4 issues to know concerning the Dolphins earlier than the Patriots play them on Sunday

Ewers has additionally been pushing the ball downfield a bit by means of his first two begins. His common depth of goal (ADOT) is 9.0, which is barely behind Drake Maye’s ADOT (9.4). For reference, Maye’s ADOT is the fourth-best mark amongst quarterbacks who’ve began not less than 10 video games this season.

Ewers is a menace together with his legs, although. He’s put up simply 10 speeding yards thus far. He was in a position to make use of his shiftiness to purchase time within the pocket throughout his school profession at Texas, so possibly the Patriots have some problem there. However the Patriots ought to be capable to restrict him as a runner. 

They’ve a couple of key playmakers who’ve both already been dominated out or aren’t set to play on Sunday.

If the truth that the Dolphins are beginning a seventh-round rookie at quarterback already wasn’t an indication that they’ve turned the web page to 2026, their harm report additionally means that they’re prepared to maneuver on to subsequent yr. 

That they had 10 gamers listed on their closing harm report of the week on Friday. Most notable was operating again Da’Von Achane, who’s uncertain with a shoulder harm. Achane has been one of many sport’s prime operating backs this season, rating fifth in speeding yards (1,350) and main the league in yards per carry (5.7). He’s additionally a menace within the passing sport, recording 92 receiving yards in opposition to the Patriots in Week 2 and is fifth in yards per scrimmage this yr. So, the truth that Achane is unlikely to play on Sunday is actually a sigh of reduction for the Patriots and unwelcomed information for Ewers. 

Past Achane, standout tight finish Darren Waller was positioned on injured reserve on Friday. Waller hasn’t had spectacular numbers, however his 283 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in 9 video games weren’t unhealthy for a participant who got here out of retirement this season. 

Extensive receiver Jaylen Waddle is questionable for Sunday’s sport. Waddle has been a lot better this season than he was final yr, stepping up in Tyreek Hill’s absence. He’s acquired 100 receptions for 910 and 6 touchdowns in 2025.

There are additionally some notable defensive gamers on the Dolphins’ harm report. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks is questionable, probably leaving the Dolphins with out the league’s main tackler on Sunday. Standout edge rusher Chop Robinson is questionable, too. Robinson recorded three sacks within the Dolphins’ final 5 video games. 

So, the Patriots actually gained’t get one of the best model of the Dolphins on Sunday. 

They aren’t good within the trenches. 

On prime of probably having to play with out a few of his prime playmakers on Sunday, Ewers already has to cope with taking part in behind one of many league’s worst offensive strains. The Dolphins’ offensive line ranks twenty fourth in move block win charge and thirtieth in run block win charge. Professional Soccer Focus additionally ranks the unit because the sixth-worst within the NFL. 

Second-year left deal with Patrick Paul has been a constructive, giving up simply 4 sacks and 24 pressures this yr, per PFF. However the remainder of the Dolphins’ offensive line leaves loads to be desired. Rookie Jonah Savaiinaea, who the Patriots reportedly thought of drafting within the second spherical of the 2025 draft, has the third-worst strain charge amongst guards, whereas former Patriot Cole Unusual has the fifth-worst move block grade amongst guards this season, per PFF. 

The Dolphins aren’t sharp within the defensive trenches, both. They’re in the midst of the pack of the league in sacks, tied for 14th with 39. However they’re twenty second in move rush win charge and twentieth in run cease win charge. Edge rusher Bradley Chubb and defensive deal with Zach Sieler may not less than give the Patriots’ offensive line some bother, although, as they’ve 14 sacks between them this yr.

It might be the ultimate sport of the Mike McDaniel period. 

Keep in mind when Mike McDaniel had the Patriots’ quantity? Effectively, after McDaniel gained 5 of his first six video games in opposition to the Patriots, New England may sweep the season sequence in opposition to Miami this yr and ship its head coach packing.

McDaniel has been on the recent seat for a lot of the season. He appeared to settle down rumors about his future for a bit, serving to the Dolphins go on a four-game win streak in November by means of the beginning of December. He additionally outlasted common supervisor Chris Grier, who left the workforce in October.

Nonetheless, rumors about McDaniel’s future in Miami appeared to select up once more this week following the information that “Monday Evening Soccer” analyst Troy Aikman was employed to seek the advice of the workforce of their common supervisor search. Aikman had some fairly pointed criticism towards McDaniel and the Dolphins throughout their blowout loss to the Steelers in Week 15, questioning their tempo in that sport. He even stated the Dolphins’ fourth-quarter displaying was “as ridiculous a fourth quarter as I’ve seen in a very long time.”

Possibly that causes McDaniel to open up the playbook a bit on Sunday. Even then, which may not be sufficient to avoid wasting his job because the Dolphins will miss the playoffs for a second-straight season and can usher in new management of their soccer operations in 2026.