• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Patriots vs. Dolphins: What to Watch For on Sunday

Patriots vs. Dolphins: What to Watch For on Sunday

September 28, 2018
AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

February 24, 2021
A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

February 24, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

February 24, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney

February 24, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Two Hellish Years

February 24, 2021
NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

February 23, 2021

This Or That: Eric Fisher Or Mitchell Schwartz?

February 23, 2021
Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

February 23, 2021
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden

Raiders Opinion: Erasing Past Draft Failures

February 23, 2021
Sabres Season Crumbling Due to Illness, Injuries and Internal Issues

Sabres Season Crumbling Due to Illness, Injuries and Internal Issues

February 23, 2021
WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021

WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021

February 23, 2021

Staying Or Going: Chiefs 2021 Pending Free Agents

February 22, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

Patriots vs. Dolphins: What to Watch For on Sunday

David Albiani by David Albiani
September 28, 2018
in AFC, AFC East, New England Patriots, NFL
Reading Time: 4min read
0
Patriots vs. Dolphins: What to Watch For on Sunday

(Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Once again there is drama in New England and as usual, there are people saying that this
is the end of the Patriots as we know them. After being beaten soundly the last two weeks by the Jaguars and Lions, the Patriots desperately need to beat the Dolphins who have
unexpectedly started 3-0. Should the Dolphins win again, the Patriots would be three games back and would be a real danger at that point.

Unfortunately sometimes when it rains, it pours as the Patriots not only lost to the
Lions, but also lost some key members of their team in Rex Burkhead and their only really
athleticism at linebacker in rookie Ja’Whaun Bentley. Despite back-to-back losses, a struggling offense, and some injuries, there is a good chance the Patriots can turn a corner this week if they clean up their execution.

More FromFPC

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

February 24, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney

February 24, 2021

Raiders Opinion: Two Hellish Years

February 24, 2021

NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

February 23, 2021

Here are some things to watch for against Miami:

1.) Will we see any drastic lineup changes or benchings?

One thing that has to be considered any time a team underachieves or struggles is
making changes to try getting a spark or improving performances in certain areas.
Unfortunately, as of now, the Patriots have a lot of areas they need improvement from including but not limited to pass rush, linebackers ability to detach from blocks and attack gaps on rush attempts, wide receivers ability to separate, accuracy and decision-making on throws, and run blocking. That is a long list and one that cannot be changed with one move and just needs overall improvement in execution from everyone.

Josh Gordon, New England Patriots (cred: AP Photo)

That being said there could be some moves and changes in playing time that could help
things. Josh Gordon will be active most likely this week and could help the passing game. Dont’a Hightower could be moved to the edge. Nicholas Grigsby or Brandon King could be sprinkled in to improve athleticism at linebacker. We also could see changes as far as playing time at cornerback. There are some options, but unfortunately not a lot of them. We will see how John Simon’s signing alters the depth chart and if he can give a spark to the pass rush, but overall I think there will only be minor changes.

2.) Patriots Passing Game

With Josh Gordon likely into the lineup for the first time, everything is lined up for the
Patriots passing game to break through in a big way on Sunday. Along with the Patriots having Josh Gordon to play on the outside, they are also playing at home against the Dolphins who currently rank 29th in the league in passing yards allowed giving up 288.3 yards per game, a number that Tom Brady hasn’t reach yet this year (his season-high is 277 yards week one vs Houston).

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, looks for a receiver as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

One other passing game specific thing to look for is James White’s role in the offense,
especially after Tom Brady mentioned how he has to be more involved in the offense going
forward. White has shown to be one of the only players who can create separation, yards after the catch and has proven to be dependable. Look for McDaniels to get him involved in some screens and in open space to use his elite feet and quickness.

3.) Who plays linebacker?

After showing out in the preseason, Ja’Whaun Bentley’s rookie season has hit a bump in
the road. There is a chance he comes back in eight games (games not weeks) if the Patriots designate him as a player to return, but at the very least it will be a while before he can come back and help the team if at all. The question now becomes who plays linebacker for a team that lost the only player that had speed, youth, and athleticism and is desperate for it.

