The Patriots left for Miami on Tuesday so that they can practice in the heat ahead of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.

Bill Belichick is trying to get his team for the season opener but he is also looking to reverse a trend. He knows the team’s track record in South Beach during his tenure is not good. The Patriots are 9-12 in Miami during his time as the head coach of the Patriots.

Many have questioned whether or not practicing in Miami all week will actually help the team. The answer is yes. The heat is different in Florida in the fall. You cannot replicate it in New England. By practicing in those elements all week, the players will get used to it and it should help them adjust on Sunday

It makes sense to go down early because the heat and humidity has affected the Patriots in Miami in the past. Belichick’s hope is that it won’t be an issue this time and the team can focus on playing football.

Of course going down early is great but the Patriots need to find a way to win this game. They have a tough schedule to open the season and coming out of the gate at 0-1 puts pressure on them right away.

Belichick hopes that Sunday’s game comes down to execution and making plays, not the game time temperature. Practicing in Miami all week may seem extreme but it is a measure he is willing to take if it means turning around the Patriots fortunes in South Beach.