Patriots-Dolphins: No Time For Fun And Sun In Miami

Overview: The New England Patriots (7-4) and the Miami Dolphins (5-6) both have something to prove this weekend. The Patriots will have to prove to themselves that they can win on the road and all but put away the AFC East title.

The Dolphins must shake off their disappointing loss last week against Buffalo and be geared up for New England. Miami historically has played the Patriots tough in southern Florida.

Last Week: The Patriots were thrashed by the undefeated Saints, 38-17. The offense was out of sync and the defense was dissected by Drew Brees and crew. This marked the teams’ fourth straight road loss (not counting the neutral site game in London).

The Dolphins had a 14-7 lead against division rival Buffalo in 3^rd quarter last week, but it all went down hill from there. The Bills scored 24 fourth quarter points on route to a 31-14 victory in Buffalo.

All-Time Series: This will be the 89^th meeting between Miami and New England. Miami holds a 49-39 lead in the all time series.

Miami has always been a thorn in the Patriots’ side. Since 2001, 5 of their 12 divisional losses have come at hands of the Dolphins.

The Patriots took the contest earlier this year at Gillette Stadium, 27-17 on November 8^th.  New England, led by Matt Cassel, won the meeting last November in Miami, 48-28.

Key Questions Entering Week Eleven:

New England: Can the Patriots bounce back yet again after a tough loss?

After the Indianapolis heartbreaker, New England dominated the NY Jets for a 31-17 victory. The defense caused turnovers and the passing game was cruising against New York.

The Patriots need this same effort against Miami. They need to regain their confidence with a strong outing against the Dolphins.

Miami: Can the Dolphins keep the Patriots guessing on offense without Ronnie Brown?

With Ronnie Brown lost for the season due to injury, the “Wildcat” has lost most of its bite.  The “Wildcat” and the “Pistol” have given the Patriots trouble over the last few seasons, but that’s with the fleet footed Brown at the helm. It will be up to Pat White and Ricky Williams, to pick up the slack in these formations.

Players To Watch:

New England Patriots: The whole team.

The Patriots need a complete team effort against Miami. Last week against the Saints, they were beaten in every phase of the game.

The offense needs to regain its high octane potency. Brady, Welker, and Moss need to get back in rhythm. Maroney needs to hold on to the ball.

The defense can not let up the barrage of big plays as they did in New Orleans. They need to put pressure on Henne and produce turnovers.

Miami Dolphins:  Chad Henne, Pat White, and Ricky Williams.

The Miami offense especially Chad Henne needs to expose the Patriots secondary. We all know Henne is no Drew Brees but he needs to pick on Jonathan Wilhite like the Colts, Jets, and Saints have in successive weeks. They need long strikes to Ginn and Best.

Pat White and Ricky Williams must confuse the Patriots in their “trick” formations with no Ronnie Brown. They must impose fear in the New England defense and keep them guessing.

Predictions: Patriots by 18

The Patriots need this game very badly and they will play like that. It is yet again another litmus test for the defense after their embarrassing performance against the Saints. New England will get up on the Dolphins early and will finish strong.

Final Score: Patriots 28, Dolphins 10

Joe Gill is a featured blogger for Boston Sports Then and Now, Rootzoo.com and Trufan.com