Bill Belichick eschewed his usual lengthy opponent scouting report during today’s press conference, joking, “Alright, I think everyone is pretty familiar with the Dolphins, so I\u2019ll save you the recap on them. A pretty explosive team.” Miami is, indeed, still an explosive team, ranking 1st in the NFL with 41 gains of 20+ yards. But Belichick acknowledged Miami isn’t the exact same team they saw in Week 2, saying, “I think everybody has evolved in the last few weeks. Every team has. So, they have. It\u2019s just the normal evaluation. Some injuries and transitions in their schemes, pretty similar.”<\/p>\n
The Dolphins have lost several key players to injured reserve over the past five games, including left tackle Terron Armstead, explosive running back De’Von Achane, and left guard Isaiah Wynn. Cornerback Xavien Howard (groin) and center Connor Williams (groin) were also inactive last week against the Eagles. Miami could be getting some reinforcements before Sunday’s matchup, with corners Jalen Ramsey and Nik Needham, as well as receivers River Cracraft and Erik Ezukanma being eligible to return from IR.<\/p>\n
The Patriots have also suffered their share of losses since Week 2, with Matthew Judon (bicep), Christian Gonzalez (shoulder), Riley Reiff (knee), and Marcus Jones (shoulder) among several players on IR. But last week also saw Cole Strange and Mike Onwenu return to the lineup, and Josh Uche returned to practice today after missing all of last week with a foot injury.<\/p>\n
It’s too early to know which banged-up players will miss Sunday’s rematch, but for now, here are some of the top quotes from Wednesday’s media availability.<\/p>\n
Belichick Breaks Down Tuesday’s Roster Moves<\/b><\/p>\n
Yesterday, the Patriots waived quarterback\/wide receiver Malik Cunningham and released defensive end Trey Flowers from the Physically Unable to Perform list.<\/p>\n
Cunningham signed to the active roster on a three-year deal heading into Week 6, serving as the top backup against the Raiders. Fans hoped the dual threat would help spark an anemic Patriots offense, but he wasn’t targeted when lined up at receiver, and both of his snaps at quarterback went for negative yards. These struggles were less of an indictment on the player and more on the steep learning curve for any rookie making a big jump in competition while filling multiple roles.<\/p>\n
\nCunningham\u2019s sack came on an RPO that O\u2019Brien ran a lot with the Texans, but featuring the Dolphins\u2019 cheat motion from KB<\/p>\n
This was a perfectly timed blitz by the Raiders, and I\u2019m not sure how much handing off is actually an option on these plays pic.twitter.com\/UnYvMq0HeG<\/a><\/p>\n
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) October 16, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n