New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins: Scouting Report
By Hal Bent
When the Dolphins run the ball
The Dolphins have struggled to run the football in 2019. They’ve topped 100 yards rushing as a team just three times. They’ve had five different lead running backs, but Fitzpatrick leads the team in rushing with just 228 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns.
Seventh-round draft pick Myles Gaskin was the latest running back to get a shot in the Miami backfield. He injured his ankle last week, giving the job back to the disappointing Patrick Laird. De’Lance Turner and newly-signed Samaje Perine may get their chance in the backfield this week as well.
The Patriots have improved dramatically against the run in recent weeks by having Danny Shelton, Lawrence Guy, and Adam Butler on the field together. With Miami more likely to be throwing the ball, expect the Patriots to go back to two down linemen and adding an extra linebacker to give the defense more versatility.
The Patriots held the run-heavy Bills to less than 100 yards rushing last week. Since getting gashed by Cleveland and Baltimore in back-to-back weeks, the Patriots have been able to slow down the Eagles, Cowboys, Texans, Chiefs, and Bills on the ground. Only the Bengals had success on the ground, and a change in personnel after the first quarter kept the running game in check.
The Dolphins suddenly finding a running game in Week 17 would be a surprise. Even paying attention to the passing game, the Patriots should be able to keep the impotent Miami rushing attack in check.