3 underrated keys to victory for the Miami Dolphins to beat the Patriots

The Miami Dolphin’s defense needs to stay true to who they are.

This defense is stacked. There’s no other way to say it. Yes, the linebackers aren’t the strongest unit on the team but the defensive line is fierce nearly top to bottom. The secondary has some elite-level talent at the top but we are fully aware that depth is an issue and that depth will be on full display on Sunday.

I strenuously feel that the Miami Dolphins’ defense was designed to bring tons of pressure and play man-to-man defense behind it. In saying that, that approach and style that carried the Miami Dolphins last year winning 8-9 games to end the year needs to be the identity of the defense from the get-go. Don’t do it like last year where the coaches waited until the season was pretty much lost to start saying F it, let’s bring the house. Do it from game one.

I realize Byron Jones is out and Nik Needham is dealing with an injury, but should still be out there. I get that the guys being asked to log meaningful snaps are quite unheralded. I don’t care. Trust the defensive line, the edge rushers, and Brandon Jones to make life miserable for Mac Jones.

The Patriots receivers are garbage and we know it. We know that the last thing they’re good at is getting separation. Make Mac Jones have to make pin-point accurate throws under duress. If you get beat on a play, so what?

I don’t want the Miami Dolphins to just sit back in a zone and let Jones have time to set his feet and find a guy. Make him beat you. I don’t think he can with the receivers he has.