New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots have only won twice in the last 12 years in Miami.
New England travels to South Beach to take on the Dolphins in Week 2 on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the Patriots well-chronicled struggles on the road against their division rivals, Mike Jones of The Athletic wrote on Sunday morning that Miami is the more desperate team heading into the matchup.
“It’s wild that it feels appropriate to hit the panic button after just one week, but that’s pretty much where the Miami Dolphins find themselves after an embarrassing defeat to the Indianapolis Colts,” Jones said. “Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins can’t afford a slow start in an improved AFC East. After two playoff debacles, a track record of poor play against quality teams during his tenure and a season of disappointment in 2024, the coach must direct his team toward a strong rebound this week against the New England Patriots. Mike Vrabel’s squad finds itself in the rebuilding phase, but the former linebacker prides himself on a physical, disciplined brand of football that could cause problems for the Dolphins.”
With the Patriots and Dolphins entering the contest at 0-1, both teams are in need of a win.
Injuries and other absences could play a factor in the result, as New England is again without star cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring), while defensive end Keion White is out due to an illness. The Patriots will also be without defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, as he undergoes testing for an unspecified health issue.
Miami, meanwhile, is without tight end Darren Waller, as well as right tackle Austin Jackson (toe), right guard James Daniels (pectoral), nose tackle Benito Jones (oblique) and cornerback Storm Duck (ankle).
New England has a relatively soft September schedule, as they will host the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers in Weeks 3 and 4, respectively, so a win on Sunday could give them lots of momentum.
The Dolphins, on the other hand, have a quick turnaround before they travel north to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football in Week 3.
