Dolphins: Dan Campbell talks Patriots
By Josh Binder
Dolphins coach Dan Campbell took to the microphone yesterday to discuss the short week leading up to the big game against the Patriots on Thursday night. Once again, the big-bodied coach Campbell preached intensity, aggressiveness, playing for each other, and playing smart.
"“[We’ve] gotta make them earn everything they got on offense by applying pressure and playing physical in the secondary.” When asked about Tom Brady, Campbell said “He’s been playing at a high level for a number of years now, and offensively, they are doing everything right. [They’re] efficient–not turning the ball over and finding mismatches–they’re potent.”"
As far as the Dolphins offense goes, Campbell backed up what was discussed in my last article, when he said “more than anything [our run game] is what has helped [Tannehill] the most.”
When asked what his strategy was to beat the Patriots, Campbell’s response was fairly self-explanatory.
"“We know what we’re capable of. We can’t turn the ball over, can’t have stupid penalties, and that will give us the best chance to win.” As far as the Patriots offense, Dan Campbell said “We’ve got to make them earn [everything], that’s the bottom line.”"
A reporter also asked Campbell if he thought about the coaching matchup and whether it was a Dan Campbell vs Bill Belichick type of game. Campbell’s response was short, humble, and straight to the point.
"“Bill Belichick is one of the greatest coaches [ever]. He’s better than anybody at finding those mismatches and taking away your best players.” Cambell went on to say “I don’t look at it as me vs him, I look at it as the Miami Dolphins vs the New England Patriots.”"
Oct 25, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell is seen before playing the Houston Texans at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports
One of the last questions of the press conference was about Campbell’s gameplan to stop Patriots superstar tight end, Rob Gronkowski.
"“[Our gameplan] is kinda what we did against JJ Watt, we put all 5 [offensive] lineman on him. We’ll probably just put the whole secondary on [Gronk] him and go from there.”"
Gronkowski has had a monster season thus far, and stopping him is going to be one of the toughest, if not the toughest task the Dolphins secondary has faced this year. Reshad Jones will work against the pro bowl tight end most the game, but the Dolphins are going to have to switch things up to keep Brady and Gronkowski guessing. Oh, and don’t forget about that little speedster Julian Edelman either.
The shortened week is always tough, but luckily for the Dolphins, many of the starters rested during parts of the second-half of last weeks game against the Texans. Stopping Brady when he’s on his “A” game is going to be a huge test for this Dolphins defense; and in my opinion, it all starts up front with getting to the quarterback. Feel free to check out the entire press conference by clicking the link at the bottom of this article and let me know your thoughts about the Patriots by commenting below. Phins up!