It’s only week two, but things are looking pretty bad for Miami Dolphins already. The Dolphins will play against the New England Patriots in one of their two AFC East division games, the first of two being in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The Dolphins struggled in their week one game against a Seattle Seahawks team that looked very flat as well. While the score was only 10-12, Ryan Tannehill completed 16 out of 29 passes for a mediocre 186 yards. His teammates did not help him very much, as Arian Foster could only muster 38 yards on the ground through 13 carries and Kenny Stills dropped what would have been a sure-fire touchdown.
The Patriots looked like total underdogs last week, but now the tables have been turned. While the score was also very close in week one when the Patriots faced the Arizona Cardinals (23-21), Jimmy Garoppolo and the Patriots offense looked dominant even without Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Dion Lewis, and Nate Solder. With Gronkowski possibly playing in week two it could be a very difficult day for the Dolphins defense.
Key Match Up
Can the Dolphins score on the Patriots? While the Patriots defense did allow three touchdowns in Arizona, two of those were due to offensive fumbles that set up the Cardinals in a great space. Tannehill was able to run one touchdown into the end zone, but wasn’t able to throw one. The Patriots also allowed the Cardinals to convert 50 percent of their third downs, but Miami was only able to convert a measly 21 percent of theirs last week at home, and could only dish out 214 yards of total offense. This could end up being a very low scoring game for one team.
Difference Makers
If Gronkowski ends up playing, it could be one hell of a difference for the Patriots offense. Martellus Bennet did amazing as a run blocker, but wasn’t able to get going as a receiver. He was only able to record 3 catches for 14 yards. Gronkowski is a better blocker and would probably do much better in the receiving game as well. Bennet is great, but Bennet and Gronkowski are an unstoppable force.
The Dolphins signed Arian Foster as a replacement for Lamar Miller, with the two running backs indirectly switching teams. Foster struggled as previously mentioned, but might have more success against the Patriots. New England allowed 92 yards on the ground against Arizona. While this number isn’t huge, the presence of suspended Rob Ninkovich and departed Dominique Easly is duly noted even with the aqusitions of Chris Long, Barkevious Mingo, and Shea McClellin.
Noteworthy
The Patriots have not been able to beat the Dolphins when playing away at Miami since 2012, but have won every game at home against them at Gillette Stadium in that same time span.
Almost Game Time
The Patriots play their AFC East division rival the Miami Dolphins live in Foxborough for their home opener at 1 PM Eastern Standard Time. The game will be available either on your local CBS affiliate or can be streamed through NFL Sunday Ticket.
