Frankie Fins Week 4 Preview: Mission Not Impossible
At 3-0 the Miami Dolphins go into Foxboro with house money, knowing that even if they lose to the New England Patriots, they will still lead the AFC East. The Dolphins have typically played the Patriots well at home, but in Foxboro it has been a different story as they are 2-14 all-time at Gillette Stadium, with their last win coming when Miami unleashed the Wildcat. Thus, despite their strong start and the Patriots early struggles, Miami comes into the game a touchdown underdog.
I like everyone in America, expect from Patriots Nation, hope the 1-2 start for New England is a sign that the run is over, but I know better. The Patriots have come back from the dead more than Freddy Kreuger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and Dracula combined. I mean the Patriots can have ten stakes in their heart, be placed in a tank of holy water cover with garlic and shot 100 times with Silver Bullets and they still will manage to go unbeaten in October and November to soar to the top of the AFC East.
The Dolphins do have the chance to stop it and this is how; continue to get in Tom Brady’s face. The Patriots offensive line has not been good in the first three games. Don’t let the Patriots establish the running game. With Rex Burkhead on injured reserved expect to see New England to try and launch the career of Rookie Sony Michel. Treat Rob Gronkowski like he is a wide receiver, don’t allow him to roam free. That job could be handled by Kiko Alonso who has been a beast at Middle Linebacker, stopping both the run and the pass as he has torn through opposing offenses like the Tasmanian Devil. This will be the final game the Patriots will have to play without Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon is expected to make his debut, Miami can’t allow him to have a big game and give Brady confidence in Gordon too quickly. Miami’s secondary has been a strength so far, with Xavien Howard having three interceptions, including two last week and all signs, point to Reshad Jones playing after missing last week’s game against the Raiders. Meanwhile, Minkah Fitzpatrick needs to continue his development as safety play is always key once Brady gets comfortable hitting people in the slot.
On offense the task is simple, don’t flux it up. Don’t give the Patriots a short field and take care of the ball. Ryan Tannehill will never be an elite quarterback, but when he avoids the big mistake he can find a way to win the game. This is not a game the Dolphins need, but if they somehow win it, things will certainly begin to heat up in South Florida. The main goal needs to be to keep it close, don’t allow the Patriots to get their breakout game against you and put some doubt in their head, while at the same time showing you do belong on the same field. One of these days it has to end in New England, and if the Dolphins play their cards right, it could be Miami who takes over. The lack of pressure could help Miami today they just need to keep it close and see if they can land a knock punch in the fourth quarter.