The Patriots are heading to Miami where they are both 1-5 in the past six years and 19 point favorites. Something's got to give, what will it be?
While I wouldn't touch the point spread of 19, I wouldn't be surprised if they covered it easily. Why so optimistic? The Patriots' defense held the Steelers to 3 points last Sunday while the Dolphins lost by 49 at home.
OFFENSIVE LINE- My biggest concern heading into this game is how the offensive line will perform. While this was a frequent concern a few years ago, it's something that has been pretty solid the past two years. With David Andrews out for the season and Marcus Cannon questionable at the moment, Dante Scarnecchia certainly has his work cut out for him.
OFFENSIVE PLAN- Trying to consider all of the options, I think it's in the Patriots' best interest to come into the game having a pass first mentality. My main reason is that with big chunks of yardage being collected on each play, the offensive line won't get worn down. Frequently teams go with a run first offense to try and wear down the opposing defensive line. Playing in temperatures which will feel like 100 degrees before the pads and helmets go on, fast possessions will keep the offensive line fresh. Additionally, with our sudden riches in wide-receiver depth we can plan on wearing down their cornerbacks and safeties. Last year the the Dolphins were second worst in the NFL with 8 defensive pass interference penalties at home. I think we could get several today. Of course they might be dismissed when we catch the ball anyhow.
OFFENSIVE PLAN- Trying to consider all of the options, I think it's in the Patriots' best interest to come into the game having a pass first mentality. My main reason is that with big chunks of yardage being collected on each play, the offensive line won't get worn down. Frequently teams go with a run first offense to try and wear down the opposing defensive line. Playing in temperatures which will feel like 100 degrees before the pads and helmets go on, fast possessions will keep the offensive line fresh. Additionally, with our sudden riches in wide-receiver depth we can plan on wearing down their cornerbacks and safeties. Last year the the Dolphins were second worst in the NFL with 8 defensive pass interference penalties at home. I think we could get several today. Of course they might be dismissed when we catch the ball anyhow.
FRESH DEFENSE- With new daddy Kyle Van Noy back in the fold, some people were questioning whether another linebacker would need to sit. I don't think that will need to happen as the team is going to be low on running backs due to injury and possibly another newborn on the way. Having a deep and healthy defense should prevent the Dolphins from getting into an offensive flow of any sort.
SPECIAL TEAMS- Not having Brandon Bolden back to receive kickoffs isn't likely going to affect today's game. Gunner Olszewski will probably have more touches with punt returns than any individual Patriot does on offense. With the Dolphins' red zone defense being so poor, we could probably sit Gostkowski for the day and let Jake Bailey show off his kicking leg.
FAMILIARITY FACTOR- While the familiarity factor has come into play with former Patriots becoming head coaches around the league, I think it will be a non-factor today. Flores doesn't seem to have any buy-in with his team, and the Patriots offense is evolving week by week. While he was well-regarded by the team, Flores wasn't that high up on the coaching tree for very long. Additionally, Dolphins' offensive coordinator Chad O'Shea is in over his head as he jumped from being the Patriots' wide receiver to this new gig last winter. The only wide receiver O'Shea can inform the defense about is Edelman, and Edelman doesn't have a weakness to exploit.
SPECIAL TEAMS- Not having Brandon Bolden back to receive kickoffs isn't likely going to affect today's game. Gunner Olszewski will probably have more touches with punt returns than any individual Patriot does on offense. With the Dolphins' red zone defense being so poor, we could probably sit Gostkowski for the day and let Jake Bailey show off his kicking leg.
FAMILIARITY FACTOR- While the familiarity factor has come into play with former Patriots becoming head coaches around the league, I think it will be a non-factor today. Flores doesn't seem to have any buy-in with his team, and the Patriots offense is evolving week by week. While he was well-regarded by the team, Flores wasn't that high up on the coaching tree for very long. Additionally, Dolphins' offensive coordinator Chad O'Shea is in over his head as he jumped from being the Patriots' wide receiver to this new gig last winter. The only wide receiver O'Shea can inform the defense about is Edelman, and Edelman doesn't have a weakness to exploit.
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