out of contention. Following a Week 13 win against the Giants, the Jaguars could win back-to-back games for the first time this year.
Finally to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who will travel to Detroit to face off against the Lions. Detroit owns a solid 5-1 record at home and they look to keep pace with the Green Bay Packers for the division title. The Buccaneers have struggled all year, but both of their wins are on the road.
Bucs quarterback Josh McCown was asked if the team has given up on the year.
“Nobody is giving up. Everybody is going to work and work hard, and it reflects our coaches and our leadership. For us, that’s who we are as a program,” McCown said.
To listen to full audio clip from the quotes above, click below:
Tannehill talks importance of game