Dolphins vs. Patriots: Breaking Down New England's Game Plan

The New England Patriots have an abundance of hats and t-shirts in their closets, remnants of AFC East title celebrations long gone. They'll get a chance to add to their wardrobe as they face off against the Miami Dolphins, with a win clinching a playoff berth.

Here is what New England needs to do in order to secure another division title and avenge the Week 1 loss to the Dolphins.

Patriots Defense vs. Dolphins Offense

An injury to star offensive tackle Branden Albert has prompted some shuffling on the Dolphins offensive line, forcing some lesser-talented players—looking at you, Dallas Thomas—into the lineup. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, however, saw a potential downside to the injuries:

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He's always been able to run and get out of the pocket and that's certainly an issue. He's very fast. He's an extremely fast quarterback, so if he gets out in open space he's going to be able to create a lot of room and a lot of positive yardage. So it's certainly a big issue for us to contend with. He does a good job too of as he's scrambling, getting his eyes down field. Those receivers as so fast, so quick, they can burst and get vertical or come back to the ball. So, they do a good job in that scramble drill, you'll call it. 

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If the Patriots are able to get pressure on Ryan Tannehill, they'll need to be certain that they stay disciplined in their rush lanes. When Tannehill gets outside the tackle box, he is able use both feet to create a lot of yardage. With New England so often in man coverage, defensive backs are naturally late to react to the run.

One player that the Patriots won't have to worry about is running back Knowshon Moreno, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this year. Lamar Miller has played well in his absence, so the run defense needs to stay sharp. 

Look for Patricia to stay aggressive with his deployment of Jamie Collins—and Dont'a Hightower, if available—sending blitzes up the "A-gap" with regularity.

Patriots Offense vs. Dolphins Defense

The insatiable Cameron Wake and the Dolphins front four is certainly on the mind of New England's offensive decision-makers. Bill Belichick mentioned pressure as something that New England is cognizant of:

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But most of the time they mix it up. They rush four, they rush five, sometimes six. Different combinations, and they all come: corners, nickel backs, safeties, linebackers. Sometimes they use their ends in coverage; sometimes they don't. But they mix it up on you. They definitely spin the wheel in terms of their defensive calls. But there have been examples – our game, second half of the San Diego game – where they just rush four in passing situations and they can definitely get there. They've got a lot of good rushers. But they oftentimes bring more than that. 

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Wake had seven pressures in Week 1—including two sacks—against Brady, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Nate Solder has struggled with speedy rushers at times—Melvin Ingram gave him fits early last week—so he may need some help early. If New England can wear Wake and his brethren down with a strong running game and some screens early, it will do wonders in stopping the pass rush. Look for Jonas Gray and LeGarrette Blount to get a healthy dose of the pigskin.

Another big change between Week 1 and Week 15 is that the Patriots have a healthy Rob Gronkowski at their disposal. Look for Brady to look to No. 87 early and often until Miami can prove that they can stop him.

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What They're Saying

Brandon Browner has been a lightning rod of praise and criticism this season, as his big hits and coverage skills haven't come without a price. Penalty flags have been a common sight in the wake of Browner. Joe Philbin, however, had nothing but positives to say about the Patriots big corner:

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He's got outstanding length, he can re-route players at the line of scrimmage. You better have a plan when you're going up against this guy. He's one of the better cover guys that we've faced. He's been a nice addition to their ball club.

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Referees won't call a penalty on Browner every play—even if he deserves it—so his physical presence tends to wear the other team's receivers. Expect Brian Hartline—or whomever Browner is covering—to have a much harder time getting off the line of scrimmage this time around.

Tale of the Tape

Quarterback

Tannehill has made progress during his third year in the league, but the AFC East is still Tom Brady's world.

Verdict: Patriots

Running Backs 

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Each team is short on superstars but long on versatility and depth. Expect either Miller or Shane Vereen to break a big play.

Verdict: Push 

Wide Receivers

Brandon LaFell has really come on strong since his Week 1 no-show in Miami. Jarvis Landry has also shown some development. Julian Edelman's strong play, however, gives New England the edge.

Verdict: Patriots

Tight Ends

Rob Gronkowski can do everything that Charles Clay, Dion Sims and Gator Hoskins can do and do it better. He also needs only one roster spot.

Verdict: Patriots

Offensive Line

New England's offensive line is still giving up pressure, but Tom Brady seems to be more comfortable moving in the pocket and avoiding sacks. Ryan Tannehill is still running for his life behind Dallas Thomas and company when the opponents bring pressure.

Verdict: Patriots

Defensive Line 

The strength of the Dolphins is in their ability to get pressure with their front four. With Chandler Jones still a question mark for New England, this really isn't close.

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Verdict: Dolphins

Linebackers

Jamie Collins is starting to branch out in his dominance while Dont'a Hightower heals. Even if Hightower isn't 100 percent, this is the best linebacker duo in the league.

Verdict: Patriots

Defensive Backs

This is the strength of each defense, but New England just has more depth. Brent Grimes and Reshad Jones have been very good in Miami, but Browner, Darrelle Revis and Devin McCourty have the much better supporting cast.

Verdict: Patriots

Special Teams

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Stephen Gostkowski has only missed two kicks on the year, while Caleb Sturgis is slightly less consistent at 26-of-31. Both Ryan Allen and Brandon Fields have been punting well. Julian Edelman has been the far superior punt returner in this game.

Verdict: Patriots

Overall: Patriots, 7-1-1

On paper, the Patriots have a slight advantage in a lot of categories. That said, the lone Miami advantage—the defensive line—has a chance to be the decisive unit in the game.

Thursday's Injury Report Analysis, via Patriots.com

Did Not Practice:  Dominique Easley

Limited: Danny Aiken, Dan Connolly, Julian Edelman, Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower, Cameron Fleming,  Brandon LaFell, Shane Vereen, Rob Ninkovich, Chris White

Full: Tom Brady

Easley's need continues to be managed through the season, while Jones and Hightower are the biggest question marks this week. If either is able to play, it will provide a big boost.

Jelani Jenkins and Koa Misi both were unable to practice on Thursday.

Stats and figures courtesy of NFL.com.