Usually before Patriots games I like to get into what they need to do in order to win. Having not had a chance to see this year's team in action or peruse through any sort of pre-season statistics for either team, this pregame outlook may be a bit different than in previous years.
CENTERS- Going into this game, you really need to be paying attention to the centers. Why? After not playing football all of last season because of a pulmonary embolism, David Andrews is back to snapping the ball for the Patriots. While he hasn't been selected to the Pro Bowl, we all know he's been deserving of a spot since his rookie season. Initiating the offense for the Dolphins this season with be former Patriot Ted Karras. While Karras ended up doing a decent job after trying to get Brady clobbered with all of his lofty shotgun snaps in week one, he didn't compare to Andrews.
TENDENCIES- Last year Dolphins head coach Brian Flores had the advantage of knowing a lot about players and play calling of New England. This season I'd move that advantage to Bill Belichick. Offensively he has a much different weapon at quarterback than he's had in pretty much forever. Additionally, with a bunch of quality players going south to Miami, he might really know how to get into their heads and play to their weaknesses.
SPECIAL TEAMS- Having been the first team to really pay attention to special teams therefore always being one of the top teams in that phase, the Dolphins may have a bit of an advantage today. When it comes to kicking, the Dolphins are going with 3rd year starter Jason Sanders. Sanders has made 82% of his career kicks. Last season he also caught a touchdown pass. Kicking for the Patriots this week is Nick Folk. Withthe the weird rules in place this season, the Patriots are indecisive on what's happening with that position.
When it comes to punting, neither team is a clear favorite in my opinion.
When it comes to returning kicks, I'd put the advantage to the Dolphins as they Mighty Mouse, Jakeem Grant, raring to take one to paydirt. Who the Patriots have back there today is anyone's guess as Gunner was moved to the IR yesterday.
QUICK FACTS- Some knowledge to throw out there while watching the game today.
When it comes to punting, neither team is a clear favorite in my opinion.
When it comes to returning kicks, I'd put the advantage to the Dolphins as they Mighty Mouse, Jakeem Grant, raring to take one to paydirt. Who the Patriots have back there today is anyone's guess as Gunner was moved to the IR yesterday.
QUICK FACTS- Some knowledge to throw out there while watching the game today.
- Last season the Dolphins started 0-7 and the Patriots started 8-0
- The Patriots lost their last 2 games last year and the Dolphins won their last 2
- The Dolphins had 4 game winning drives in the second half of the season
- Fitzpatrick more than doubled up Newton's Wonderlic score (48 to 21)
- Dolphins were the 4th least penalized team last season and the Patriots were the 6th (this includes playoffs)
- Career sack % - Newton 6.8 Fitzpatrick 5.6 Brady 4.8
PREDICTIONS-
- Two interceptions by the Patriots (one of twins will have one)
- Patriots have a quick score on their first possession
- Folk will have some easy misses (PAT and a FG)
- 250+ yards from White & Michel combo
- A lot of smiles from Cam
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