The New England Patriots go into Week 12 with a notch already in the win column against AFC East opponents. The Patriots return home to face the Miami Dolphins after a two-game road trip, to Denver where they defeated the Denver Broncos and Mexico City where they easily took down the Oakland Raiders. The Dolphins are on a streak of their own, having lost their last four games. Here are the Week 12 New England Patriots keys to victory.
Week 12 New England Patriots Keys to Victory
Avoid Giving up Big Rushes
Jay Cutler has not been a picture of health this season. As of Wednesday, the veteran quarterback was still in a concussion protocol. Dolphins head Coach Adam Gase stated that the coaching staff would make a decision on who would start at quarterback earlier this week, but that decision has yet to come out. That means that the Patriots secondary, which has been improving every week, will either see an unhealthy Cutler or Matt Moore under center for Miami. Neither are attractive options for moving the ball through the air.
If Moore starts, expect the Dolphins to rely on Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams, their leading rushers in the last two games. Williams and Drake have the ability to create big plays. Williams tore off a 69-yard rush against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Drake had a 66-yard run on the road against the Carolina Panthers last week. Frankly, big plays are the only thing the Patriots have to worry about with this rushing duo. After taking away these plays, Williams and Drake averaged only one yard per carry and 2.7 yards per carry respectively in those contests.
Keep up the Defensive Disruption
Last week the Patriots defense proved they are getting much better at disrupting opposing offenses and ending drives. No opponent has scored more than 20 points against the Patriots defense since they lost to Carolina. And only two teams have posted more than 14 points during that span.
The defense was able to manufacture key turnovers against the Oakland Raiders when it mattered. Admittedly, they stumbled into those turnovers, but it’s clear that the secondary is more keyed into the game plan now than they were the first part of the season. The Dolphins have a question at quarterback and an uneven rushing attack, so a shutout in Foxborough isn’t out of the question.
Take it Easy
The Patriots injury report looks like a Pro Bowl selection ballot. Tom Brady was limited in practice on Thursday with a tweaked Achilles. Rob Gronkowski was limited due to illness. Patrick Chung was limited with an ankle injury. Chris Hogan, David Andrews, Martellus Bennett, and Marcus Cannon did not participate in practice at all.
With a record of 4-6 the Dolphins are not much of a threat to the Patriots continuing their dominance in the division. Unfortunately, Ndamukong Suh made a statement this week that he’d like to get up close and personal with the reigning Super Bowl MVP. That cannot bode well for Brady, who won’t be able to scramble out of Suh’s grasp with an injured Achilles.
There is no love lost between the Patriots offense and the Dolphins defense. If Brady does play, the offensive line will have its work cut out for them against the most aggressive squad in the AFC East. If not, Josh McDaniels will have his hands full with Brian Hoyer at the helm. There should be no need to endanger the offense if the defense can take advantage of the skidding Dolphins.
The Patriots and Dolphins kick off on Sunday at 1:00 PM EST.
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