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What may seem like a mismatch could become a crucial division matchup for the New England Patriots when they visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon in Miami Gardens, Fla.
New England (4-3) is 2-0 in the AFC East, with wins over division-leading Buffalo and third-place New York, but it’s also coming off a 30-24 road loss to the Chicago Bears and doesn’t want to fall further behind the Bills (5-1) in the standings.
The Patriots also know they shouldn’t take the Dolphins (1-5) lightly, especially after Miami finally won a game, taking down another division opponent with a 28-25 road victory over the Jets.
“So they got talent over there, and I mean, it’s a division game, so we know what those mean,” New England cornerback Christian Gonzalez said. “So it’ll be a fun little matchup.”
The Dolphins have one of the worst passing offenses in the NFL, ranking 30th at 162.0 yards per game, despite quarterback Malik Willis turning in his best start of the season last weekend. He completed 14 of 21 passes (66.7 percent) for 208 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Willis also ran for a touchdown.
Miami does not have a player with 300 or more receiving yards, although rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas is averaging 20.3 yards per catch. He recently returned from injury and caught his first two touchdowns of the season against the Jets. Tight end Greg Dulcich, who has 18 catches for 213 yards in six games, is emerging as a key pass catcher.
“I thought Malik’s decisions and decisiveness, getting the ball to (Dulcich) quick, he threw hot a few times in zero pressure when they really outnumbered us in the box,” Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said.
The good news for New England’s secondary is that it could be as healthy as it has been all season, with Gonzalez already back and cornerback Carlton Davis III (neck) nearing a return. Davis was a full participant in practice all week and is listed as questionable.
The Dolphins have been more productive running the football. They rank seventh in the NFL with 131.5 yards per game on the ground. Miami has rushed for at least 100 yards in five consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL. It has accomplished that despite losing standout De’Von Achane to a season-ending knee injury in Week 3.
Ollie Gordon II has rushed for at least 100 yards in two of his past three games since taking over the lead role in Miami’s backfield.
Dolphins rookie left guard Kadyn Proctor is in concussion protocol, as is cornerback Julius “JuJu” Brents (neck/concussion). Proctor was ruled out after not practicing all week, while Brents returned to full participation Friday and is questionable.
New England quarterback Drake Maye has rebounded from a slow start, throwing 12 touchdown passes against just two interceptions over the past four games. The Patriots have gone 3-1 during that span.
Moving to a two-tight-end set has been beneficial. Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon have combined for 29 catches, 361 yards and three touchdowns over those four games.
Patriots No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) did not practice Thursday or Friday after being limited Wednesday. He is questionable, as is running back TreVeyon Henderson (illness). Linebacker Christian Elliss (chest) is also questionable despite participating fully in practice all week.
Dolphins cornerback Reese Taylor (quadriceps) is questionable after returning to full participation Friday.
–Field Level Media
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