In the Red Zone: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots Preview Week 15

This Week

The New England Patriots host the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro MA on Sunday at 1 p.m.

It’s a hat and T-shirt game.

The Dolphins			The Patriots
Overall Record	7-6		Overall Record	10-3
Road Record	4-3		Home Record	6-0
AFC East	3-1		AFC East	2-1
AFC Conf	6-4		AFC Conf	8-2

Bill Vinovich is the referee for the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 7.5. The over/under is 48.

My Prediction is Patriots 35, Dolphins, 21. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 9-4 against the spread and 6 of 13 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 225th consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener. The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a Gillette Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television

CBS in televising the game regionally. Ian Eagle will do play by play while Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts will provide the game analysis and Jenny Dell will work the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.

The DirecTV designation is Channel 710.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 10 a.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Dolphins Radio Network has former Dolphins WR Jimmy Cefalo calling play-by-play and former Dolphins TE Joe Rose and Hall of Famer Bob Griese providing the color with Kim Bokamper on the sidelines via their flagship stations WINZ 940 AM and WBGG-FM 105.9.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 119 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 816.

ESPN Radio is carrying the game with Marc Kestecher on play by play, Bill Polian handles the analysis and Ian Fitzsimmons roams the sidelines.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

• Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
• Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
• Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
• Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
• Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

 

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots defeated the Chargers in San Diego, 23-14 while the Dolphins lost at home to the Ravens, 28-13.

History

• This is the 99th meeting between the teams including playoffs.
• The Dolphins lead the series 52-46 including playoffs.
• The Patriots have the edge in post season meetings, 2-1.
• Dolphins won the last meeting Week 1 at Miami, 33-20

Patriots Team Notes

Small team logo

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Patriots overall franchise record is 448-376-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.

• They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

• It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.

• The Patriots were 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs) in 2013 and are the defending five-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 11 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

• New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons (2001-2014).

• They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 14-season span.

• They have 12 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.(2003-14)

• All-time the 14 consecutive winning seasons stands 5th behind Chicago (1930-44) 15 seasons, Oakland (1965-80) and San Francisco (1983-98) 16 seasons and Dallas (1966-85) 20 seasons.

• Since the merger the Patriots have 29 winning seasons.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

• Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
• Have the most regular season wins, 227.
• Have the most wins including playoffs, 248.
• Have the most conference titles, 6.
• Have the most division titles, 13.
• Have the most playoff wins, 21
• Have played the most playoff games, 33.
• Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 15.
• The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
• Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

• Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 148-41.

• Since 2000 the Patriots are 93-24 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 three times.

• Since 2001 the Patriots are 81-21 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL, Pittsburgh is 2nd at 64-31.

• Since 2000 New England is 52-9 in December games.

• Since 2004 the Patriots are 37-4 following a loss and have not lost back to back games since 2012.

• Patriots are 11-3 at home vs. Dolphins since 2000.

• They are 67-24 vs. AFC East.

• Have 16 consecutive home wins vs. the AFC East.

• Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.

• First team to twice score 3 TD’s in less than a minute Week 8, 2014 vs. Chicago and Week 12, 2012 at NY Jets.

Against the Dolphins:

• The Patriots have won 9 of the last 12 games between the teams.

• The Patriots are 31-17 vs. the Dolphins at home including playoffs.

• New England is 10-2 vs. Miami at Gillette Stadium.

• Patriots have lost last two meetings after having won 7 consecutive games vs. Dolphins.

• Week 1 at Miami had 100 yards in penalties.

Last Week vs. the Chargers:

• Tom Brady recorded his 30th TD pass of the season it’s his 5th time with 30 or more.

• Brady had his 64th career 300-yard passing game.

• Sealver Siliga returned and made contributions on the defensive line.

• Rob Ninkovich got his 7th sack of the season and is looking for his 3rd consecutive season with 8 or more sacks.

• Brandon Bolden had his first career punt block.

• Jamie Collins not only called the signals in the game for the defense he had his first career 2-sack game and led the team in tackles.

• Rob Gronkowski beat Antonio Gates to 10 TD catches and became the first tight end in NFL history with 4 seasons of 10 TD’s or more.

