A victory this weekend against the New England Patriots would be huge for the Miami Dolphins. It would give us a three game win streak and momentum going into the offseason. The Dolphins are currently 7-8 with a 2-3 division record, and beating the Patriots would bring us to an 8-8 record and a 3-3 AFC East record, which is something solid to build on.
This win is not about us versus them, or our defense against Brady. It's about Joe Philbin against Bill Belichick. Belichick is the mastermind in Foxborough. Without Belichick and his system there wouldn't be a dynasty in New England, and Philbin should recognize this. Yes, New England has some talent, but not enough to say, "Damn, no way we win this one". We have talent on our roster and some guys with nothing to lose.
In the first matchup this year the Dolphins held Brady to 238 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and held Patriots running back Stevan Ridley to seventy one yards and a touchdown. Ryan Tannehill only passed for 186 yards, but he also didn't throw an interception and ran for a touchdown. Reggie Bush only rushed for 68 yards.
But, coming off this weekend's three touchdown performance against Buffalo, Reggie should be jacked and ready to go. I wouldn't bet against Lamar Miller, either.
This can be the game that gives Philbin the confidence on the field as a head coach to be able to out-duel Belichick, and to overcome the mystique of going to New England in December. Just look at the 49ers last week in Foxborough. Colin Kaepernick showed the confidence to not be overwhelmed by the Brady and Belichick show, and I believe Tannehill has that same confidence. If Tannehill outguns Brady and Belichick he enters the off season with a swagger that will remind some of Dan Marino.
The time is now for coach Philbin to go into Foxborough and start a new legacy of ruling the AFC East.
Thanks for stopping by. Email me shawn@dolphinshout.com.
