How Jerod Mayo ‘Surprised’ Patriots Before Matchup With Dolphins

Jerod Mayo called a bit of an audible as the Patriots prepared for the Dolphins.

Miami figures to be a handful for New England on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. Recent results aside — the Dolphins are surging after back-to-back wins — Mike McDaniel’s group features several players who can be matchup nightmares due to their blazing speed.

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In an effort to gear up for the uptick in pace, Mayo altered how the Patriots practiced Wednesday.

“Some players were surprised when Mayo didn’t have players in full pads for the first Wednesday practice last week,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote in a column published Sunday. “One player noted that Sunday’s matchup against the Dolphins is more about speed, so lightening the load would ideally have them best prepared to meet the challenge in that area.

“Players expected to be back in pads next Wednesday, knowing a more physical run-based team in the Colts is coming to town.”

The Dolphins nearly racked up 400 total yards when the division rivals met in Week 5 despite being quarterbacked by Tyler Huntley. Tua Tagovailoa obviously takes Miami’s offense to a different level, so it was wise of Mayo to take appropriate precautions.

Oddsmakers aren’t expecting New England’s preparation to pay off, though, as the Fins are favored by more than a touchdown at FanDuel Sportsbook.