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…
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