Miami Dolphins are without Xavien Howard and taking on the Patriots, what could go wrong?

The Miami Dolphins are still holding on by a thread in the playoff race. At 6-6, the playoffs are still within reach but the next challenge is a tough one, and the New England Patriots will be ready to play in Week 14’s matchup.

This is the second of two matchups for the Miami Dolphins against their bitter AFC East rival, the New England Patriots. This is always a tough matchup, but it’ll be in Hard Rock Stadium this time around, so the odds are more favorable for the Dolphins to get the upset.

The Dolphins got embarrassed in the last game with the Patriots earlier this season in Week 4, and it ended the nice 3-0 run the Fins had going on. Wow, the Dolphins were 3-0 this season at one point. That seems like a lifetime ago.

Like every week, it’s time to check the injury report to check on the state of affairs for the Dolphins. The biggest news is that Xavien Howard is out this week. That’s a game breaker.

I praised Minkah Fitzpatrick with a certain title earlier this season, but things have quickly changed since then. I’ll call mea culpa on that one. Howard is almost unanimously the best player on this team and I don’t need to tell you that that’s not a good thing when he’s out.

Other than Howard, the injury report is almost a carbon copy of last week and the week before. Cornell Armstrong, Cam Wake, Bobby McCain, and Reshad Jones are all notably banged up but will be playing.

So without Xavien Howard, how will the Miami Dolphins defense keep pace with the Patriots? Here’s the problem with that question. I have serious concerns the Dolphins can keep pace with the Patriots.

Of course, I’ve been proven wrong, like last year when everyone’s favorite quarterback led the way to a magnificent, assertive win against Tom Brady and the Pats. The Dolphins show some more fight when they play at home, so I’m hoping that home field advantage can play an integral role in an upset victory.

The Patriots have a very different looking injury report. They are relatively healthy compared to Dolphins, who have been gutted by injuries this season. Gronk is having a down year for his standards, but he’s still a threat.

Speaking of threats, James White and/or Sony Michel will likely have field days against this defense. Send up some prayers, that’s all we can do about stopping them.

The Patriots don’t have the greatest offensive line, so I am expecting at least some life out of the defensive ends. Robert Quinn and Cam Wake have the ability to create some noise on Sunday, and that’ll be the first step in the upset conversation.

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The linebackers showing up could be the difference maker in this game as well. Statement games from Raekwon McMillan, Kiko Alonso and Jerome Baker will be more than welcome in this game.

The corners will have a rough time with Julian Edelman and company. Josh Gordon could be a problem; he’s had some solid showings this season and could be poised for a big game with X out.

The safeties will have to step up in this game. T.J. McDonald will have to show out and Minkah Fitzpatrick will have to continue to adjust to all the responsibilities that are being asked of him.

This is going to be a tough battle, but this isn’t an impossible game to win. As I said, home field advantage will be very important. I’m not going to write off the Dolphins; we’ll just have to watch and see. Causing some turnovers and creating some defensive pressure will be the first stepping stones. If the Fins can do that, then there’s a chance.