The Patriots are a 3-point underdog in this week’s contest, likely leading to a passing game script.
The Patriots have been the 7th-most pass-oriented team in football (in a neutral context) since the start of last season with a 68.6% pass rate.
THE BLITZ projects the Patriots to call the 8th-most offensive plays among all teams this week with 66.4 plays, based on their underlying tendencies and game dynamics.
Opposing teams have averaged 36.1 pass attempts per game vs. the Miami Dolphins defense since the start of last season: 4th-most in football.
The New England Patriots offensive line profiles as the 9th-best in football since the start of last season in pass protection, which has a positive impact on all passing offense statistics across the board.
Cons
The New England Patriots have called the 6th-least plays in the NFL since the start of last season, averaging just 55.0 plays per game.
Kendrick Bourne’s sure-handedness have declined this year, with his Completion% falling off from 75.0% to 62.0%.
Kendrick Bourne’s receiving effectiveness has diminished this season, accumulating a measly 7.75 yards-per-target vs a 9.64 figure last season.
The Miami Dolphins pass defense has exhibited good efficiency versus WRs since the start of last season, conceding 7.33 yards-per-target to the position: the 5th-least in the NFL.
The Miami Dolphins pass defense has been quite strong when opposing wide receivers have gotten into space, allowing an average of 3.84 yards-after-the-catch since the start of last season: the 8th-least in the NFL.