The Patriots will not have many extra alternatives just like the one which will probably be introduced at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
May they really win a recreation?
New England certain hopes so, because the schedule solely will get worse transferring ahead with matchups in opposition to the Houston Texans and New York Jets on the horizon. The Miami Dolphins are coming to city banged up and trending in a nasty route — with Tua Tagovailoa and Jaelan Phillips each on injured reserve — so the time is now to get proper.
The Patriots have a legit alternative to seek out themselves within the win column Sunday, however they’re going to in all probability want a couple of of those daring predictions to return true to be able to make that occur:
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LIMITING MIAMI’S ATHLETES
Miami could not get a lot of something accomplished final week, totaling simply 184 yards of offense in opposition to the equally as dangerous Tennessee Titans.
Tyler Huntley struggled mightily to get the ball to his receivers, with Jaylen Waddle (36) and Tyreek Hill (22) combining for his or her least quantity of receiving yards in a recreation since changing into teammates in 2022. De’Von Achane regarded like a very totally different participant than what we have come to anticipate of him, whereas Raheem Mostert is coming off a chest harm that can depart him restricted at finest.
The Patriots received thrashed final week in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers, however the return of Anfernee Jennings ought to have a optimistic impression on their run protection. Christian Gonzalez was super in his lone matchup in opposition to Hill final season, so with a serious query mark at quarterback we really feel comfy predicting one other lengthy day for Miami’s offense.
Prediction: Achane, Mostert, Hill and Waddle every end with lower than 60 scrimmage yards.
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TRIUMPH IN TURNOVER TILT
The Patriots are 1-2-1 within the turnover battle this season with their lone win coming in Week 1 in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Dolphins have not been dangerous about giving the ball away, however their even turnover differential suggests they are not doing a terrific job of taking it away defensively.
If Jacoby Brissett can keep away from one dangerous mistake, New England needs to be alright.
Prediction: New England wins the turnover battle.
THREE-HEADED MONSTER
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has admitted to contemplating extra reps for Antonio Gibson this week, with Rhamondre Stevenson fumbling in his fourth consecutive recreation Sunday. New England must run the ball to achieve success, although, so why not set up a wrinkle to assist them do this?
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Drake Maye’s athleticism is the one factor that may’t be argued, and positively does not must be developed, so give him a shot at exhibiting off. The Patriots don’t need him standing within the pocket and getting drilled, however what about letting him run a couple of RPOs to attempt to benefit from a depleted protection? Simply train the child methods to slide.
Prediction: The Patriots set up Drake Maye bundle.
PATS PULL IT OUT
The Patriots ought to win this recreation, which is one thing we do not anticipate to be saying too many extra occasions this season. Huntley cannot beat you, otherwise you may as nicely pack it up and begin taking a look at potential teaching replacements on each side of the ball.
Prediction: The Patriots beat the Dolphins.
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