Week 4 Matchup: WR DeVante Parker VS FS Ryan Neal

Coming off their first victory of the 2020 season, a 31-13 over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Miami Dolphins will look to keep their winning streak going when they host the red-hot Seattle Seahawks and dangerous quarterback Russell Wilson.

Ryan Neal in for the Injured Jamal Adams

Unfortunately however, we will not get to see wide receiver DeVante Parker VS strong safety Jamal Adams on Sunday due to Adams’ groin strain, but we will get to see free safety Ryan Neal in his place.

Adams suffered a groin strain, showing obvious signs of pain walking to the sideline last week against the Dallas Cowboys and did not return after having a serious limp.

Head coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Monday that “Adams suffered a first-degree groin strain and that ‘we’ll see how that goes and go day-to-day’.” He also added that it was really bothering Adams after the game and he would likely miss week four.

Parker’s Challenge for Neal

Health will always be a question for Parker as he has only sustained one full 16-game season, but the lone season last year in which Parker was healthy he provided a much needed lift to a Dolphins team that struggled to put up points.

What Parker does really well against the opposing team’s top defensive player is concentrating and going up and getting the 50/50 balls with good hands. This is another way in which Parker can challenge the inexperienced safety Neal and beat him from the line of scrimmage. Additionally, his crossing routes with other teammates, as they act as the go-to targets, will allow Parker to get some space and hit the ground running. Parker should be able to extend drives against Neal who is making his first career start on Sunday in the cross-country road trip.

Neal’s Challenge for Parker

Neal will have a tall task against the former first-round draft pick, and could be in for a long day if he isn’t able to make in-game adjustments.

Neal’s journey to the potential matchup against Parker hasn’t been the easiest by any means. He was activated off Seattle’s practice squad just last week. A four-year safety from the University of Southern Illinois, Neal compiled 226 career tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions and 19 passes defended. However, the third-stringer on the depth chart really only got his chance after S Lano Hill was inactive due to a back injury.

Neal’s first live NFL action came in Sunday’s 38-31 victory over Dallas. Putting on his helmet and stepping in for the injured Adams, he came in and gave the injury-riddled defense a good showing. He produced five total tackles, one pass deflection and made the key game-winning game INT off QB Dak Prescott in the end zone as the game clock hit zero. His good impression earned him this week’s start.

Parker’s Big Day Possibility

Parker’s hamstring issue didn’t seem to give him much of an issue during the Thursday Night win last week and has logged full practices so far this week. Despite being questionable heading into that game he was still the team’s leading WR. Parker could use some help outside from tight end Mike Gesicki, who had just one catch for a TD last week, as well as from other WRs Preston Williams and Isaiah Ford. Williams and Ford caught passes last week, but didn’t make enough of a dent to be fully relied upon.

If Parker wants the shot at the big day and mismatch, he needs his fellow wideouts and TE to take advantage of a Seahawks defense that has allowed 1400-plus yards in just three games. With the likely shootout looming, it’s not only Parker who could have the impressive day, but he is likely the most important to need to do so.

– Carl Mahler is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @C3Mahler Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.

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