Three Things Patriots Fans Should Watch For In Dolphins Matchup

The vibes around the Patriots were low through four weeks, but they can turn things around when they head back home to play the Miami Dolphins.

New England looked awful in its two-game road trip, and injuries continued to compound with the loss of three captains to start the season. The defense needed help without Ja’Whaun Bentley and his replacement Kyle Dugger might miss multiple weeks. And then a battered offensive line lost David Andrews, who will be placed on season-ending injured reserve.

A 1-3 start would frustrate any locker room, which forced Davon Godchaux to call out his teammates’ selfish play and for a rumor about a potential “mutiny” to arise.

All that can be fixed with a win this Sunday against an AFC East rival who looked just as lost when Tua Tagovailoa went down with another diagnosed concussion. They can get a much-needed win by following these three steps.

Make Miami one-dimensional
For as much as Jacoby Brissett irritated fans, Tyler Huntley did the same for Dolphins supporters. The veteran quarterback did not look prepared in last week’s loss to the Tennessee Titans, and the Patriots’ best strategy would be to shut down the Dolphins’ run game led by De’Von Achane. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will be a challenge to cover for the New England secondary, but if Huntley can’t get them the ball, then it won’t matter.

Protect the rock
Head coach Jerod Mayo hinted this week that benching Rhamondre Stevenson was “under consideration.” The running back didn’t justify his extension when he fumbled in four straight weeks, and if he does play, he must protect the football. If he doesn’t that message also goes for Antonio Gibson and JaMycal Hasty. The Patriots enter Sunday at a disadvantage when it comes to talent, and they can’t afford any errors.

Clean pocket
Brissett missed multiple opportunities to move the chains in last week’s loss, but the veteran also didn’t have the time, and it’s likely playing into his head. Multiple offensive linemen were on the injury report this week, but no matter who is in front of Brissett, they need to protect the quarterback to give New England a chance to bring positivity to the fanbase.