• The defense allowed only 216 total yards and only 53 rushing yards.

• Had 24 first downs to the Chargers 13 first downs.

• New England had 397 total yards to San Diego’s 216.

• Patriots had 6 penalties vs. the Chargers for 70 yards.

• Nine of the Chargers top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 28 yards (Rivers to Floyd). Their longest rush against the defense was 17 yards by Ryan Matthews.

• Eight of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 69-yard TD pass to Julian Edelman. The longest run play was a rush was by LeGarrette Blount for 23 yards.

In the 2014 Season:

• A win or a tie gives the Patriots the AFC East Title it’d be their 6th consecutive division crown.

• Currently hold the top playoff seed in the AFC due to a tiebreaker they earned with a win over Denver (2). If the playoffs started now both teams would have a first round bye.

• Lead NFL with most red zone points (285) having converted on 50 or 54 red zone opportunities (34 TD’s; 1g FG).

• Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.

• Looking for 12th consecutive season with at least 10 wins.

• New England has 105 penalties this season in 13 games and has been penalized 936 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards in 16 weeks.

• New England is PLUS 10 in turnover differential they are 3rd in the NFL. They have 13 INT and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 7 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.

• The Patriots are 3rd in points scored averaging 30.8 points per game and are 9th in points allowed with 20.5 points per game.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Dolphins.

Bill Belichick notes:

• Bill Belichick is 18-13 vs. the Dolphins. He is 18-11 with New England and 0-2 with Cleveland.

• Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 209-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 228-117.

• Belichick’s 228 wins are good for 5th all-time. He can tie Hall of Fame member Curly Lambeau for 4th with 229 wins on Sunday.

• Is tied with Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.

• He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.

• He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

• Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

• Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

• No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

• He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.

• He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Special Teams Coach Scott O’Brien spent two seasons (2005-06) with the Dolphins as coordinator of football operations/assistant to the head coach.

• Tight ends coach Brian Daboll was the Dolphins offensive coordinator in 2011.

• Offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo coached the Dolphins’ offensive line from 2009-11.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Solder
• LG: Connolly
• C: Stork
• RG: Wendell
• RT: Vollmer
• TE: Gronkowski
• WR: LaFell
• WR: Edelman
• QB: Brady
• RB: Blount
• RB: Devlin

Defense:

• DE: Ninkovich
• DT: Wilfork
• DT: Chr. Jones
• LB: Collins
• LB: Ayers
• LB: Casilla
• DB: Arrington
• LCB: Revis
• RCB: Browner
• S: Chung
• S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

• This is his 15th NFL season he is 17-8 vs. Miami in his career. He is 89-13 at home in the regular season.

• Brady is 11-1 vs. Miami at home in his career. He has won the last 5 home games against them. (Last loss vs. Miami at home Week 3 – 2008, 38-13.)

• Has a 46-7 career record in December games best among quarterbacks with at least 20 starts. Roger Staubach is 2nd at 17-3.

• Overall he is 158-46 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 176-55. He is a 9 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

• Has multiple TD pass games for 9 consecutive games. Week 5 vs. Cincinnati (2), Week 6 at Buffalo (4), Week 7 vs. NYJets (3), Week 8 vs. Chicago (5), Week 9 vs. Denver (4), Week 11 at Indianapolis (2), Week 12 vs. Detroit (2), Week 13 at Green Bay (2) and Week 14 at San Diego (2).

• 389 TD passes in his career makes him 5th in NFL history 2 TD passes behind Drew Brees.

• 158 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.

• He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 124 games; the team’s record is 106-18.

• Recorded his 12th season with 3,000 or more passing yards.

• Has put up 50+ points on an opponent 7 times all since 2007 and now has the most 50+ point games for a quarterback in NFL history. Len Dawson is 2nd with six games of 50+ points.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

• Has caught a pass in 63 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.

• First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14.

• Had 8 catches for 87 yards and 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego.

• Had 7 catches for 98 yards at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Leads team in TD’s with 10 and receiving yards with 997.

• Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

Julian Edelman notes:

• Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.

• Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.

• Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).

• Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 9.

• Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.

• Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).

• Had 9 catches for 91 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and 3 punt returns for 12 yards for 113 total yards Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Leads team in receiving with 85 catches and is 2nd with 884 receiving yards.

• Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.

• Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Jonas Gray notes:

• DNP vs. Detroit Week 12 after missing a Friday morning meeting. Returned to action Week 13 at Green Bay (2 snaps, 1 carry for 4 yards).

• Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11.

• In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.

• Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.

• Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

• Only 3rd NFL player to get his first four career TD’s in one game and first since Herb Henderson of the Evansville Crimson Giants in 1921.

• Tied a single game NFL record with 15 rushing first downs Week 11 at Indianapolis with Corey Dillon and Edgerrin James.

• Leads team in rushing TD’s (4).

• Is second on team in rushing yards with 345 just 2 yards behind Shane Vereen.

• Had 86 yards on 17 carries in his second NFL game Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Tim Wright notes:

• Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

• Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.

• Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 6 catches for 53 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

• Leads team in rushing yards with 347 yards.

• Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.

• Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.

• Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

• Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.

• Returns to Foxboro after being released by Pittsburgh after Week 11. Signed a two-year deal at veteran minimums.

• Had 266 yards rushing with 2 TD’s on 65 carries for the Steelers this year. Also caught 6 passes for 36 yards.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

• Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.

• Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.

• Missed on a 4th quarter field goal for first time in 34 attempts Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.

• Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.

• Has scored at least 1 point in 117 consecutive games a franchise record.

• He is tied for second in team history in points (1,154) trailing only Adam Vinatieri (1,158).

• Has team record of 13 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

• Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.

• Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

• Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Leads team with 14 passes defensed.

• Has 23 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.

• Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Shares team lead with 2 INT’s with Devin McCourty and Logan Ryan.

• Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

• Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

• Had 5 tackles (5 solo), 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 14 at San Diego.

• Had 5 tackles (4 solo), a sack, a tackle for loss and 2 QB hits Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.

• Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.

• The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.

• Leads team with 7 sacks.

• Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.

• Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Had 8 tackles (5 solo) and a QB hit Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.

• Didn’t play Week 5 vs. Cincinnati or Week 6 at Buffalo due to a knee injury.

• Second on team in tackles with 73 (56 solo) and tied for 2nd on team with 4.5 sacks.

• His 4.5 sacks is a new career high.

• Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Jamie Collins notes:

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.

• Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.

• Leads team with 85 tackles (56 solo).

• Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

• Has recovered a fumble and forced 2 fumbles in 2014.

Akeem Ayers notes:

• Had a big INT Week 14 at San Diego. It was the lone Chargers turnover.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.

General Team news:

P Ryan Allen named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 14 at San Diego. He punted 5 times for 247 yards (49.4 ave), 4 were inside the 20 and 1 was a touch back with a long of 60 yards. The Chargers only had a total of 7 yards on punt returns.

Roster moves/transactions this week:

• Activated DT Sealver Siliga from IR (designated to return list).

Patriots team captains for 2014:

• QB Tom Brady
• G/C Dan Connolly
• WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
• DT Vince Wilfork
• LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
• S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Dolphins on the Patriots:

• DE Rob Ninkovich
• RB Jonas Gray

Players with New England roots:

• none

Players with Florida roots:

• WR Brian Tyms – FT. Lauderdale FL
• DT Vince Wilfork – Boynton Beach FL
• RB James White – Ft. Lauderdale FL
• C/G Bryan Stork – Vero Beach FL
• RB LeGarrette Blount – Perry FL

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• RB James Develin – Brown

Players from Florida based colleges and universities:

• DT Vince Wilfork – University of Miami
• DT Dominque Easley – University of Florida
• C/G Bryan Stork – Florida State
• WR Brian Tyms – Florida A&M
• OL Caylin Hauptmann – Florida International

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

• 20 – Gino Cappelletti
• 40 – Mike Haynes
• 73 – John Hannah
• 78 – Bruce Armstrong
• 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
• 89 – Bob Dee

Dolphins Team Notes

Small team logo

Here is the Dolphins roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Dolphins Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Dolphins all-time record is 422-323-4 and they are 20-20 in the playoffs with their last playoff appearance coming in 2008. In that postseason the Dolphins lost at home to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Game.

