CAN MIAMI GET ANOTHER WIN

Miami have their breakthrough. Now comes the test of whether they can build on it. After beating the Jets 28–25, the Dolphins return home at 1–5 to face a 4–3 New England side in another AFC East contest. The task is to turn one divisional win into sustained progress: keep the offence on schedule, deny Drake Maye easy opportunities and make the decisive possessions count.

1. Make Maye win from the pocket

New England’s own build-up highlights Maye’s ability to extend plays; the defense can’t allow him to take off running to extend drives. Miami’s pass rush must therefore be coordinated, not simply aggressive. Edge defenders should protect their outside lanes while interior pressure reduces his room to step up. Behind them, coverage must hold when the first read disappears. A hurried throw or short completion is a better outcome than a near-sack that becomes a first-down scramble. Maye has been a bit careless thus far and is prone to throwing interceptions when under duress. The Dolphins need to create pressure and disguise coverages; winning the turnover battle is key.

2. Give Malik Willis answers before the pressure arrives

Miami should build its passing approach around clear reads, reliable protection calls and accessible checkdowns. Quick throws, selective movement of the pocket and play-action can give Willis different ways to move the chains without asking him to rescue every possession. Not having Kayden Proctor for the game presents a problem. Jarrett Kingston will fill in, but he won’t provide the physical presence that Proctor does. Last week, Willis was very effective when he took off, gaining valuable yardage on the ground. Bobby Slowick needs to remember that he has a mobile QB; it is part of his game that has to be utilised.

3. Make the running game earn manageable downs

The objective is not a headline rushing total; it is an offense that retains options on second and third down. Miami should use formation changes and motion to help identify defensive numbers, then pair its runs with complementary passes. Miami have clearly transitioned into a team that runs first. Mike McDaniel had the same idea but never carried it through. Slowick seems committed to the ground game even without DeVon Achane, but then Ollie Gordon has shown he can be effective. New England have been good at stopping the run, so Gordon will need to bring his A-game.

4. Stop the run without surrendering explosive passes

Miami need disciplined run fits and secure tackling so that extra defenders do not have to be committed on every early down. That balance matters against Maye, who can extend the play and exploit receivers uncovering downfield. New England’s Friday injury report listed receiver A.J. Brown and running back TreVeyon Henderson as questionable, so the Dolphins must prepare for some new wrinkles if either player can’t make it. The Patriots’ running backs can be effective, but they aren’t dominant. Against the Bears, they managed 44 yards, and it was Maye who boosted the yardage total, so maintaining contain is crucial.

5. Get the receivers and Dulcich involved

Miami need to get the receivers and Dulcich involved early to give the ground game a chance to operate. Slowick should use motion, quick passes and crossing routes to give Willis accessible targets and opportunities to get the ball out on time. Working Dulcich into the middle of the field could provide another option when New England closes down the outside receivers, while play-action offers a way to bring him into the passing game alongside the run-first approach. Spreading the targets would give the Patriots more to account for and reduce the temptation to force throws to one receiver.

The verdict

Miami’s route to victory is control rather than a succession of spectacular plays: contain Maye, keep Willis out of difficult down-and-distance situations and finish the drives that matter. The Jets result gives the Dolphins something to build on, but another win will require repeatable execution. If Miami can make New England earn every scoring opportunity while protecting its own possessions, a second straight divisional victory is within reach.