The Miami Dolphins are bringing their 2019 season to a close this Sunday against the New England Patriots — the same team that handily defeated Miami by a score of 43-0 the first time around. But the Dolphins are a different group than the one that took the field at Hard Rock Stadium in Week 2, and the matchup against New England is the perfect measuring stick to see exactly how far this team has come this season.
The Patriots are a different team themselves — and not necessarily for the better. New England has illustrated some offensive woes in recent weeks, scoring 20 or less points in 5 of their last 6 contests. And New England sports a 5-3 record over their last 8 contests, including wins over Philadelphia, Dallas and Buffalo by a combined 18 points.
The Dolphins? They’re 4-4 in their last 8 games and have suddenly found their groove offensively. The Dolphins have averaged 25.3 points per game over those last 8 games, an impressive improvement over the 11 points they averaged in the first 7 games of the season, which Miami started 0-7.
How far have they really come? This week will provide some answers. And hopefully, some momentum for the 2020 season as well. The Patriots have plenty to play for, as a result it should be expected that the Dolphins lose this game. But Miami will have a great chance to travel to Foxboro and look the AFC East champions in the eye and not back down. Should they do that, expect a much more competitive game than the 43-0 end result from Week 2. With quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick more more established with his offensive personnel this time around, the veteran quarterback figures to play a key role in Miami’s effort against New England.
As a matter of fact, he’s going to serve as the Dolphins’ only hope. If the last 8 games are any indication, Miami may not win — but with Fitzpatrick at the helm we at least know it is going to be fun.
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