Week one: Miami Dolphins have edge over the Patriots by position
By Brian Miller
Both the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots have a good running back unit and depth may be the key to who has the edge.
Running back
- Dolphins vs. Patriots
- Edge – Dolphins
For New England, it comes down to Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. Both are good but not elite running backs. They succeed because the offensive line has been very good and at times overachievers. That may not be the case this year.
In 2021, Harris led the team with 202 attempts and 929 yards while Stevenson added 606 yards. That is a good RB combination. Neither player added a lot to the passing game with each catching around 12-14 passes. Stevenson posted 123 yards receiving while Harris posted 132.
For Miami, it all comes down to health. Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds are both excellent point of impact runners but their bread and butter is speed, especially for Mostert. Both can contribute in the passing game where they can be more dangerous.
At the top, I would put New England and Miami very close in terms of edge but Miami has much better depth with Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed and the addition of Ingold also is a factor. It’s not a big edge but on paper, Miami has it.