As the Miami Dolphins gear up to face the New England Patriots this Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, there’s a palpable sense of impending change in the air.
The Dolphins, sitting at a disappointing 1-3, have been dealing with the absence of their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who has been sidelined due to a concussion sustained in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. In the wake of Tagovailoa’s injury, Tyler Huntley took the reins against the Tennessee Titans, struggling to find his footing with a mere 96 yards on 14-of-22 passing. The result? A sobering 31-12 defeat.
Despite an electrifying last-second victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in their season opener, the Dolphins have failed to claim a lead at any point in their last three games – a feat unseen since the 2017 Cleveland Browns. Head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledges the elephant in the room: "Everything is on the table. You can’t deny that the offense is good." McDaniel’s sentiment echoes his willingness to explore all avenues to revitalize the team’s struggling offense. Nevertheless, Huntley is expected to start against the Patriots, a game that could be crucial for turning Miami’s season around.
Further complicating matters is the absence of linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who suffered a season-ending knee injury, leaving a significant void in Miami’s defense.
The Patriots, likewise, are considering a pivot on offense. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson began the season with a promising 120-yard outing against the Cincinnati Bengals but has been plagued by ball security issues. With Antonio Gibson potentially stepping into the spotlight as RB1, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo is candid: "We can’t preach that ball security is job security and still have him on the field most of the time."
New England’s offensive line will also need to adapt to the loss of veteran center David Andrews, who will likely miss the remainder of the season after shoulder surgery. This upheaval comes amid a three-game losing streak following their opening win, with their latest stumble being a 30-13 defeat to the relentless San Francisco 49ers.
The Patriots’ defense has its own challenges, with safeties Kyle Dugger (ankle) and Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) absent from practices, and a myriad of players, including cornerback Jonathan Jones and guard/center Nick Leverett, listed as limited.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are not without their injury woes. Safety Jordan Poyer missed Wednesday’s practice, and key players like Terron Armstead and Kendall Fuller are grappling with concussions.
Both teams are on a mission to bounce back, and when these two AFC forces collide, it promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Grab your jerseys, ready your gear, and prepare for what is sure to be a showdown filled with grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