• They last played for a conference championship in 1992 when they lost to San Diego in the AFC Title game, 29-10.

• They have won two Super Bowl titles (VII, VIII) in five appearances. They last appeared in a Super Bowl in 1984 losing to the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XIX, 38-16. The Dolphins franchise started in 1966 in the AFL.

In the Joe Philbin Era (2012 to present):

• Looking for a season sweep of the Patriots for the first time since 2000.

• They are three games behind the Patriots and a loss will knock them out of the division race and greatly hamper their wild card chances.

• Have allowed the fourth fewest passing TD’s (55) in the NFL since 2012.

• Are tied for most blocked kicks in NFL with 4 this year. They have two blocked punts and two blocked field goals.

Against the Patriots:

• Snapped New England’s 10 game win streak on Kick Off Weekend Week 1 at Miami, 33-20.

• They have back-to-back wins (Wk 15 – 2013 and Wk 1 – 2014) over New England for first time since they won in 2000 (Wk 17) and 2001 (Wk 4).

• Miami is 36-48 vs. the AFC East in the regular season since 2001.

• The Dolphins are 2-10 vs. the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Overall as the road team in the series they are 17-31 and that includes 0-1 in the playoffs.

• Against New England they were 13-19 at Foxboro Stadium and 2-2 at Fenway Park.

• Miami has lost 12 of the last 15 meetings with New England.

• The Dolphins have swept the Patriots 13 times in the series the last time was in 2000.

• Miami’s longest win streak against New England is 9 games from 1989 to 1993.

• Largest margin of victory in franchise history came vs. the Patriots in Week 9 1972 at Miami when they won 52-0.

• Set season bests for rushing first downs (11), rushing attempts (38), rushing yards (191), fumbles/lost (3/2), fewest punts (2) vs. New England Week 1.

In 2014:

• Currently out of the playoffs if season ended now. Heading into Week 15 they are the AFC’s 9th seed behind potential wild cards Pittsburgh (5) and San Diego (6) who along with Baltimore (7) all are 8-5, while Houston (8) is 7-6 like Miami. Kansas City (10), Buffalo (11) and Cleveland (12) who trail the Dolphins based on tiebreakers are all also 7-6.

• Have a strong 3-1 record in the AFC East.

• Are 4-3 on the road with wins over NY Jets, Oakland, Chicago and Jacksonville.

• Shutout San Diego at home Week 9, 37-0. It was their first shutout since Week 1 – 2000 vs. Seattle, 23-0.

• Have 7 games in which they held opponents to 20 points or less.

• Miami has 64 penalties this season in 13 games and has been penalized 506 yards.

• Miami is PLUS 4 in turnover differential they are 10th in the NFL. They have 12 INT and have recovered 10 fumbles while they have thrown 9 INT’s and lost 9 fumbles.

• The Dolphins are 12th in points scored averaging 24.1 points per game and are 7th in points allowed with 20.0 points per game.

Dolphins Staff Notes

See what Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Joe Philbin notes:

• He is the 10th head coach in Dolphins team history.

• Philbin is in his 3rd season as a NFL head coach and he has a 22-23 record since taking over.

• He is 2-3 against New England in his career.

• He is the 5th winningest coach in Dolphins history behind Don Shula (274), Dave Wannstedt (43), Jimmy Johnson (38) and Tony Sparano (29).

• Philbin, a Springfield MA native, is a former high school player and coach at Longmeadow (MA) High School. He also coached at Northeastern and Harvard as the offensive coordinator.

• Prior to taking over in Miami he was in Green Bay since 2003. He served as offensive coordinator (2007-11), offensive line coach (2006), tight ends coach (2004-05) and assistant offensive line coach (2003).

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Bill Lazor is in his first season as the offensive coordinator for Miami. He previously was the quarterbacks coach in Philadelphia (2013), Seattle (2008-09) and Washington (2006-07) and an offensive assistant with Washington (2004-05) and Atlanta (2003). He also the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at the University of Virginia (2010-12) and the University of Buffalo (2001-02).

