Patriots Gridiron News: 3 points of emphasis heading into Week 4 vs. Dolphins

Show some toughness

In trying to avoid their third consecutive loss, the New England Patriots must show some toughness on the field both offensively and defensively.

You hardly ever hear Patriots and lack of toughness in the same sentence, but let’s face it, the team got their butts kicked the last couple of weeks on both sides of the line.  Now, we’ve seen how this team has responded in the past when they have faced adversity.  If they are to respond in a similar way this season, it will start with toughness, both physical and mental.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talked about that necessary toughness.

"“Look, each individual and each team has to prove it every year and every week, and regardless of what any of us have or haven’t done in the past or whatever, we’ll see what happens this year and so will everybody else,” Belichick said.  “We’ll all know the answer to that question as we go through and we march through the season.”"

As usual, Belichick isn’t singling any one or group of players out.  It’s a team game and the Patriots coach knows to be a tough team, they must come together in all facets of the game.  It starts this Sunday with the AFC East leading Miami Dolphins.