McKinnie used to be one of the most talented tackles in the league. His career at Miami was one of the best I can remember, and so I always had a bit of an interest in him. However, what I learned about him over the years is that, even at Miami, and much more so with Minnesota, what has always held him back is what sits on top of his shoulders. He may be the dumbest guy in football. The "Love Boat" and this year's Ravens party bus incidents also indicate to me that the guy is not exactly high on the character scale.
So, purely my opinion seasoned heavily with my own biases of course, I don't see him as having the intellect to pick up a new offense within a few days, I don't think he has any history with the Philbin/Sherman offense, it certainly wasn't what they ran in Miami, Minnesota, or Baltimore, and so I'd guess that the Dolphins will have to simplify things for him this week. Thus it is potentially a good week for some creativity by the Patriots on passing downs.
On the other hand, with Wilfork and Mayo gone, and Kelly probably out, I see the Patriots defense as being somewhat vulnerable to a power running game between the tackles, and a short passing game with Tannehill running 3-step drops and rollouts. Tannehill has been vulnerable to mistakes but he is athletic, and after watching Smith last week against the Patriots, I'm a bit concerned.
