Dolphins-Patriots Week 8 Matchup Expected To Be A War
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Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts will be the site for a pivotal AFC East clash between the surging Miami Dolphins (3-3) and the undefeated New England Patriots (6-0). These intra-divisional rivals will kickoff Week 8 of the 2015 NFL season with a bang. Opening kickoff is scheduled for Thursday night at 8:25 p.m. ET live on NFL Network and CBS Sports.
This game will mark the centennial meeting between these bitter foes and, perhaps surprisingly, the Fins lead the overall head-to-head series over the Pats 52-47-0. While Bill Belichick's bunch appears unbeatable through seven weeks, the fact that Dan Campbell's squad always plays them tough – coupled with Miami's resurgence under its new head coach – makes for an exciting TNF contest.
Patriots 2015 NFL Season Record
Thus far, New England appears like a team on a mission to win back-to-back Super Bowl titles. Led by perennial Pro Bowler and one of the best quarterbacks to ever throw a ball, Tom Brady and the Pats are off to one of the best starts in franchise history. Through six games, the Patriots unblemished record includes wins over teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and most recently, the rival New York Jets.
Patriots On Offense
There's no question that the offense is the engine that makes New England go; in particular, the man under center, Tom Brady. In his 16th season out of Michigan, the 38-year-old future Hall of Famer doesn't appear to have missed a step as he continues to make the case for the greatest signal-caller that's ever lived. The most impressive part about what Brady is doing this season, and every other year for that matter, is the fact that the Patriots' running game is absolutely non-existent. How bad is New England on the ground in 2015? How about ranking in penultimate place in the entire league at a dismal 83 rushing yards per game.
The craziest part is that, in every other category where Brady has a hand in, this team shines like no other. The Pats' offense enters Week 8 of the 2015 NFL season ranked first in points per game (35.5), and second in total yards per game (410.8) and passing yards per contest (327.2). Some of Brady's favorite targets include All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski (34 receptions, 533 yards, 6 touchdowns) along with wide receivers Julian Edelman (45 receptions for 503 yards, 4 touchdowns) and Danny Amendola (25 receptions for 289 yards, 2 touchdowns).
Patriots On Defense
As a member of the New England Patriots staff since 2004, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is one of the staples of this franchise's glory years. Patricia, who's also in charge of defensive play calling, employs a scheme-flexible defense that's neither a 3-4 nor a 4-3, but both rather. But even a rocket scientist like Patricia can't avoid the fact that his bunch still has plenty of holes for Miami to exploit. Truth is that, if it weren't for Tom Brady, the Pats wouldn't be able to enjoy this type of success; not to mention the fact that their running game is also anemic, and that's being kind.
Heading into this Week 8 showdown, the Patriots defense ranks 12th in points per game (21.0), 15th in total yards allowed (358.7), 18th against the pass (248.3) and 19th at defending the ground game (110.3). The problem for Miami will be containing a trio of impact players in order to have a chance to pull off what would be the biggest upset of the young season.
Patriots Players To Watch
It would be impossible to discuss "players to watch" without mentioning arguably the greatest NFL quarterback of all time, Tom Brady. Off to yet another record-setting season, the four-time Super Bowl champion will be a very tough outing for Miami's defense. He comes into Week 8 having completed 69 percent of his pass-attempts, going 173-for-251 for 2,054 yards 16 touchdowns and a single interception for a clean quarterback rating of 113.2.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Dolphins will have to find a way to contain a pair of Pats defenders Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins. This two-headed monster is responsible for 11 of the team's 21 sacks this season and will be looking to expose Miami's vulnerable offensive line. Jones starts Week 8 leading the team in sacks with 6.5, which is good enough for second place in the NFL, while Collins has dumped opposing signal-callers at a 4.5 clip.
Dolphins vs. Patriots Odds And Outlook
As expected, NFL Week 8 oddsmakers aren't giving the visiting Dolphins much of a chance going up against the mighty Patriots in Foxborough. Opening point spreads for this contest have Miami [+8] listed as eight-point underdogs, while New England [-8] is projected to crush the Fins by a minimum of three field goals. If NFL Week 8 oddsmakers are correct, defense will not be much of a factor in this AFC East showdown, as the OVER/UNDER is set at a combined total of 51 points.
Abe Gutierrez's (Twitter: @GutierrezAbe) passion led him to ditch law school journey in order to launch his own publishing company. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com, AXS.com and the CBS-Sports family. Some of his work can be found on CBS-Miami (Dolphins), CBS-LosAngeles (Chargers), CBS-BayArea (Raiders), CBS-NewYork (NY Jets), CBS-TampaBay (Buccaneers), AXS.com, Examiner.com and other online publications.