The Dolphins had been traditionally one of many Patriots’ hardest opponents through the dynasty period, however you could possibly nonetheless normally rely on Tom Brady and Invoice Belichick rising victorious in opposition to their division rival.
My how issues have modified. The Patriots have misplaced seven of their final eight video games to the Dolphins, together with this season’s matchup at Gillette Stadium. They’re 2-7 in opposition to the Dolphins since Brady left following the 2019 season.
The Patriots have been particularly unhealthy in opposition to the Dolphins in Laborious Rock Stadium in Miami, the place they’ve misplaced six of their final seven video games. They’re 2-9 over their final 11 video games in Miami.
Given how the Patriots have performed this season, it appears unlikely that that is the yr that their fortune will flip round in South Florida. The Patriots already misplaced to the Dolphins with out Tua Tagovailoa, and now the beginning quarterback is again within the lineup.
But when the 3-8 Patriots win, these gamers have to step up.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson hasn’t been the foundation explanation for the problems within the Patriots’ dashing assault — we’ll get to that later — however he’s averaging simply 3.8 yards per carry and fumbled once more in Sunday’s loss to the Rams. That brings him as much as 5 complete fumbles on the season.
The veteran operating again was benched earlier this season when he started the yr with fumbles in 4 straight video games. The Patriots ought to have a shorter leash on Stevenson if the fumbles proceed this time round.
Antonio Gibson is operating fairly nicely proper now. He has 44 yards on 9 carries in his final two video games. JaMycal Hasty has additionally confirmed to be a succesful backup.
One different observe on the Patriots’ operating backs: They will all catch out of the backfield. They need to have mixed for greater than 310 yards on 50 catches this season.
If they will get extra concerned within the passing sport, it will be a straightforward means for Drake Maye to fireside off some straightforward completions with the potential for yards after the catch.
WR Ja’Lynn Polk
We’ve written this earlier than, however Polk, the 2024 second-round decide, is at present on tempo for a worst rookie season than Tyquan Thornton, who was reduce final week.
Issues are literally getting worse for Polk, who has simply 11 catches on 28 targets for 80 yards in 10 video games. In his final six video games, Polk has three catches on 15 targets for simply 19 yards.
He’s final amongst certified huge receivers in yards per route run at 0.38. For comparability sake, huge receiver Ladd McConkey, who the Chargers chosen thirty fourth general when the Patriots traded right down to No. 37 general to take Polk, is averaging 2.27 yards per route run. DeMario Douglas leads certified Patriots huge receivers at 1.48, and Kayshon Boutte has a 1.05 mark.
Polk was additionally penalized for a false begin on Thursday. It sounds just like the Patriots will proceed to present him alternatives to see if they will get him going.
Offensive line
Let’s spotlight three gamers on this group: left guard Michael Jordan, middle Ben Brown and proper deal with Demontrey Jacobs.
Jacobs let up a sack and 6 complete pressures to the Rams final week. Brown allowed a sack and hurry. Jordan let up one hurry and has carried out higher during the last 4 video games.
However these are the three gamers who might be demoted if the Patriots wish to begin Cole Unusual when he’s able to return from final December’s season-ending knee harm.
Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt mentioned Unusual is being tried at left guard, middle and proper guard. Brown might be a one-for-one substitute at left guard for Jordan or middle for Brown. If Jacobs continues to wrestle, then the Patriots may plug Unusual into proper guard and transfer Mike Onwenu to proper deal with.
Maybe the Patriots may shock us, nevertheless it does look like Unusual isn’t going for use as a starter instantly. However he was taking part in the perfect soccer of his profession earlier than final season’s harm. If he picked up the place he left off, then he would supply a lift to an offensive line that’s nonetheless struggling to seek out its footing.
CB Jonathan Jones
Jones has traditionally performed nicely in opposition to the Dolphins, particularly huge receiver Tyreek Hill. The veteran cornerback is in his ninth season. He acquired the bottom single-game PFF grade of his profession in Sunday’s sport with a 27.1 mark.
PFF had Jones letting up 4 catches on six targets for 123 yards with three touchdowns and a move breakup.
Jones will proceed to be a mainstay within the secondary at cornerback, security and within the slot. He should play higher to ensure Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t go off.
S Kyle Dugger
Dugger additionally struggled as he returned to the sector from an ankle harm. PFF charged him with three missed tackles.
Dugger will probably be paramount in limiting Hill and huge receiver Jaylen Waddle and in stopping speedy operating backs De’Von Achane, Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Wright. The Patriots will probably must go lighter on protection to account for the Dolphins’ velocity. That would lead to extra snaps within the field for Dugger, who can’t maintain whiffing on tackles.
ATH Marcus Jones
Jones has been stable on protection this season and one of many workforce’s greatest vibrant spots as a returner. He additionally lastly contributed on offense Sunday for the primary time since his rookie season, recording a 5-yard rush.
Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt beforehand didn’t know Jones had performed on offense. That’s not a joke.
However we’d prefer to see him play on offense much more. Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington didn’t appear involved about overloading Jones, saying he’s nicely conditioned sufficient to play on offense, protection and particular groups.
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