AFC East showdown pits the New England Patriots against Miami Dolphins
With the Patriots, Dolphins and Jets currently locked in a tie atop the AFC East, all with two wins and one loss, this weekend's divisional match-ups will have huge consequences and tremendous tie-breaking implications. With the Jets holding a slight edge
by virtue of defeating both the Patriots and the Dolphins, in week two and week three respectively, it means that this week's Monday nighter between the AFC East rivals could be pivotal.
How they match up
On offence, the Patriots appear to have a huge advantage. The Patriots have scored more points so far this season than any other team in the NFL, and their passing game, led by quarterback Tom Brady and receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker, continues to rip
apart opposing defences. However, the Patriots can often seem a little one dimensional in their approach as they have yet to establish any type of consistent running game. Their leading rusher, BenJarvus Green-Ellis has only 139 yards on 31 carries.
The New England defence is also weak and Miami's rushing tandem of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, who were collectively held to only 82 yards against the New York Jets, will have to come up with a big performance against the Patriots 27th ranked defence.
Quarterback Chad Henne has also gotten used to finding his new favourite target, Brandon Marshall, who came over to Miami from the Denver Broncos during the off-season, and has been causing headaches for opposing secondaries. Marshall already has 22 catches
so far this season and is well on pace to hit the 100 reception plateau for a fourth straight season.
The high-powered New England offence can usually do enough to compensate for whatever their defence surrenders, but the Jets pointed out just what can happen when the Patriots come up against a team that is prepared to defend hard. If the Patriots allow
the Dolphins to move the ball with as much ease as the lowly Bills did at times last week, then Bill Belichick and his boys could be in for a long night.
What to expect
Last season the Dolphins beat the Patriots in Miami in this same meeting 22-21 in week 13 and they'll be hoping to do it again as everyone is aware of the implications that a win on Monday night will have later on in the season. Sun Life Stadium will provide
a hostile environment for the visiting Patriots and it's never easy for teams to travel to Miami and hope to get a win.
"It’s always tough to play down there," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "They do a good job. They give you a lot to get ready for."
The Miami Dolphins should have little trouble running the ball on New England's defence, which means they should control time of possession. If the Dolphins can keep the Patriots' receiving corps in check it will give them a great opportunity to win the
game.
Although the dominance of the Patriots in the AFC East appears to be waning, they still benefit from being one of the most feared teams in the NFL. Despite home field advantage the Patriots will have a psychological edge knowing that Brady and Belichick
are bona fide winners and can grab a win no matter what the situation. Patriots win 21-17.
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