3 underrated keys to victory for the Miami Dolphins to beat the Patriots
By Matt Serniak
![Jan 9, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Jan 9, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fphinphanatic-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F17479484-1-850x560-fffb13b54389e5841b5122a241f3caabd7359884b74d99f20a6420e1fe950032.jpg)
This isn’t like last year when the Miami Dolphins had a shakey at best leg back there.I know it’s not cool anymore to punt the ball when you’re around the 50 yard-line. I know the analytic folks will say that based on all their numbers, algorithms, and spreadsheets being aggressive is the way to go in almost every situation. But we know those numbers don’t take into account the actual flow of the game.
Punting the ball away and letting this defense feast on a feeble New England offense backed up near their own goalline is a strategy that I love.
I love it because I do not think that the Patriot’s offense can put together many scoring drives. I just don’t see where their points are going to come from. Make life hard for them. Make Mac Jones have to make 3rd down throws.
I like our defensive line with Phillips, Ogbah, Sieler, Wilkins, Davis, AVG(if he plays), Ingram III, and now Trey Flowers all day against the offense of New England. Make them go 90 yards.
It wouldn’t be an admission that you don’t have the offense to convert a 4th and 1 around midfield. It’s an admission that you have one of the best defenses in the league and you want that defense on the field especially when you can have the opposing offense backed up in what should be a super-charged Miami Dolphins crowd.
Not just because I recently conducted a fabulous interview with Thomas Morstead, but the guy is going to be better than last year’s punter. He will, more often than not, be able to pin teams inside the 10. Utilize his leg and utilize this defense.
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