Miami Dolphins Week 5 Preview: Must Win To Stay Alive

Miami Dolphins, Tyreek Hill

The Miami Dolphins 2024 season has begun in a historically poor fashion. Despite winning in week one, the Dolphins have not led in a game this season. With the fall of their star QB Tua Tagovailoa in week two, the Dolphins search for any way to keep the team’s playoff hopes alive until a potential return of QB1. They face a divisional rival, the New England Patriots, in week 5.

Miami Dolphins Look To Avoid 1-4 Hole

The Miami Dolphins started the season with a gritty win against the home-state rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The game ended on a walk-off field goal by the Miami Dolphins Jason Sanders. Fighting through adversity, the win showed what the Miami Dolphins were capable of. However, after a Thursday night football game ended in a Tua Tagovailoa injury and a devastating loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Miami Dolphins have failed to put a winning product on the field.

The New England Patriots solidly started the season, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals and losing overtime to the Seattle Seahawks following a blocked field goal. However, in their last two matchups, they have taken big losses to the New York Jets and San Fransisco 49ers (-38-point differential). Leaving the Miami Dolphins hope to pick up a much-needed win.

Miami Dolphins Tips To Defeating Patriots

To win on Sunday, the Dolphins must be consistent on special teams. With both teams ranking among the worst offenses in the league—Miami averaging just 11.3 points per game and New England at 13 points—every field goal could be crucial. Kicker Jason Sanders needs to be reliable, as this matchup could come down to a battle of field goals, making mistake-free play from the special teams unit essential.

Offensively, Miami must find a way to put up points despite starting a backup quarterback. The Patriots’ defense isn’t easy to exploit, but the Dolphins need to get creative with play-calling and capitalize on any mistakes. Short, efficient drives that end in points, even field goals, could make all the difference in such a low-scoring game.

Defensively, Miami has to take advantage of New England’s banged-up offensive line. The Patriots will be without key starters like David Andrews and may start third-stringers in some spots. Even without Jaelan Phillips, Miami’s pass rush, led by Calais Campbell, needs to get pressure on Jacoby Brissett, disrupt his rhythm, and force turnovers. Chop Robinson will have an opportunity for a big game with his newfound snaps.

Patriots Tips To Defending Home Field

For the Patriots to win, their secondary must be sharp against Miami’s elite receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Even with injuries to key players like Kyle Dugger and a limited Jabrill Peppers, New England needs standout performances from Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, and Marcus Jones. Gonzalez held Hill in check last year, but the Patriots must be prepared for both deep shots and dangerous yards after the catch, ensuring their tackling is on point.

On offense, New England’s injured offensive line must hold up long enough for Jacoby Brissett to manage the game. With the Dolphins down star edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, the Patriots need to capitalize on Miami’s weakened pass rush. Establishing quick, efficient plays while minimizing Brissett’s exposure to hits will be crucial in a low-scoring game.

Final Thoughts

This is a big game for the Miami Dolphins as they attempt to stay around .500 until the return of Tua Tagovailoa. The season’s fate falls in the hands of Snoop Huntley, who has won games in similar situations with the Baltimore Ravens. With the return of Raheem Mostert and Odell Beckham Jr, the Miami Dolphins offense hopes to find a new spark.

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