Hawaii Five-O: Battle of the Lefties — Dolphins vs. Browns in a Must-Win Game
Wet, Windy, and Wildcat Weather
Sunday’s forecast in Cleveland calls for wet, windy, and rainy conditions — the kind of weather that turns passing into a gamble and makes every possession a test of toughness.
With two southpaw quarterbacks under center, expect limited aerial fireworks. Instead, this matchup should devolve into a ground-and-pound slugfest — the perfect stage for Cleveland to lean into its strength.
The Browns’ most effective offense might not come from Dillon Gabriel’s left arm, but from a throwback scheme made famous by the Ricky Williams–era Dolphins: the Wildcat. With Lake Erie winds swirling, this could be the week to unleash it — and to ride rookie running back Quinshon Judkins.
Simply put, the weather calls for the Browns to run to win.
Two Left-Handed Quarterbacks, One Last Chance
The 1-5 Miami Dolphins visit the 1-5 Cleveland Browns in what could be the ultimate coaching survival game of Week 7. Both Kevin Stefanski and Mike McDaniel are firmly on the hot seat — and for one, Sunday could be the end.
This game is also a historic rarity: two left-handed quarterbacks starting in the same game. As of 2025, only three southpaws play today in the NFL — Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., and Dillon Gabriel — and two of them will share the field in Cleveland.
Historic First: This marks the first time in NFL history that two Hawaiian-born left-handed quarterbacks face each other — as first noted by “Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show” Senior Producer Mike “Mikey McNuggets” Lucas (@MikeLucasTV).
Two southpaws from Oahu — Tagovailoa, born in Ewa Beach, and Dillon, born in Mililani. Both were star quarterbacks, high-school legends, and led powerhouse college programs. Now, each is fighting to rescue a season — and his coach’s future.
Power Rankings Context
According to ESPN’s Week 7 Power Rankings, both teams are teetering near the bottom:
- Cleveland Browns (1–5) — “The Browns’ ‘strategic pivot’ comes with all the expected growing pains,” writes Daniel Oyefusi. Cleveland is fielding 14 rookies, has the lowest-scoring offense in the league (13.7 PPG), and the third-worst point differential (–64).
- Miami Dolphins (1–5) — “The Dolphins’ defense has taken a dramatic step back,” reports Marcel Louis-Jacques. Miami fell from a top-10 defense to 30th overall and dead last vs. the run (168.5 YPG).
In short: two struggling franchises, one desperate Sunday.
The Tale of Two Offenses
For Cleveland, rookie Dillon Gabriel makes his third start in an offense ranked 32nd in scoring (13.7 PPG) and 27th in total offense (281.5 YPG). But there are bright spots. In Week 5 vs. Minnesota, Quinshon Judkins rushed for 110 yards on 23 carries (4.8 YPC) — proof that the Browns can be competitive when balanced.
In contrast, the loss to Pittsburgh saw Stefanski call 58 passing plays — 77% of the offensive snaps — resulting in 17 QB hits, 6 sacks, and at least four near-interceptions. With a lakefront forecast calling for steady rain and 50–60 mph gusts, one would think Cleveland would finally commit to the ground game.
For Miami, Tua Tagovailoa posts solid numbers any Browns team would be happy with — 69.8% completion rate, 1,213 yards, 11 TDs, 7 INTs, and a 92.1 passer rating — but his seven interceptions and 13 sacks have been costly. The Dolphins’ offense ranks 26th in total yards (289.0 YPG), 21st in passing (197.7 YPG), and 27th in rushing (91.3 YPG).
Worse yet, their former All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill — who dislocated his knee and tore multiple ligaments, including the ACL, on September 29, 2025 — is out for the year. Without Hill’s game-breaking speed, Miami’s deep passing attack has largely vanished, leaving Tagovailoa reliant on short routes and checkdowns.
Given the expected weather, don’t expect much air traffic from either side. Both teams should lean heavily on their running backs and short-yardage execution.
