WHEN THE DOLPHINS PASS
Chad Pennington doesn't have eye-popping statistics, but when the Dolphins needed game-deciding drives against Buffalo, Denver, Seattle and Oakland, he delivered. Pennington has found some chemistry with receiver Ted Ginn Jr., particularly on deeper passes. The two have connected on 18 passes in the past four games for a 17-yard average; their 17 completions in the previous four games averaged only 8.8 yards per catch. The Dolphins also intend to make Anthony Fasano and David Martin keys in the passing game because the Patriots have struggled to stop the tight end. Advantage: Miami.
WHEN THE PATRIOTS PASS
Quarterback Matt Cassel was bad in the teams' first meeting this year, passing for 131 yards in his second career start for the injured Tom Brady as the Patriots lost at home. He is playing better with experience and is coming off a career-high 400-yard performance. But he still has not gotten in synch with receiver Randy Moss on deep routes, and regardless of his improvement he is still no Brady. The Miami pass defense has been superior recently, with the team allowing only one 300-yard passing performance in the past five games. Advantage: Even.
WHEN THE DOLPHINS RUN
Before the Dolphins played the Patriots on Sept. 21, they were averaging 60.5 rushing yards per game. They gained 216 yards that day and went from the No. 29-ranked run offense to No. 17. The Dolphins' 11 rushing first downs against the Patriots is a season high. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams have found a comfortable stride. The Patriots are only adequate against the run, ranking 14th league-wide, primarily because solid run defenders such as Ty Warren, Rodney Harrison and Adalius Thomas have missed games or are out for the season because of injuries. Advantage: Miami.
WHEN THE PATRIOTS RUN
Despite their running back by committee approach, the Patriots have been effective, ranking eighth in the NFL in rushing. The Patriots have five players who have rushed for 100 yards or more this season, which is most in the NFL. The Dolphins' run defense is ranked ninth in the NFL, but it hasn't been consistent. The team has gotten good performances against Denver and Oakland recently, but Seattle, Buffalo and Baltimore ran with success. Jason Ferguson continues to be the key to Miami's run defense, and he is coming off perhaps his best game of the season. Advantage: Miami.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Like practically every other NFL team, the Patriots have better punt and kickoff coverage teams than Miami, although they aren't necessarily good at it. New England is 30th in punt coverage; Miami is 31st. The Patriots are 27th in kickoff coverage; the Dolphins are 32nd. Maybe the teams could agree to start every drive at midfield. The Patriots do have an advantage in that their punt and kickoff teams do fare much better than Miami's. Did we mention Miami's are abysmal? Advantage: Patriots.
COACHING
The Patriots are the least-penalized team in the NFL. The Dolphins are third among least penalized teams. It speaks to the discipline of both teams. Bill Belichick has done an outstanding coaching job, keeping the Patriots in contention even without superstar quarterback Tom Brady. But Tony Sparano's staff surprised Belichick's staff when it unveiled the Wildcat package in the first meeting. The Dolphins might not have another huge surprise, but they have Belichick's respect. Advantage: Even.
RECENT HISTORY
The Dolphins have owned the Patriots in South Florida games, holding a 32-10 overall advantage. But New England won 49-28 at Dolphin Stadium last season. The Dolphins got some revenge when beat the Patriots on Sept. 21 in what was at the time the season's most stunning upset. Overall Advantage: Miami.
