What to Watch For: Patriots vs. Dolphins
Joe Calabro, GoLocalProv Sports Team
What to Watch For: Patriots vs. Dolphins
See the What to Watch For Slideshow Below
"I think you can really see the way this team has evolved over the last few weeks since Coach [Dan] Campbell has taken over. Played very physically, very strong up front, which they have been, but I think the emphasis of physical defense, controlling the line of scrimmage, attacking the line of scrimmage I think they've done a great job of that. They lead the league in negative rushing plays," said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick earlier this week.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Patriots beat the Dolphins 36-7 earlier this season at Gillette Stadium.
Home Field Advantage on the Line
The Patriots need to win this game in order to lock up the number one seed in the AFC and have home field throughout the playoffs.
"I think it's better to win this game than to lose this game because you obviously love to always play at home because of communication and so forth. Whoever wins in the playoffs is the team that plays the best on that day, not whether home or away. It's going to be who plays the best. I think this game is really important for us because, you know, it's a great goal for us to be the number one seed," said Patriots quarterback Tom Brady earlier this week.
It should be noted that a Patriots loss and a Denver loss at home to the San Diego Chargers would also give the Patriots the number one seed.
No matter what happens, the Patriots have a first round bye.
See What to Watch For in the Slideshow Below
What to Watch For: Patriots vs. Dolphins
Steven Jackson
Bill Belichick has talked all week about building off of what Steven Jackson was able to do last week, adding more plays and reps.
Last week, Jackson's first game as a Patriot, he had 7 carries for 15 yards.
After a full week of practice, let's see what his numbers look like this week.
Keshawn Martin
In last week's loss to the Jets, receiver Keshawn Martin was an important part to the Patriots offense.
Martin was targeted 11 times and pulled in 7 catches for 68 yards.
With the Patriots offense once again missing numerous weapons (Edelman already ruled out), lets see if Brady goes back to him again this week.
Chandler Jones is OUT
After not practicing on Friday, Chandler Jones has been ruled out for Sunday's game with a toe injury that he has been playing through over the last few weeks.
This means responsibility to pressure Tannehill will fall on Jabaal Sheard, Alan Branch, Rob Ninkovich (listed as questionable), Alan Branch and others.
In the last meeting, the Patriot sacked Tannehill 5 times, 2 of which belonged to Jones.
O- Line
Time for the weekly game, or almost weekly game, of who is going to protect Tom Brady this week?
Sebastian Vollmer is expected back for the playoffs but has been ruled out for this game.
Meanwhile, Waddle is listed as questionable and so is Josh Kline, as of Friday, January 1.
Brady has been sacked 36 times so far this season.
Don't Give Miami Life
The Miami Dolphins are 2-7 in their last 9 games and are coming off an 18-12 loss to the Colts.
The Dolphins have nothing to play for and according to reports, the atmosphere around the team is "last day of school" like.
Would be nice to see the Patriots jump out to an early lead, build it up then sit guys in the fourth quarter in this game.
As opposed to not playing well and giving the Dolphins reason to try.