Unfortunately, there are limited options on this roster to help the problem. Nicholas
Grigsby is the best athlete they have at linebacker, but he is mostly a special teamer. Brandon King is listed at linebacker and in the past has had very, very limited snaps at the money role (6th DB on defense in an LB type position) in the defense, but is similar to Slater in that he is very rarely used in a non-special teams role. Two other out of the box options are trying out Derek Rivers or Geneo Grissom at linebacker, both of whom are very good athletes but are not necessarily fit for the role. Grissom seems like the likelier option of the two, but again it isn’t likely.

No matter what the solutions are, it seems likely changes are coming at this position
unless Hightower regains his previous form and lateral movement.

Patriots Linebacker Donta Hightower (Photo Credit: si.com)

 

4.) Not a week to run the ball

The Patriots have really struggled to run the ball effectively with the offensive line
playing a huge part in that. Unfortunately, this is not a week to try and get it back on track as the Dolphins rank seventh in the NFL in rush defense allowing just 89 rush yards per game. The Patriots obviously will run the ball some to keep the defense honest, but without a big power back in their stable, I am not sure this will be the week they get back on track.

 

-David Albiani is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage Sports Media and covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @david_albiani

Tags: Miami DolphinsNew England PatriotsWhat to Watch For
Share598Tweet374
Previous Post

Saints Game Study: Previewing the Giants

Next Post

FPC Patriots Roundtable: Time to Panic before Week Four?

David Albiani

David Albiani

Next Post
What to Watch For: Patriots vs. Lions

FPC Patriots Roundtable: Time to Panic before Week Four?

Cowboys Five Keys To Victory Vs. Lions

Cowboys Five Keys To Victory Vs. Lions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.56: Carr Extension, Honest Assessments
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5122049759.mp3
  • Ep 30: Pro Football Hall of Famer John Lynch Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43617711/eyetest_ep30.mp3
  • Ep.65: The Darrell Crawford Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2561778107.mp3
  • Ep. 64: The Kelly Marsh Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5086812743.mp3
  • The Game Spring Training Edition
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 2:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43609359/the_game_223.mp3
  • Ep. 190: Knowledge, Power, and Responsibility
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 12:47 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9146904875.mp3
  • Full Press EP 6: Offseason Predictions, Free Agents, Draft Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 10:03 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43606334/full_press_ep_6_mon_1132_01.mp3
  • Points Three Out of Four - Feb. 23, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9962807538.mp3?updated=1614113395
  • Ep 29: Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, and the Steelers with Ed Bouchette
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43603822/eyetest_ep29.mp3
  • Ep. 189: White Fragility, Misogyny, and Failure
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6578023174.mp3

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

  • WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion
    by Evan Gomes on February 22, 2021 at 3:33 am

    WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion A.K.A. The One Without A Women’s […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 51: The Rock Part Three – Hollywood Star
    by Evan Gomes on February 20, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 18, 2021 at 4:18 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021 A.K.A. The One With A Gender Reveal […]

More Wrestling News

  • Offense, Goaltending Shine Bright in Rockford
    by Elaine Shircliff on February 24, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters and Rockford IceHogs goaltending and offense stood out during their midweek […]

  • A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree
    by Carter Brooks on February 24, 2021 at 4:57 am

    It's not like he wasn't before, but Neal Pionk has now certainly pushed his way to the front of […]

  • Claude Giroux Returns As The Flyers Look To Reset Their Season
    by Carol Schram on February 24, 2021 at 2:51 am

    The Philadelphia Flyers will be looking to get back to business with captain Claude Giroux ready to […]

  • Sabres Season Crumbling Due to Illness, Injuries and Internal Issues
    by Michael Augello on February 23, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    After making sweeping changes within the organization and to their roster, the Buffalo Sabres have […]

  • Crosby Hits the 1000 Game Milestone
    by Luke Talotta on February 23, 2021 at 11:45 am

    Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby reached his 1000th NHL game, and congratulations were in order for […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage