NFL
Can the Miami Dolphins make it two in a row? Not only would it be their second straight win, but it would also be their second against a divisional opponent. If Miami wins and the Jets lose to the Raiders, that would pull them out of last place in the division and drop the Pats to .500 as the Dolphins claw their way back in the middle of the season. How do they need to pull it off?
More of the Same
The Dolphins have controlled the football by running and moving the chains. The offense doesn’t need to rely on the big explosive plays. As long as they can run the ball effectively and keep the passing game efficient, there’s no reason they can’t win this game. As simple as it sounds, the Dolphins just need to do what they’re good at without trying to hit on a big play on every play. Clean and controlled football will be the key to the game.
Containing Maye
Drake Maye isn’t playing his best football, and the Dolphins need to take advantage of that fact. Despite being 7th in total passing yards and 10th in average per pass, the Pats QB has thrown 13 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. If the defense can pressure Maye and make him panic into throws, that ability to set the tone could be the tipping point. Miami is giving up multiple deep passes that let teams hang around and keep the momentum in their favor. Despite being a young team, they’re making strides on defense, and this could be a statement game.
Play On A Mission
An afternoon game at Hard Rock Stadium could favor Miami. Naturally, teams tend to do better at home, but in a season lacking in hope, fans will start to buy in more with the new regime if they can knock off a division opponent two weeks in a row. Fans have been skeptical because of the 0-5 start, but that was always part of the rebuild. With such a young and inexperienced team, it was always going to go through some growing pains. This game could go a long way to proving they’re on the right track and make a statement to everyone who wrote them off as a winless team this year. Miami doesn’t just need a win for their record; they need to win this game. Their season might be unofficially over, but that doesn’t mean they’ll just roll over.
The Miami Dolphins have improved every week. They play with pride and passion. If this is truly a shift in momentum, this game will prove the Dolphins aren’t that far off. A win over a struggling Jets team will be written off as luck, but a win over a surging Patriots team will make people sit up and take notice.
