Dolphins-Patriots Preview: Brady's Bunch

Miami looks to avenge its Week 1 loss to the Pats, while New England tunes up for the playoffs

Last time the Miami Dolphins played the New England Patriots, the Dolphins were on the receiving end of one of the biggest offensive explosions in NFL history. Tom Brady had a career best night that left Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell practically speechless, saying, "It's embarrassing. It's embarrassing."

Since then, things only got worse for the Dolphins, while the Patriots once again jumped to the top of the AFC East. New England can clinch another division title with a win on Saturday, while the Dolphins only have pride at stake.
 
When the Dolphins have the ball: The Patriots offense is a juggernaut, but New England is surprisingly pedestrian on defense. The Pats have the worst defense in the NFL yardage-wise, but they are ranked 14th in terms of points, thanks in large part to their fifth-best 28 forced turnovers.
 
Chad Henne had the best game of his career against the Pats in Week 1, and Matt Moore will need to do the same for the Dolphins to have a chance at a win. Reggie Bush is coming of the best game of his career, but he might not see much action thanks to New England's week pass defense. Things have gotten so bad in the Patriots secondary that coach Bill Belichick has resorted to playing Julian Edelman, a wide receiver, at corner back.
 
When the Patriots have the ball: New England erupted for 38 points and 622 total yards in a Week 1 victory over the Dolphins. While the Dolphins' defense has improved greatly since then, the Patriots still have the tools necessary to punish the Dolphins. 
 
QB Tom Brady threw for 517 yards that week, with WR Wes Welker and TEs Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez getting open at will against Miami's secondary. No one has been able to stop any of these three this season, as they have combined for 3,257 yards receiving and 30 touchdowns. 
 
Who has the edge? Miami has improved on defense in the second half of the season, but they haven't faced a team that's half as effective at scoring as the Patriots. The streak of competence on defense will likely come to an end, thanks to New England's plethora of weapons.
 
"This time will be different" quote of the week: "We're definitely not the same defense we were then." -Karlos Dansby
 
The Pick: New England 34-Miami 17
 
Details: Miami Dolphins (5-9) at New England Patriots (11-3)
TV: CBS, 1:00 p.m., Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
Line: New England by 10.5
Previously: New England won 38-24 in Week 1
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