Patriots – Dolphins II Keys, Who Has the Razor’s Edge?
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Patriots RBs vs Dolphins Front Seven – Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots running game has had a resurgence in 2016 led by LeGarrette Blount who has rushed for 1110 yards and 17 touchdowns. With Dion Lewis back and looking like himself, it gives the Patriots a much better, varied rushing attack that can use different looks. The offensive line has much to do with their success, having played much better this season and keeping continuity.
Miami has one of the worst run defenses in the league allowing 141.8 yards per game and a league-worst 4.9 yards per rush. With a banged up defense missing S Reshad Jones and Isa Abdul-Quddus, they Dolphins have struggled all season at stopping the run.
Look for the Patriots to mix in a steady diet of Blount and Lewis keeping things varied in the running game. Force the Dolphins to cheat up in run support at the second level which will open up passing lanes. The Patriots should have good success and be patient running the ball this week.
Patriots WRs vs Dolphins Secondary – Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots passing game has been very effective all season and even without Rob Gronkowski, they have plenty of weapons that they can bring to bear against anyone. It starts as always with Julian Edelman but with Chris Hogan and the newly signed Michael Floyd, Brady has weapons that he can use outside the numbers. Malcolm Mitchell has missed practice this week with a knee injury and his availability will bear watching.
TE Martellus Bennett and running backs James White and Lewis put more pressure on opponents’ linebackers and create mismatches when they spread the field.
Miami has been good against the pass creating 16 turnovers via interception. They get good pressure on the QB with a resurgent Cameron Wake and inside with Ndamukong Suh. But injuries in the back seven with Jones and now Abdul-Quddus out at safety, Byron Maxwell out again at corner and Jelani Jenkins at LB will bear watching.
Look for Brady to lean on the running game to open up the passing game this week. Edelman will do the heavy lifting down low and Bennett who had a big game in the first meeting will definitely get a few looks as they attack the seams of the defense. As always, Brady’s protection is the key but the offensive line has been much better in 2016.
Next up the Miami offense:
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