Prediction:
Thursday football games are always a wildcard. While the league loves them, they generally provide the sloppiest games of the week. With little time to recover from Sunday’s games and less time to prepare, the product is usually of the poorer quality.
While the home team generally has the advantage in these contests, don’t discount the tough physical game that the Patriots had to endure against the Jets. Miami on the other hand cruised in the second half after going out to a 41-0 lead.
Campbell has simplified the Dolphins’ game plan and has relied on the players to execute for their success and it has worked to a tee thus far. But New England isn’t Tennessee or Houston so what happens if the opponent gets out ahead early, will they be able to adjust quickly enough?
This one will come down to the Patriots (read Brady) ability to attack the middle of the field and take advantage of the Dolphins linebackers with Gronkowski. It will require getting him involved early and getting off to a quick start. Miami’s pass rush with a lead can be devastating as we saw in last season’s opener.
The Patriots have to slow Miller and get Miami into obvious passing situations. A-gap blitzes from Hightower and Collins against the Dolphins guards inside will be something to watch. This one will be another great game but look for Brady and Co. to get it done. Patriots 34-24
Follow me on Twitter @SteveB7SFG or email me at [email protected]
Listen to our Patriots 4th and 2 podcast on blog talk radio as the writers Russ Goldman, Derek Havens and I from PatsFans.com discuss the latest Patriots news Wednesdays at 12 noon.
Support Steve and buy him a coffee.
Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants
We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
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)
