Kickoff: The Patriots will look to bounce after two back to back abysmal performances against the Jets and 49ers. It will not be easy as the team has been ravaged by injuries. David Andrews, Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers are all out. Andrews is having shoulder surgery and expected to miss the rest of the season.

The Dolphins of course are still without Tua Tagovailoa who suffered his third documented concussion three weeks ago. The Miami offense has struggled mightily without Tua, scoring just 25 points in three games.

Today could very well be one of those ugly, low scoring affairs we have become accustomed to seeing the last few years around here.

Here are four keys to the game.

1st Down: Get pressure on Huntley: With no Tua, the Patriots can afford to be more aggressive today defensively. Look for them to bring more five and six man pressures and get after the Dolphins quarterbacks. The Patriots will not necessarily need to double Tyreek Hill today like they normally would so look for them to take more chances defensively.

2nd Down: Find a rhythm on offense: The Patriots need to find something they can hang their hat on today offensively. Whether it is running the ball or come out throwing three step passes, quick five step and play-action. Alex Van Pelt needs to find something to spark this offense. A quarterback change could do that as well, but will we see it today? Who knows? Probably not.

3rd Down: Win field position on special teams: Games like this are typically won in all three phases. The Patriots must find a way to tilt field position on special teams. The shorter the field, the better. The Patriots offense has proven that they are not able to drive the ball consistently down the field. Tilting field position on special teams would help this offense greatly.

4th Down: Get Bourne touches: Kendrick Bourne is back and that should help the Patriots passing game as KB is the closest thing they have to a number one receiver. Look for Bourne to get targeted early as the Patriots try to get him back into the swing of things and into the game plan. He will get touches in a variety of ways.

Extra Point: Miami leads the all-time series 62-55. New England has the advantage against Miami in home games, leading the series, 38-20, including 17-5 at Gillette Stadium. The Dolphins swept the season series for the 15th time last season.

Final Drive: Given Miami’s struggles on offense without Tagovailoa, the Patriots have a good chance to win this game. In order for that to happen, the offensive line and the offense in general must play well. Expect a low scoring game, one the Patriots can win if they clean things up fundamentally on defense and execute on offense.