The second divisional game of the young season coincides with round two on the road as the Dolphins make their annual trip to Foxboro. It's the first meeting between the Dolphins and Patriots since October 29 of last season, a 31-17 Miami victory.
After opening day wins over Cincinnati and Jacksonville, respectively, for New England and Miami, both clubs have dropped the last three games. While one of those streaks must end, the Fins hope to extend a separate streak. A win Sunday would give Miami three consecutive victories over the Patriots and six of the last seven games dating back to the 2020 season.
The lone loss in that stretch, however, was the only game of that span without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the lineup. The Dolphins will have to do something they haven't done since 2019 – beat New England without their southpaw under center.
It'll be the second start for Tyler Huntley at quarterback for the Dolphins. In his debut for his hometown team, Huntley went 14-for-22 for 96 yards, and had 40 rushing yards on eight carries.
"We're not good on third down," Patriots Head Coach Jerod Mayo said this week. "Why? It's not because we're not covering guys. It's because we're giving the quarterback the chance to get outside the pocket. I think we just need to play better as a team and not as individuals for us to have a good chance at winning games."
Last week, San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy didn't hit the Patriots up for big yards with his legs, but more than half (157) of his 288 passing yards occurred when he threw outside the pocket. In Week 3, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers rushed for 18 yards in the 24-3 win over the Patriots – his second-highest total dating back to the 2022 season.
That's one way this Dolphins offense can catch a spark. Another opportunity could present itself when New England has the ball.The Patriots have not found an offensive rhythm and are the only team in the NFL that has yet to eclipse 1,000 yards (955) through the first four games.
Injuries to the offensive line are a major contributing factor. From the opening day depth chart, only two starters remain as center David Andrews and guard Cole Strange are on injured reserve, and tackle Verderian Lowe missed the last two games with an injury.
To make matters worse – two more offensive linemen that filled in for those starters, Caedan Wallace and Michael Jordan – are now injured as well.
The Dolphins defense ranks tops in third down conversion rate at 23.8 percent. As injuries of their own accumulate off the Dolphins edge – outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips will miss the rest of the season– it becomes even more important for the Dolphins' stout interior to continue its high level of play.
Defensive tackles Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell have been excellent, and they've set the table for linebacker Jordyn Brooks. In his first year with Miami, Brooks' multiple skill set continues to progress. He picked up his first sack as a Dolphin Monday against the Titans and is currently on pace for career highs in QB pressures and defensive stops.
Early down run stops for Miami could create takeaway opportunities. The Patriots won their Week 1 game with 170 rushing yards and took Seattle to overtime in Week 2 with 185 yards on the ground. The two games since – just 78 and 73 rushing yards in two losses by a cumulative score of 54-16.
Winning early downs and creating splash plays on third downs sounds like a winning formula.
Make sure to check out the Injury Report and the team's official social media accounts 90 minutes before kickoff to see who is active for the game.
Watch the game live on Monday, October 6 at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS, and listen on the Dolphins Radio Network and view the Game Center for the latest coverage.
