The Patriots host the Miami Dolphins today in a pivotal match up for both teams as they try to save their seasons.

The Patriots have suffered a bunch of key injuries the past two weeks that will alter the way the way they play on both sides of the ball.

Here is the game plan this week against the Dolphins.

Offense

More gun runs: The Patriots are starting Antonio Gibson at running back today so expect more gun runs, something Gibson excels in. The Patriots will utilize zone and man-gap run plays with built in RPO’s on the back side.

Work the perimeter in the passing game: The Patriots will need to get the ball out quick today. Look for more perimeter screens, three step passes and play-action passes that flood an outside third of the field.

Use compressed formations: The Patriots need to get Miami to play off more and create space for their receivers. Look for more balanced, compressed formations as they try to find ways to get guys open in the passing game.

Emphasize outside runs: With David Andrews out, take the pressure off of your interior offensive lineman and run the ball outside more. Look for more outside zone, toss and crack toss plays as the Patriots look to attack the edge of this talented Miami defense.

Keep working the motion: The Patriots have been using more motion of late and look for that to continue today. I also expect to see more trades with tight ends. The Patriots need to do more than simply insert receivers and run unbalanced. They need to shift more and force the defense to adjust.

Defense

Disguise: Expect the Patriots to move around a lot today in the secondary despite the injuries to Dugger and Peppers. The Patriots need to roll coverage and jump areas post snap in zone coverage. Confusing Huntley into hold the ball longer or throwing into double coverage is key.

Bring 5 and 6: Look for Demarcus Covington to be more aggressive today in an effort to throw Tyler Huntley off of his spot. The Patriots do not have have to commit as many guys to coverage today so look for more pressure and man to man coverages. Expect a lot of zone pressures today.

Bracket Hill in certain situations: The Patriots will still need to double Hill in certain alignments and situations. He is still an explosive playmaker and the Dolphins can still get him the ball in space despite the inconsistency at quarterback.

8 man fronts on early downs: Raheem Mostert is back which means he becomes the focal point of the Miami offense on early downs. The Patriots have get into more right man fronts on early downs. Marte Mapu will start and expect him to either play in the box or drop pre-snap and support the run off the edge.

Combination coverage: The Patriots will need to play more combination coverages this week. Man to one side, zone on the other. Expect them to play man to where ever Hill aligns so they can double him but more zone to the other side. Make the other guys beat you in the passing game.