The Patriots look to get their first win this weekend in Miami, where they’ve lost every game since 2019.<\/p>\n
New England fell to the Raiders 20-13 at home after a slow start and a lackluster second half. There are several issues to iron out, including an out-of-sync offense, inconsistent coverage, some shaky blitz calls, and untimely penalties. But with a division win on the line, Mike Vrabel’s<\/strong> squad must quickly learn from mistakes and turn the page.<\/p>\n “That’s what I feel, and that’s where our thought process is, is that we want to try to get off to a good start, and if we don’t, we can’t worry about it,” Vrabel said. “These are all things that we have to be able to overcome, whether you get off to a good start, you’re still going to have to finish strong, and if you don’t get off to a great start, you’ve got to go on to the next play. Just the understanding that that’s how this game goes, and we have to be able to work past it, and we have to continue to practice that way.”<\/p>\n The Miami heat and humidity are significant challenges that must be taken into account. That said, the Dolphins look vulnerable after a 33-8 blowout loss in Lucas Oil Stadium.<\/p>\n Tua Tagovailoa’s<\/strong> four turnover-worthy plays were tied for the most in Week 1, including two picks and a fumble on one of his three sacks taken. Stars Tyreek Hill<\/strong> and Jaylen Waddle<\/strong> were held under 50 yards each, with the longest of their catches going for 21 yards. Right guard James Daniel<\/strong> and right tackle Austin Jackson<\/strong> are also expected to miss Sunday’s game, which is music to the ears of NFL sack leader Harold Landry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Colts quarterback Daniel Jones<\/strong> went 22-29 for 272 yards and three total scores against Miami, and Indianapolis ran for 156 yards on 40 carries. Edge rusher Bradley Chubb<\/strong> managed a sack, but it was one of just two times Jones was hit all game.<\/p>\n This week should be a prime bounce back opportunity for the Patriots, but they must make critical improvements to avoid another disappointing defeat. Here are my three keys to New England securing a rare win in Hard Rock Stadium.<\/p>\n The Patriots will be down All-Pro Christian Gonzalez<\/strong> for a second straight week, a significant loss given his past dominance<\/a> against the Dolphins’ speedsters. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams<\/strong> will also miss Sunday’s game<\/a>, thus elevating inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr<\/strong>, who filled in when needed this offseason.<\/p>\n Whomever is will be tasked with correcting Week 1’s worst pass defense. New England’s coverage gave up a league-high nine explosives<\/a> to underrated veteran Geno Smith<\/strong>, the most in the NFL.<\/p>\n The Dolphins’ receivers may have been quiet in the opener, but they’re lethal when maximized in Mike McDaniels’ scheme.<\/p>\n “I mean, Tua does a fantastic job of knowing where he wants to go with the ball,” Vrabel said.”Quick delivery, he’s extremely accurate. Then the speed with [Jaylen] Waddle, Tyreek and the whole team. Then again, they have a fullback that has versatility and can play on the inner line of scrimmage, motions. Usually every big play, he’s kind of in the run game, he’s somewhere near it.”<\/p>\n The Patriots just blitzed at an unheard of rate last week for a Vrabel team, with Hawkins’ touchdown allowed and Davis’ 3rd down blitz being poor calls that put players in bad spots. But outside of those gaffs, New England’s blitzes were a big positive for the defense.<\/p>\n Mike Vrabel says blitzing is about timing and being in the right spot, adding the defense was effective when those things aligned but noting you "can't live in a blitz world"<\/p>\n Also said there were positives from 4-man rushes, but spatial awareness and coordination can improve https:\/\/t.co\/daXS2dQtfn<\/a><\/p>\n — Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 8, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nContain Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle<\/h2>\n
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