Miami Gardens, FL – The last time the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots played, the outlook on the season was gloomier, but there’s a new sense of optimism for Miami as they look to sweep their division rivals and win their third straight in an AFC East rematch.
No Pillaging Here
Miami’s offense has found its rhythm with solid performances against Los Angeles and Las Vegas. With that said, however, the Dolphins still over-rely on De’Von Achane a bit too much.
The amount of tackles behind the line of scrimmage on pitch plays or option plays is still too extensive. One issue is that Raheem Mostert has either been injured or prone to fumbling the ball this season, adding more pressure on Achane to achieve.
When it comes to passing, however, the Dolphins looked strong against the Raiders. Tyreek and Jaylen Waddle received some targets here and there, however they were limited in success – likely due to double-teaming and added pressure from the secondary.
Instead, Tua Tagovaloia looked to Jonnu Smith to carry the burden of their leading receiver, and he delivered. With 101 yards and two touchdowns, this was one of his best performances in the NFL.
Was able to ask TE (and FIU legend) Jonnu Smith about the offense's reaction on the sideline to Jalen Ramsey's game-sealing pick.
Take a listen! 🐬#GoFins pic.twitter.com/iafXNfogpB
— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) November 17, 2024
Defensively, the Dolphins looked fine. Their red zone defense was on point, forcing a few field goals by the Raiders. They had trouble containing Brock Bowers, the Raiders’ rookie tight end. A few big-time plays were all Las Vegas needed to score their touchdowns.
Nevertheless, that game was a war of attrition. Both offenses specialized in long, time-consuming drives that didn’t give the opposing team’s offenses much time to respond. It was a matter of who would break first, and it happened to be the underpowered Raiders.
Feeling Revolutionary
Remember the first meeting against New England this season? I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t. It was in the midst of a slump for Miami who had to rely on backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. As a result, their offense was anemic, and barely found success. When they did, it was through the ground via Mostert and Jaylen Wright.
We know how the Dolphins have evolved since then. As far as New England? They haven’t gotten much better, only winning two of their next six meetings since that matchup against the Fins. They were able to knock off the New York Jets and Chicago, but have had rough losses to Houston and Jacksonville among others.
New England’s offense was led by Jacoby Brissett in their loss to Miami. His inability to lead the team forced a change in leadership, and now rookie Drake Maye leads an offense that’s tough to watch. Maye himself hasn’t played badly, throwing for 1,236 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions in seven games. He’s been sacked 17 times, however.
Was also able to ask QB Tua Tagovailoa about not looking ahead of next week's opponent despite their win over New England earlier this season.
Take a listen! 🐬#GoFins pic.twitter.com/5wp6rOAXYS
— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) November 17, 2024
The Patriots haven’t scored over 25 points in a game this season. They average the second-fewest yards per game, only ahead of Carolina. They also score the third-least amount of pointers per game in the NFL – 16.5.
There’s only one reason that New England has not gone winless this season, and that’s their reliable defense. With 25 sacks, their defensive line does a good job pressuring the quarterback. Now, they still allow 345 yards per game, as their secondary is nothing special. Still, they’re going to be a tough challenge for Tua.
Final Thoughts
This has the makings of a trap game for Miami, but I feel they’ll be ready for the challenge.
If the Dolphins can beat this team with Huntley at quarterback, they can do so with Tua. Just because the Patriots now rely on Drake Maye, who is admittedly better than Brissett, that won’t make them Super Bowl contenders, let alone the playoffs.
The Patriots will give Miami all they have. It’s a divisional rival, so they’ll always look to spoil Miami’s season. It’ll be up to the offense to stay consistent, and the defense to force Maye to play like an actual rookie.
MIAMI – 31
NEW ENGLAND – 10
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