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GAME OF THE WEEK
New England at Miami. Maybe that season-opening loss to the Texans was exactly what the Dolphins needed. It was an early wakeup call, rather than their usual late one, which always turns into a very cold December. Since Week 1, they have gone 4-0 and have kept things simple. They just run Ricky Williams often and rely on the resulting rested and opportunistic defensive play to close out games.
The Patriots have grinded their way to 4-2 despite their infinite injury list. That's because coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator again have shown how well they can tailor their personnel toward what's working and who's healthy. Of late, that's 4-3 and run-first.
Unfortunately, the Pats don't match up well in this game. Their strength is scheming against the pass, but the Dolphins will be content with just pounding Williams against a front seven that is missing Ted Washington.
The Dolphins also have been stout in stopping the run, holding opponents to 3.2 yards per carry and 70.8 yards per game (second in the NFL). They have given up a good chunk of passing yards because that's the only way teams can move the ball against them.
Tom Brady will need to throw often in this game, and he has been inconsistent since the second half of last season. That will leave cornerbacks Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain and strong safety Sammy Knight licking their chops for game-turning interceptions.
The Dolphins have found the winning formula, and they won't mess with it in this key AFC East game. Dolphins 20, Patriots 17.
Week 7 Primer: NFL is living the wild life
BY VINNIE IYER
Oct. 15, 2003 3:12 p.m.
http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=1754508
New England at Miami. Maybe that season-opening loss to the Texans was exactly what the Dolphins needed. It was an early wakeup call, rather than their usual late one, which always turns into a very cold December. Since Week 1, they have gone 4-0 and have kept things simple. They just run Ricky Williams often and rely on the resulting rested and opportunistic defensive play to close out games.
The Patriots have grinded their way to 4-2 despite their infinite injury list. That's because coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator again have shown how well they can tailor their personnel toward what's working and who's healthy. Of late, that's 4-3 and run-first.
Unfortunately, the Pats don't match up well in this game. Their strength is scheming against the pass, but the Dolphins will be content with just pounding Williams against a front seven that is missing Ted Washington.
The Dolphins also have been stout in stopping the run, holding opponents to 3.2 yards per carry and 70.8 yards per game (second in the NFL). They have given up a good chunk of passing yards because that's the only way teams can move the ball against them.
Tom Brady will need to throw often in this game, and he has been inconsistent since the second half of last season. That will leave cornerbacks Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain and strong safety Sammy Knight licking their chops for game-turning interceptions.
The Dolphins have found the winning formula, and they won't mess with it in this key AFC East game. Dolphins 20, Patriots 17.
Week 7 Primer: NFL is living the wild life
BY VINNIE IYER
Oct. 15, 2003 3:12 p.m.
http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=1754508
