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Patriots – Dolphins, Who Has the Razor’s Edge? Key Matchups

Steve Balestrieri

October 28, 2015 at 6:06 am ET

Patriots – Dolphins, Who Has the Razor’s Edge? Key Matchups

(PHOTO: James Lang - USA TODAY Sports)

🕑 Read Time: 5 minutes

Posted Under: Patriots Commentary

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Patriots RBs vs Dolphins Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Miami
The Dolphins have a very strong defensive line, which is one of the strengths of their team. They were being gashed early in the season but have turned things around with much better play the past two weeks. Olivier Vernon, Earl Mitchell, Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake can not only rush the passer but be tough against the run as well.

The Patriots had only two healthy running backs on Sunday and really didn’t even make an attempt to run the ball with only five rushing attempts by their backs. With a patchwork offensive line with two of their top three tackles missing and one of their starting guards, it was tough sledding. This week if Dion Lewis and Brandon Bolden are healthy, we should see more rushing attempts to take all of the pressure off of Brady.

Patriots WRs vs Dolphins Secondary – Razor’s Edge New England
Brady has been lights out this season and has been spreading the ball around to his receivers while getting the ball out in less than two seconds from snap to throw. Getting Brandon LaFell back will be a big boost to an already potent offense with Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.

Miami’s pass rush has had ten sacks the past two weeks and Brady will be looking to attack the middle of the Dolphins defense, namely the linebackers. Keeping Brady upright is the key here, they must keep Wake, Vernon and Suh at bay long enough to give Brady time.

With Rob Gronkowski and Scott Chandler, the Patriots should find plenty of room to work in the middle of the field. Lewis, if healthy, would add to the load on Miami’s LBs with passes out of the backfield. It all comes down to time for Brady to throw.

Next up the Dolphins offense:

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)