For Cleveland, Gabriel’s rookie line reads 51-of-89 (57.3%) for 430 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, and an 81.2 rating, with 8 sacks. Considering what happened last week in “Blitzburgh,” a conservative, run-heavy plan offers Cleveland its best shot at victory in this rain-soaked chess match.
Statistical Snapshot
| Category | Dolphins | NFL Rank | Browns | NFL Rank |
| Total Offense (YPG) | 289.0 | 26th | 281.5 | 27th |
| Passing Offense (YPG) | 197.7 | 21st | 191.0 | 26th |
| Rushing Offense (YPG) | 91.3 | 27th | 90.7 | 28th |
| Total Defense (YPG) | 401.2 | 30th | 294.3 | 3rd |
| Pass Defense (YPG) | 220.8 | 20th | 182.7 | 7th |
| Rush Defense (YPG) | 168.5 | 32nd | 79.7 | 4th |
| Points Allowed (PPG) | 29.0 | 29th | 24.3 | 21st |
| Scoring Offense (PPG) | 22.3 | 18th | 13.7 | 32nd |
(Sources: ESPN NFL Team & Player Stats, October 2025)
Miami’s Defense Can’t Stop the Run
Miami’s defense has collapsed — bottom-five in every key category and dead last vs. the run (168.5 YPG). Opponents are routinely bullying the Dolphins’ front seven.
If ever there was a week for Cleveland to commit to the ground game, this is it. Expect 40–50 rushing attempts, short screens, and multiple tight-end sets.
Look for Wildcat formations led by rookie Quinshon Judkins, with tight ends grinding out first downs. Miami’s inability to stop power football has defined its season — and Cleveland must exploit that mismatch early and often.
Browns Defense Holds the Edge
Cleveland’s identity is simple: defense first, second, and third.
Led by All-Pro defensive end and 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, the Browns’ defense ranks 3rd overall, 7th in pass defense (182.7 YPG), and 4th vs. the run (79.7 YPG).
Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger has been a revelation — 10th in the NFL in tackles (52) through six games — giving defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz another versatile weapon in the middle.
If Cleveland keeps Tagovailoa confined to the pocket and forces him to throw into tight coverage without Tyreek Hill’s deep threat, the Browns’ defense should dominate both time of possession and field position — and likely the scoreboard.
Two Coaches, One Job
This is the kind of matchup that can end coaching tenures — or revive them.
- Kevin Stefanski (41–48, .457) — Two-time NFL Coach of the Year (2020, 2023). A home loss to a 1–5 team with the league’s worst run defense could test ownership’s patience and erode faith in the Browns’ “strategic pivot.”
- Mike McDaniel (29–27, .518) — A creative offensive mind and former Browns wide receivers coach (2014). Another defensive collapse could force Miami’s front office to consider a full reset after a once-promising era.
This isn’t about playoff math anymore — it’s job survival Sunday.
Keys to Victory — Rookies & Impact Players
Cleveland’s “strategic pivot” toward youth has revealed real playmakers:
RB Quinshon Judkins — 84 carries, 383 yards (4.6 YPC), 2 TDs, ranked 14th in NFL rushing. If he gets 20+ touches, 100+ yards is realistic.
LB Carson Schwesinger — 52 tackles, 1 sack, 3 TFL, 10th in league tackles. High-motor rookie who thrives in short-yardage and run support.
K Andre Szmyt — After a rough debut, he’s 9-of-11 FGs (81.8%), 3-of-4 from 50+, including a 55-yard game-winner vs. Green Bay. Reliable leg in tough conditions.
Prediction: Hawaii Five-O
Expect a gritty, low-scoring slugfest where every yard feels earned and every mistake magnified. Cleveland’s elite defense and superior rushing attack should prevail over Miami’s porous defensive front and depleted passing game.
Prediction: Cleveland Browns 16, Miami Dolphins 13
- Judkins surpasses 110 yards
- Schwesinger records 10+ tackles
- Szmyt nails another clutch field goal in the rain
A throwback victory built on toughness, defense, and discipline.
Both coaches might survive another week — but in Miami, the storm clouds are already gathering.
Main Image: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
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