A slightly different approach for the game preview this week.
Following the opening day shellacking at Indianapolis, I have decided to give head coach Mike McDaniel the benefit of my 43 years watching the game.
So here is my game plan – of sorts – to beat the Patriots this week…
Dear Mike,
I forgive you… this time!
However, there can be no repeat of last week’s fiasco, so I am offering my assistance in game planning for this week.
Strengths Miami can exploit
Despite the issues, we do have several strengths we can lean into.
Interior defensive strength
Zach Sieler and Kenneth Grant can dominate here. The interior must control the line of scrimmage, disrupt runs and pressure Drake Maye, who looked lost at times last week.
Third-down defense
We have to limit conversions on third down. That makes New England work harder, extend drives and gives the defense more opportunities for key stops.
Playmakers in the passing game
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are still threats. Even when pass protection is shaky, quick release routes and misdirection can take advantage of overly aggressive defenses. The Patriots are sure to bring the house, early and often.
How we can win – a tactical plan
Here are the my ideas to maximise our chances.
Quick passing game and tempo
Given the pressure pitfalls, use quick-hitters: slants, digs and shallow crossers. Use screen passes and motion to reduce edge pressure. A game tempo that force the Patriots to substitute or adjust may also pay off. Please can we also get the plays in quickly?
Control the clock with the run and short game
Running between the tackles can help. Using Ollie Gordon II and mixing in De’Von Achane with misdirection plays will force New England’s front to respect the run, opening up play action.
Short passes and off‑tackle runs can eat up time and keep the Patriots’ offense off the field. Also, no turnovers are essential here.
Exploit the Patriots’ offensive line weakness
New England are dealing with injuries along their O‑line. Coach Weaver should be dialling up pressure, especially interior pass rush, overloads to that weak side, and design stunts to exploit mismatches.
Our pass rush should be elite; it is time to prove it. Forcing Maye into hurried throws or sacks will help tilt momentum and ease pressure on our depleted secondary.
Complementary football and special teams matter
Field position gains, avoiding penalties and minimising errors will tilt things in close games.
If we can flip turnovers into points – or at least good field position – that could swing a tight game. The special teams units should be sharp to make the most of any chances.
Adjust in‑game: flexing the scheme
If you notice that New England is loading up to stop the run or blitzing heavily, then adjust by incorporating more misdirection. Perhaps go with deep shots when the safeties bite, or use more motion/rubs to free receivers.
Also, rotate personnel – fresh defensive linemen, using sub‑packages – to keep up the pressure. Willie Gay was a star in camp, so why no snaps in Week 1?
Oh, and if you throw a fade to Tyreek Hill on ‘3rd and Goal’, it had better be a touchdown!
So that is my plan, Coach. Good luck for this weekend! I suspect we might need it…
