“It’s tough when you miss throws you make 99 times out of 100 in practice and even in games,” he said. “It’s frustrating, but you can’t do anything about it except move on. I was definitely frustrated when I watched that film, but I’m over it now.”

Absence of Long

For the first time as a pro, Tannehill will be starting a game without Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long blocking for him. That’s a concern, because the 49ers feature Aldon Smith, the league leader in sacks with 17.5.

Jonathan Martin, who is moving from right tackle to left tackle to replace the injured Long, said he expects to be matched up with Smith much of the afternoon. But the Dolphins also expect the 49ers to use Smith some on Nate Garner’s side, too, trying to take advantage of that matchup.

“Aldon is a big, talented, athletic kid, but the guy who really makes that defense go is Justin Smith,” Dolphins left guard Richie Incognito said. “He frees up a lot of lanes for Aldon Smith to come running through.”

The 49ers might have the league’s best quartet of linebackers in Smith, NaVorro Bowman (whose 108 tackles rank fifth in the league), Patrick Willis and Ahmad Brooks. “Willis might be the best linebacker in the game,” Bush said.

The defensive line — Ray McDonald, Isaac Sopoaga and Justin Smith — is very good.

“They stop the run extremely well, they play physical up front, they’re sure tacklers,” Incognito said. “They’re the best tackling bunch I’ve seen on film in a long time. And they get after the passer.

“They do everything the right way.”

The secondary has two players coming off Pro Bowl appearances: cornerback Carlos Rogers and safety Dashon Goldson, plus two others playing well: safety Donte Whitner and cornerback Terrell Brown.

“This is probably going to be the most physical game we’ve played all year to date,” Bush said.

• Dolphins defensive back Jimmy Wilson (hip) is questionable, and the 49ers listed receiver Mario Manningham (shoulder) as doubtful for Sunday's game.