The Dolphins bring their fifth ranked defense into Gillette Stadium to face the AFC powerhouse New England Patriots this Saturday. The Patriots come into this week’s matchup after rolling over Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos last Sunday 41-23. Tom Brady attacked the strong Denver defense with over 300 yards in the air and two touchdowns.
The Patriots offense has not slowed down this season, racking up an average of 426 yards each game, and putting up an average of 31 points. If they are able to pull off a win against the progressing Miami defense, the Patriots could lock up the No.1 seed in the AFC. This won’t be easy for the Patriots going against a strong pass defense led by corners Sean Smith and Vontae Davis.
Miami has won five out of its last seven games after an embarrassing 0-7 start to this season. The team has turned around their season with quarterback Matt Moore taking over the reigns as starter. Moore has led the Dolphins to all of its five wins. In ten starts Moore has only thrown for 5 interceptions and completed over 60 percent of his passes.
With the addition of Reggie Bush’s improved play, the Patriots defense that is ranked last in the NFL in yards allowed might have a tough time slowing this team down. Bush rushed for his first 200-yard game last week against the Buffalo Bills, gaining 203 yards and one touchdown.
Since their last matchup in Week 1, the Patriots defense has not improved. They are the fifth worst in third down conversions at a rate of over 40 percent. They have been relying on their strong turnover percentage, which is plus 25 this season. This has put the ball back in Brady’s hands and allowed the offense to overpower their opponents by putting points on the board.
Tom Brady isn’t the only player on the Patriots performing at a high level. Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis is the team’s leading rusher with 618 yards on the ground and eight touchdowns. Wes Welker also hasn’t slowed down leading the team with 1,339 yards receiving and nine touchdowns.
Even though the Dolphins playoff hopes are well in the past, interim head coach Todd Bowles doesn’t plan to back down to the Patriots. With the improved play of his team under Matt Moore, the Dolphins have a good chance of upsetting the Patriots and ruining their chances of home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
