The Dolphins finally have something to build on. After picking up their first win under Jeff Hafley with a 28-25 victory over the Jets, Miami returns home looking to beat another division rival.
New England comes in looking to bounce back from its Thursday night loss to Chicago. South Florida has historically been a difficult trip for the Patriots, but Miami still needs to carry over what worked last week. These are my four keys.
1. Can Willis stack another good game?
I liked what I saw from Willis against the Jets. He was more decisive, took his checkdowns, and used what the defense gave him. Now I want to see him do it again.
New England plays a lot of man coverage, which could give him opportunities to use his legs when defenders turn their backs. If everyone is covered and there is room to run, take those yards. He does not need to force a throw just because the play was called a pass.
The question is how he responds if New England plays more zone and keeps its eyes on him. That is where I want to see him stay patient and make the simple play. With Douglas back and Dulcich coming off his best game, keep getting those guys involved. Last week was a step forward, but I need to see him build on it.
2. Keep feeding Gordon, even without Proctor
The Dolphins have rushed for over 100 yards in five straight games. Considering Achane is out for the year, that is something worth building on.
Proctor being out makes this tougher. I have liked what the interior offensive line has done, and now that group has to adjust with someone else stepping in at left guard. I want to see whether Miami can still move the ball and give Gordon room to work.
Keep giving him carries. I don't want Miami abandoning the run because the first couple of attempts don't go anywhere. Give Gordon a chance to get into a rhythm and keep Willis involved as a runner, too. Miami closed out the Jets game on the ground. I want to see more of that physicality.
3. Pressure Maye and finish the play
Maye can hurt this defense when the play breaks down. He leads the league in passing yards while scrambling, so getting him out of the pocket does not mean the defense has won.
Chop had a good game generating pressure against the Jets, and I want to see him carry that over. But the rush needs to stay disciplined. You cannot fly upfield and give Maye a lane to step through.
When Miami gets a chance to bring him down, finish it. This defense hasn't generated enough sacks to let those opportunities slip away. The secondary also needs to stay attached to its receivers. Don't cover a play well only to lose someone when Maye starts moving.
4. Make their remaining weapons beat you
No A.J. Brown, no TreVeyon Henderson, and both Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins are on injured reserve. Miami needs to take advantage of that.
Hunter Henry is the guy I would be watching closely. I would also expect Eli Raridon to get more involved with New England short at receiver. Do not let the tight ends become easy answers for Maye, especially on third down.
McDaniels will use motion and shifts to test this defense’s communication. Miami has to get lined up, know its assignments, and avoid giving up free plays. Make their receivers earn it.
Stevenson still needs to be handled in the run game, too. The Patriots are missing important players, but Miami still has to tackle and execute. Do not make life easier for an offense that is already shorthanded.
The Dolphins finally have something to build on. After picking up their first win under Jeff Hafley with a 28-25 victory over the Jets, Miami returns home looking to beat another division rival.
New England comes in looking to bounce back from its Thursday night loss to Chicago. South Florida has historically been a difficult trip for the Patriots, but Miami still needs to carry over what worked last week. These are my four keys.
1. Can Willis stack another good game?
I liked what I saw from Willis against the Jets. He was more decisive, took his checkdowns, and used what the defense gave him. Now I want to see him do it again.
New England plays a lot of man coverage, which could give him opportunities to use his legs when defenders turn their backs. If everyone is covered and there is room to run, take those yards. He does not need to force a throw just because the play was called a pass.
The question is how he responds if New England plays more zone and keeps its eyes on him. That is where I want to see him stay patient and make the simple play. With Douglas back and Dulcich coming off his best game, keep getting those guys involved. Last week was a step forward, but I need to see him build on it.
2. Keep feeding Gordon, even without Proctor
The Dolphins have rushed for over 100 yards in five straight games. Considering Achane is out for the year, that is something worth building on.
Proctor being out makes this tougher. I have liked what the interior offensive line has done, and now that group has to adjust with someone else stepping in at left guard. I want to see whether Miami can still move the ball and give Gordon room to work.
Keep giving him carries. I don't want Miami abandoning the run because the first couple of attempts don't go anywhere. Give Gordon a chance to get into a rhythm and keep Willis involved as a runner, too. Miami closed out the Jets game on the ground. I want to see more of that physicality.
3. Pressure Maye and finish the play
Maye can hurt this defense when the play breaks down. He leads the league in passing yards while scrambling, so getting him out of the pocket does not mean the defense has won.
Chop had a good game generating pressure against the Jets, and I want to see him carry that over. But the rush needs to stay disciplined. You cannot fly upfield and give Maye a lane to step through.
When Miami gets a chance to bring him down, finish it. This defense hasn't generated enough sacks to let those opportunities slip away. The secondary also needs to stay attached to its receivers. Don't cover a play well only to lose someone when Maye starts moving.
4. Make their remaining weapons beat you
No A.J. Brown, no TreVeyon Henderson, and both Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins are on injured reserve. Miami needs to take advantage of that.
Hunter Henry is the guy I would be watching closely. I would also expect Eli Raridon to get more involved with New England short at receiver. Do not let the tight ends become easy answers for Maye, especially on third down.
McDaniels will use motion and shifts to test this defense’s communication. Miami has to get lined up, know its assignments, and avoid giving up free plays. Make their receivers earn it.
Stevenson still needs to be handled in the run game, too. The Patriots are missing important players, but Miami still has to tackle and execute. Do not make life easier for an offense that is already shorthanded.
