The last time the Miami Dolphins faced the New England Patriots, the Dolphins defense did everything they could to scratch, claw and keep the team in position to pull out a win — but ultimately conceded 29 first downs and 217 yards rushing en route to a 21-11 loss in Week 1 against the new look Patriots. It was a demoralizing display; watching the Patriots gouge the Dolphins through creases in between the tackles courtesy of new wrinkles and a quarterback not named Tom Brady serving as the starter for the first time in two decades.
Of course it would be the Dolphins to catch all the best that Patriots coordinator Josh McDaniels could draw up to open the season. Why would it not be, given Miami’s track record of tormenting the Patriots each season despite Miami never being in position to contend.
Consider the tables turned.
The Dolphins are the contender this season and the Patriots are facing playoff elimination with a loss this week. Can the Dolphins flip the script and avoid a sweep, essentially stepping into the Patriots’ shoes in the recent history of this matchup as the playoff team that let a game get away? A lot of whether that becomes reality is going to be rooted in how well the Dolphins are able to stop the run.
The Dolphins certainly seem to have awoken some pride in their run defense after the Denver Broncos punched Miami in the mouth in Denver earlier this season. The Broncos have rushed for the second-most yards against Miami this season; gaining 189 yards as a narrow runner up to the 217 that New England posted in Week 1. But in the three weeks since, the Dolphins have found the screws; allowing 221 yards combined to the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs on the ground. Yes, two of those three teams are simply not very good rosters this season — but the Week 1 contest between Miami and New England should not trick anyone into thinking that New England’s roster is particularly good this season, either.
That doesn’t mean that the Dolphins are a shoo-in to win in Week 15. But it means that Miami’s pride and adjustments in the run defense can make a big difference compared to Week 1 and could position the Dolphins to redeem themselves for a disappointing Week 1 loss.
If that comes to be, look for the Dolphins’ playoff hopes to skyrocket over the final two weeks. Miami is currently on the brink — but an improved performance against New England and a 9th win would go a long way in keeping Miami in the playoff field.