Preview Week 1: Dolphins @ Patriots
MIAMI DOLPHINS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Time: 1:00 PM ET, Sep. 11, 2022
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
The Dolphins will restart their offense in the first year of Tua Tagovailoa's start. Brian Flores' defense is very good based on mentor Bill Belichick's plan. Felt like a chaotic low-scoring game dictated by a few offensive shots. Miami will do them, while New England is a bit conservative in a war of attrition.
The Miami Dolphins were eventually brought back down to Earth with a 34-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The loss dropped them to 8-8 from playoff contention, snapping a seven-game winning streak that is turning into an unprecedented streak in the NFL. Even with the loss, it was a huge setback for the Dolphins, who were 1-7 earlier in the season. Their opponent on Sunday was the New England Patriots, a familiar face playing in a familiar place. The 10-6 Patriots are in the playoffs, but they can win the East, and the Bills lose to the Jets. However, hypothetical scenarios for the Patriots aren't very helpful. They could go anywhere from 1st to 7th in the AFC, depending on how things go. No playoff team paid more attention to the scoreboard on Sunday than New England, trying to get into a better spot. There is a good chance that the Miami Dolphins will shine in the upcoming games.
Both teams have good shooters, but Miami's Jason Sanders is a bit inconsistent, and Nick Fokker is near-perfect. Sanders had four punts of more than 50 yards this year, went 31 of 32, and Miami bet Michael Palardy also enjoyed a solid year with 74 of his own. Twenty- nine of the punts went for 20 yards and only five touchdowns. The Dolphin coverage is excellent, averaging 17.2 yards per punt return and 8.6 yards per punt. But Miami hasn't made an impact in the return department all year. Lately, they've been turning to waddle to start kicking and kicking, but he hasn't been free to make any big moves yet.
The Patriots have been inconsistent on special teams, but the Jaguars' coverage has been flawless after some rough moments in early losses to Indy and the Bills. Gunner Olszewski has been quiet of late and could be ready to provide a lift when he returns.
For all upcoming Dolphins games schedule, check this page out.
For the Patriots schedule, visit this page.
Author: Dan Anderson