Patriots vs Dolphins Monday Night: Which Team Will Gain Early Lead in AFC East?

Obviously heading into the first Monday night game of the season Tom Brady and his New England Patriots are favored over the Miami Dolphins.

It should also come as no surprise, because the Dolphins still don't have an established NFL QB under center.

Right now, and it's been since they signed him, the two QBs in South Florida are Chad Henne and Matt Moore (from Carolina).

Henne has been flaky, at best, throughout his career, and Matt Moore when given a chance while with the Panthers was decent, but not great.

Bringing Moore in was to help elevate Henne's play, but he looked a bit lackluster in the preseason.

However, Moore's never played in more than seven consecutive games for his career (happened once in '07 with Carolina).

As for New England, the receiving core and group of RBs can keep switching up and changing, but as long as Tom Brady remains in the pocket, there's no need to worry.

Now, the Dolphins do have a solid defense with players like LBs Karlos Dansby, Cameron Wake, and Koa Misi, as well as DBs Vontae Davis and Chris Clemons.

Problem is, New England still torched Miami 41-14 (game one) and 38-7 (game two) in 2010, despite the 'Fins still having a Top Ten pass and rush defense.

The only significant difference now is that Miami had revamped their offense with RB Reggie Bush (from New Orleans), thus ridding Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams of their duties.

They also drafted OL Mike Pouncey (Florida), re-signed Richie Incognito, and acquired Marc Colombo (from Dallas).

In Bill Belichick's defense there's also some new faces, as DLs Ty Warren and Gerard Warren are gone along with safety Brandon Meriweather (Chicago).

So who leaves the NFL's first week as the only 0-1 team in the AFC East?

The Miami Dolphins.

Tom Brady and the Pats' offense is just a bit too much for Tony Sparano's defense, as evidence by Brady receiving great protection.

Therefore, his offensive line allowing him to hit Wes Welker multiple times across the middle, because of Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco stretching the field and drawing defenders deeper than expected.

As for the Miami offense, Chad Henne continues to struggle, and although Reggie Bush shows promise with his new team, he's still learning the nuances of the wildcat.

Not to mention Belichick isn't fooled despite a new and better RB is running the trendy formation in Miami.

Also, when running routes, WR Brandon Marshall receives a heavy dose of double-coverage forcing Henne to make multiple mistakes.

Prediction: New England 38, Miami 17

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