New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins: Scouting Report
By Hal Bent
When the Dolphins pass the ball
The Dolphins are 27th in total offense (304.7 yards per game) and 25th in points, averaging 18.6 points per game (all statistics from Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted). They are 15th in passing yards (231.8 yards per game), as veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has given the Dolphins respectability. He has completed just 61.4% of his pass attempts with 19 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and an 84.2 quarterback rating.
The Patriots’ top-ranked defense (fewest points and yards allowed through 15 games) is second in passing defense, allowing just an average of 170.6 yards passing per game. They have allowed just 12 passing touchdowns (No. 1 in the NFL) and have intercepted 25 passes (also tops in the NFL). The secondary has been the key for New England, as Stephon Gilmore (six interceptions and 19 passes defended) continues to cement his title as the best cornerback in the league.
Week 2 seems like a million years ago, but Ryan Fitzpatrick struggled mightily that day, completing just 11 of 21 passes for 89 yards and three interceptions before being benched for Josh Rosen.
The Patriots have had their share of matchups against the 37-year-old Fitzpatrick over the years. He has been a starter in Miami, New York, and Buffalo, among other stops. In 12 games against the Patriots this past decade, Fitzpatrick is 2-10, completing 60% of his passes with 20 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, 24 sacks, and a 78.5 quarterback rating.
Fitzpatrick’s strong play of late has been keyed by improved blocking by the offensive line as well as the emergence of DeVante Parker as a 1,000-yard receiver (64 receptions for 1,065 yards and nine touchdowns), plus occasional spurts of output from tight end Mike Gesicki (47 catches for 536 yards and four touchdowns). Also, the emergence of slot receiver Albert Wilson in the past few weeks has keyed the passing offense.
Unfortunately for Miami, the Patriots can counter the passing game with their deep secondary. While slot cornerback Jonathan Jones and outside cornerback Jason McCourty may need another couple weeks to get back to 100%, the Patriots still have Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, and rookie Joejuan Williams to cover Parker and veteran Allen Hurns.
The tougher battle will be safeties Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty matching up with Gesicki. Chung is tough, but Gesicki has high-end athletic skills. At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, he has size and speed, and is fast developing into a steady red zone threat.