New England Patriots: 3 keys to defeating the Miami Dolphins
By Max Bozicas
The New England Patriots are preparing to face a longtime division rival in the Miami Dolphins to open the 2021 NFL season. This will mark the second straight year that the Patriots will start their season by facing Miami at home.
Obviously things are different this year, and with fans back in the stands at Gillette Stadium, it should actually mean something when the Patriots play at home this year. The Pats are also coming in with a much improved roster, but Miami will not be a pushover.
Even during Tom Brady’s time as a Patriot, the Dolphins have never been an easy out. In seven out of the last eight years, the Patriots and Dolphins have split their two regular season matchups.
With an influx of young talent on both sides of the ball, the Dolphins have rebuilt very well compared to where they were just two years ago when they were considered one of the worst teams in the NFL. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2020, they are looking to establish themselves as a contender.
The Patriots have certainly made upgrades of their own, and everything will come to a head in what should be a very competitive matchup between two teams trying to claw their way to the top of the AFC East.
Starting 1-0 and getting a divisional win would be an incredible way to kick things off for a new era of New England Patriots football. There are three very important factors where they will need to give themselves an advantage if they want to pull that off.