Although it's been a while since the Dolphins have had a winning record, the Patriots have still had their fair share of trouble beating them. The last time the Patriots swept the Dolphins was in 2016, which is also the last time the Dolphins had a winning record (10-6).
DECEMBER AGAINST MIAMI- When do the Patriots seem to have their most trouble with Miami? That would be the month of December. The last time the Patriots beat the Dolphins in December was in 2014 when they won 41-13.
- 2019- lost 27-24
- 2018- lost 34-33 (Gronk as safety)
- 2017- lost 27-20
- 2016- didn't play in December- Patriots won 35-14 on 1/1 (scorched earth tour)
- 2015- didn't play in December- Patriots lost 20-10 on 1/3
1ST HALF- The Dolphins are a solid first half team and have outscored their opponents 202-126. On the season the Dolphins have been pretty solid averaging 15.5 points in the first half to the Patriots 9.2 point. Over the past 3 games this looks a little different as the Dolphins are averaging 9.7 points to the Patriots 12.7. Hopefully that trend will continue as the Patriots are a perfect 4-0 when leading at the half.
PUNTS AND RETURNS- Lately the best two players on the Patriots have been Jake Bailey and Gunner Olszewski. The Dolphins might not be as formidable in the punting and punt return game lately, but they can hold their own. Matt Haack has had 40% of his punts inside the 20 to Bailey's 57.5%. Returning punts for the Dolphins is Jakeem Grant. Grant has 5 career returns (3 punt & 2 kickoff) for scores and leads the NFL with 323 punt return yards. Like Gunner, Grant has taken a punt in for a touchdown this season. When it comes to yards per punt return, Gunner is leading the NFL with an average of 20.6, Grant is two spots behind with and 11.5 average. Grant is currently nursing a hamstring issue and may not play.
PUNTS AND RETURNS- Lately the best two players on the Patriots have been Jake Bailey and Gunner Olszewski. The Dolphins might not be as formidable in the punting and punt return game lately, but they can hold their own. Matt Haack has had 40% of his punts inside the 20 to Bailey's 57.5%. Returning punts for the Dolphins is Jakeem Grant. Grant has 5 career returns (3 punt & 2 kickoff) for scores and leads the NFL with 323 punt return yards. Like Gunner, Grant has taken a punt in for a touchdown this season. When it comes to yards per punt return, Gunner is leading the NFL with an average of 20.6, Grant is two spots behind with and 11.5 average. Grant is currently nursing a hamstring issue and may not play.
KICKING STREAK- Knock on wood, Nick Folk has had a solid year and come through when given the opportunity. Jason Sanders on the other hand is having an amazing season. He's made 10 50 yard field goals in a row (8 this season). He's surely due for a miss, especially when the announcers can't help but put on the "announcer jinx".
PENALTIES- That's the one thing the Patriots are still league leaders with. Miami isn't too shabby as they are 3rd in penalties, 2nd in penalty yards, and 3rd with the pre-snap variety. As usual, the Patriots are numero uno in all 3 of those categories.
INTERCEPTIONS AND RESPECT- Last time the Patriots face the Dolphins, they had 3 interceptions. Of course, there was a different quarterback at the helm. In that game, JC Jackson got his first of 7 interceptions. Jackson is currently in 2nd place with his 7 interceptions. Leading the NFL is Miami cornerback Xavier Howard with 9 picks. The reason I bring up respect is because whoever is in charge of making the Dolphins game release completely disregarded JC Jackson when putting together the statistical leaders chart. (see below)
PENALTIES- That's the one thing the Patriots are still league leaders with. Miami isn't too shabby as they are 3rd in penalties, 2nd in penalty yards, and 3rd with the pre-snap variety. As usual, the Patriots are numero uno in all 3 of those categories.
INTERCEPTIONS AND RESPECT- Last time the Patriots face the Dolphins, they had 3 interceptions. Of course, there was a different quarterback at the helm. In that game, JC Jackson got his first of 7 interceptions. Jackson is currently in 2nd place with his 7 interceptions. Leading the NFL is Miami cornerback Xavier Howard with 9 picks. The reason I bring up respect is because whoever is in charge of making the Dolphins game release completely disregarded JC Jackson when putting together the statistical leaders chart. (see below)
SONY TIME- In September, Newton ran all over the Dolphins. While I'm expecting the game plan to be a bit different, I'd still like to see a heavy run game plan. Yes, Damien Harris is out, but establishing the run is our bread and butter. Sony Michel gets an awful lot of crap for averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Yes, he may get 0 yards on occasion, but he doesn't get negative yards. I'm not saying I'd put him on my fantasy team today, but if Josh lets him get some carries, he could do some damage and open up the playbook.
FLOATING PHINS- The Dolphins have a lot of their key offensive players nursing injuries at the moment. Mike Gesicki has a shoulder injury and might not be able to play. If he does, he'll likely be wearing a big ole shoulder brace. Leading receiver, DeVante Parker is a maybe with a hamstring injury. Special teams, jack of all trades, wide receiver, Jakeem Grant also has a bad hammy. Leading rusher Myles Gaskin is officially out (covid) and his rookie backup, Salvon Ahmed has a bad shoulder. Put all of that together with a rookie quarterback playing against Bill Belichick, and it's the Patriots game to lose.
FLOATING PHINS- The Dolphins have a lot of their key offensive players nursing injuries at the moment. Mike Gesicki has a shoulder injury and might not be able to play. If he does, he'll likely be wearing a big ole shoulder brace. Leading receiver, DeVante Parker is a maybe with a hamstring injury. Special teams, jack of all trades, wide receiver, Jakeem Grant also has a bad hammy. Leading rusher Myles Gaskin is officially out (covid) and his rookie backup, Salvon Ahmed has a bad shoulder. Put all of that together with a rookie quarterback playing against Bill Belichick, and it's the Patriots game to lose.
If you enjoyed reading something original for free without popups, please give me a follow on twitter @BOSsportschick and use my links to shop.
RSS Feed
