Kickoff: The Patriots and Dolphins meet for the second time this season with a possible playoff bid on the line. The Dolphins won the season opener in Miami 20-7.

Miami leads the all time series 60-54. The Patriots are 35-17 all time in Foxboro against Miami and 2-2 in Boston. Miami has won two of the last three meetings at Gillette Stadium including last season’s opener. Miami swept the season series last year for the first time since 2000.

Four Downs

1st Down: Blitzing Bridgewater: I would suspect the Patriots will blitz Dolphins back up quarterback Teddy Bridgewater early and often. Look for a heavy dose for four, five and six man pressures as the Patriots will try to get Miami into as many long down situations as possible.

2nd Down: Matching up with Hill and Waddle: The Patriots played a fair amount of Cover 3 and Quarters in the first match up and do not be surprised if they do the same in this game. By playing off in certain situations, they limit Miami’s ability to make big plays. I think we’ll see a fair amount of Cover 2 Man as well. I just don’t think the Patriots can play purely man against Miami’s skill group. 

3rd Down: Strike first offensively: The Patriots need to score first and play with the lead. It seems like they are playing from behind week in and week out. If they can play ahead in this game, they can win. As I’ve said it all season long. This team is not built to play from behind.

4th Down: Get the ground game going: The Patriots need to figure out a way to get Rhamondre Stevenson going early. The Patriots are better when they can run the football effectively. It opens up their offense. They need to have success on the ground on early downs. If they do that, they can force Miami into some seven and eight man boxes and capitalize on it.

Extra Point: Under Bill Belichick, the Patriots are 26-19 against the Dolphins. The Patriots are 16-4 at Gillette Stadium against Miami. 

Final Drive: The Patriots need this one. Plain and simple. They have got to get off to a good start offensively and they need an early turnover. If they do those two things, they should win this game. The season is on line. New England needs to play their best game of the season.