Patriots vs. Dolphins on Monday Night Football: 8 Things to Watch

The majority of Week 1 is already in the books, and what a Sunday it was. Here's just a few notes following Sunday's performances:

• I've always called Cam Newton and Kevin Kolb overrated—I'm sticking to it even after their incredible performances.
• Baltimore is now the best of the AFC North, no questions asked.
• Cincinnati, Buffalo, and Washington should all remain calm and not think the playoffs are imminent after a Week 1 victory.
• Green Bay played much better than the high-powered Philadelphia Eagles, thus remaining on their perch as the best in the NFC.

Now that that's out of my system, I will shift the focus to the first of tonight's two Monday night games, as the New England Patriots face a division foe in the Miami Dolphins.

Miami has a lot of new things about them, while the Patriots (for the most part) come out as the same team they've been for the last few seasons—good.

Here will be the highlights of tonight's game.

New Patriot Additions

Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth made a huge impact around the league a few weeks ago by joining the New England Patriots.

Right now, Haynesworth is battling an illness and his status for tonight's game remains in question. Even if he doesn't play, his production will be intriguing to watch.

As for Ochocinco, he's a man that is in need of a new environment. He has continued to regress as a receiver for the Bengals over the last few years. He was once so loved and adored in the Queen City, until his mouth and decreasing reliability caused fans to ridicule him.

Now, Ochocinco joins Wes Welker on a stellar offense. Ochocinco's story sounds a little familiar right?

Remember what happened to Randy Moss in New England?

Not to imply that Ochocinco will put up such record-breaking numbers, but how his game improves as a Patriot is something we should all be watching.

The Dolphins' New Duel-Threat Running Game

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are gone, so bring on glorified special-teamer Reggie Bush and rookie Daniel Thomas. 

Bush came over in a trade with the New Orleans Saints after they realized they had a very crowded backfield. Like Ochocinco, Bush needed a new environment.

Bush brings a lot of speed and agility, but what he lacks is an eye for seams on offense. Now that he's one of the main focal points in South Beach, watch for him to produce.

Daniel Thomas is something special. Coming out of Kansas State as the school's second all-time leading rusher, Thomas brings a load of speed and plenty of field vision to the Dolphins. He'll be their guy in the red zone and on third-down.

Brown and Williams definitely had seasons where they produced well together, but Bush and Thomas could be just as good.

Chad Henne

Allow me to go on the record as saying that it's a make-or-break year for Henne. He has been nothing more than mediocre throughout his career as a Dolphin.

Adding on to that, he's not fared well against the Patriots at all.

However, some experts see Henne as a guy poised for a breakout. For Tony Sparano's sake, I hope that's true because Sparano's only option if Henne struggles is Matt Moore—not really a good insurance policy.

Henne showed at Michigan that he has the tools to be effective, but they haven't translated over to the NFL (yet?)

I realize it's only Week 1, and to examine a quarterback for only one week is ridiculous. However, with a guy in Henne's position, his every move will be monitored.

New England's Defense

Last season, the New England defense was terrible—they ranked 25th overall in total defense.

One of the key players to watch will be the newly-acquired Shaun Ellis. While the Patriots' acquisition of such a powerful lineman wasn't big news as compared to Haynesworth or Ochocinco, it definitely comes as the most helpful addition they got.

New England hasn't had a good pass-rush over the past several seasons, despite much success in the league. Add in Ellis, and there's finally a threat. 

Devin McCourty will lead the Patriots' secondary in his second season, and he's aiming to solidify himself as one of the best. Brandon Spikes and Vince Wilfork will also have a large role in stopping the run behind the line.

Miami's Defense

Turning the focus to the other team, Miami has a defense that was very good last season—ranking sixth in the league.

Karlos Dansby was one of the leaders of that defense last season, as he accumulated 95 tackles in his first season in Miami. Cornerback Vontae Davis will also make an impact in his third season, as he has shown the ability to get a good read on passes.

A lot of the success last season came from a great job limiting the running game. The Dolphins operate from a 3-4 defense, and it has worked for them the last couple seasons.

Containing Tom Brady will be tough. Containing Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis won't be as difficult.

Brandon Marshall

Marshall had what I'll call a "middle" season in 2010. It wasn't a down year, but he went from catching 10 touchdowns in 2009 to only three last year. 

Yet he still had over 1,000 yards.

How he continues to produce in Miami will be one of the key elements for this team going forward. He's going to be Henne's main target (and his second and third option as well.)

Of all the players on this team, Marshall's production may be the biggest indication of how good the team does. While I respect the abilities of guys like Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, and Anthony Fasano (TE), they don't nearly matchup to Marshall's abilities.

We've all seen how good he can be. Catching balls and breaking defenders against a mediocre Patriot defense could help the Dolphins secure a shocking win.

The Wildcat Formation

The Dolphins made it famous, but they have pretty much left it behind.

It's a great formation, and maybe pulling it off against the Pats' defense isn't going to be as difficult as some may think.

I know it's an outside shot, but Sparano may be pulling out all of his stunts for a key Monday night opener.

For the record, Brian Hartline and Reggie Bush would be great options in the formation.

Tom Brady

Every single year, I tell myself that this is the season that Tom Brady will finally slow down and have an average season.

Naturally, I'm wrong all the time. 

I'm not making that prediction this year.  With new additions to the receiving corps and a front line that remains as strong as any, Brady should be just as good as he always is.

No matter who he's playing, it always seems that Brady's performance is the key component to a game.

We've seen great week one performances from Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Cam Newton, Kevin Kolb, Matt Stafford, Jay Cutler, Rex Grossman, Tony Romo, and Mark Sanchez.  That's a whopping nine 300-yard performances.

Brady will make it ten tonight.