The Patriots are fortunate to be in a position this offseason that doesn't require a complete teardown and rebuild for the first time in three years, as they already have their head coach, staff, and quarterback in place. The same cannot be said about their most prominent rivals, particularly in the division, and that is almost as good to see.
The Dolphins are the first team in the AFC East to make significant roster changes, beginning Monday with a long list of releases to some of their most prominent players, including Bradley Chubb and Tyreek Hill.
There's a good chance that even more big changes are set to come, particularly revolving around Tua Tagovailoa, which would really put the Patriots' chances of owning the division again at the top.
Considering they'll be competing with the Bills for the AFC East crown, getting two wins against Miami would be huge for keeping them in the race.
The Dolphins are tearing down their team for the 2026 season, gifting the Patriots two wins already
The Bills have dominated the AFC East since Tom Brady left the Patriots in 2020, but that luck ran out last season when the longtime owners of the division stole their rightful crown back. The expectation is that it will continue in 2026, so seeing the Dolphins completely fall apart makes that goal even more attainable.
They have always been a tricky team for the Patriots, especially in Miami, and although their recent salary-cap purge doesn't guarantee a win in South Beach, it can increase their chances of sneaking out with one, no matter when the game is set.
The Dolphins are not a desirable destination for free agents, so there's a high chance they won't be able to replace some of their biggest-name releases, and matters are made worse for them by the questions surrounding their quarterback.
If Tua isn't the answer, and he will ride the bench next season because of his contract, making it impossible to cut or trade him, then they'll have to look to free agency for the answer, and the current class of quarterbacks isn't too thrilling.
They do have a chance to draft their next franchise star with the 11th overall pick, but they would be attempting to do that in a predominantly underwhelming quarterback class, which doesn't exactly solve their biggest issue.
Without a legitimate quarterback, a torn-down offense, and a depleted defense, the Patriots have no reason not to dominate this Dolphins team this fall. It nearly guarantees two wins to start the year, and we're seven months away from the start of the year.