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Dolphins in focus

Email|Link|Comments (1) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff September 19, 2008 08:00 AM

Here are a few nuggets of note about the Patriots' opponent this Sunday at Gillette Stadium, the Miami Dolphins (0-2):

1) Bigger and more physical in the front 7. With executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells bringing his "program" to South Florida, the profile of player the Dolphins are seeking is similar to the Patriots. Big. Physical. This is specifically evident in the front seven of the 3-4 defense, which plays a San Diego-like, Dallas-like style (a bit more attacking than the Patriots).

2) Prepare to see a lot of motion on offense. With Dan Henning as offensive coordinator, the Dolphins like to use a lot of motion before the snap and various formations on offense. This can test a defense mentally, creating some chess-match-like elements to the game. The Patriots can also expect to see a bunch of scheme runs.

3) Slow starts have been a problem. The Dolphins fell behind 24-0 last Sunday at Arizona, and had three-and-outs on their opening two drives in the season-opener to fall behind the Jets 7-0.

4) Tight ends lead team in receptions. Tight end Anthony Fasano leads the Dolphins with eight receptions, with another tight end, David Martin, right behind with seven. This partly reflects a lack of production at receiver, as the Dolphins are averaging just 5.76 yards per pass attempt through two games. Opponents, on the other hand, are averaging a whopping 11.88 yards per pass attempt which shows a vulnerability to the big play.

5) New kicker: Dan Carpenter. The Dolphins have turned over their kicking duties to rookie Dan Carpenter (Montana), who was the choice over veteran Jay Feely. Carpenter has hit on his only attempt of the season, a 32-yarder.

FINAL ANALYSIS: The Dolphins look like one of the NFL's weaker teams at this time, but the organization is on the right track. It's going to take some time to add more talent throughout the roster. The Patriots figure to key on running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, looking to put the Dolphins into longer-yardage situations (Miami is just 6 of 25 on third down through two games). Bill Belichick believes Will Allen is one of the NFL's top corners, so it will be interesting to see how much the Patriots try to challenge him. I think the Dolphins will play the Patriots tough, but the better team will prevail. Prediction: Patriots 24, Dolphins 14.

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1 comments so far...

Patriots 24, Dolphins 14.

Close. Add them up and its how many points the fish scored today.

Posted by Mike Jobs September 21, 08 11:21 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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