• Defensive Coordinator Kevin Coyle is in his third season (2012-present) in that position after 11 years in Cincinnati (2001-11) as the secondary coach. He graduated from UMass and spent nine years at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator.

• Wide Receivers Coach Ken O’Keefe is from Milford CT and previously coached at the University of New Haven.

• Linebackers coach Mark Duffner served as the College of Holy Cross’ defensive coordinator from 1981-86 before being promoted to head coach from 1986-91.

• Assistant offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. played collegially for his father at Boston College from 1981-85. Bicknell Jr. served as a graduate assistant for Boston College before moving on to New Hampshire, where he coached the defensive (1987-92) and offensive (1993-96) lines. He returned to Boston College to become the Eagles’ offensive line coach in 2007.

• Assistant quarterbacks coach Ben Johnson was a graduate assistant (2009-10) and tight ends coach (2011) at Boston College.

• Secondary coach Lou Anarumo served as assistant head coach at Harvard from 1995-2000.

• Defensive assistant Jeff Burris spent the 2012 season as the University of Massachusetts’ cornerbacks coach.

• Assistant linebackers coach David Corrao served as tight ends coach at Northeastern in 2004.

Dolphins Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: James
• LG: Colledge
• C: Satele
• RG: Pouncey
• RT: Thomas
• TE: Clay
• WR: Hartline
• WR: Wallace
• WR: Landry
• QB: Tannehill
• RB: Miller

Defense:

• DE: Wake
• DT: Starks
• DT: Mitchell
• DE: Vernon
• LB: Wheeler
• LB: Trusnick
• LB: Tripp
• LCB: Grimes
• RCB: Finnegan
• S: Wilson
• S: R. Jones

Dolphins Players Notes

Ryan Tannehill notes:

• Dolphins starting QB was their first round pick out of Texas A&M in the 2012 NFL Draft.

• Tannehill has a 22-23 record in his 3rd NFL season.

• He has consecutive 20+ TD pass seasons in 2013 and 2014 the only other Dolphin QB’s with 20+ TD seasons are Dan Marino (13 times); Bob Griese (2) and Jay Fielder (1).

• Has six 300-yard passing games in his career; Marino had (63) 300-yard games.

• He (3) and Marino (13) are only Dolphin QB’s to have multiple 3,000-yard seasons.

• Is in Top 10 in NFL in completions, completion percentage and interception percentage for the season.

• Has 10,251 passing yards in three season 9th most for quarterbacks in the first three seasons.

• He is 4th in passing yards in Dolphins history.

• His wife, Lauren, is H-O-T, hot.

Jarvis Landry notes:

• Leads team and all rookie wide receivers in receptions with 63 catches.

• Third in the NFL in kick of return average with 29.8 yards per return.

• 2nd in franchise history in receptions by a rookie (63) and TD catches by a rookie (5).

Mike Wallace notes:

• Second year with Miami after four seasons in Pittsburgh.

• Leads team with 7 TD catches.

• Has 57 catches and team leading 700 receiving yards in 2014.

• Has 13 career games with at least 7 catches.

• Has 17 career 100-yard receiving games.

Brian Hartline notes:

• Has 34 catches for 380 yards in 2014.

• Tied franchise record with back-to-back 1,000 receiving yard seasons.

• Needs 7 catches for 300 in his career.

• Now has 4,149 receiving yards in his career he is 7th in Miami history.

Lamar Miller notes:

• Leads team with career high 782 rushing yards and 6 rushing TD’s.

• Has career highs in TD runs (6), receptions (32) and receiving yards (207).

• Had career high 108 rushing yards Week 3 vs. Kansas City.

• Is 5th in rushing yards (782) in the AFC.

Cameron Wake notes:

• Has 61 career sacks most by an undrafted player in Dolphins history and 5th most for the franchise.

• Has 11 multi-sack games in his career.

• Was AFC Defensive player of the Week for Week 1 vs. New England with 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits and 2 forced fumbles.

• Needs 14 solo tackles for 200 in his career.

• Has 9 career forced fumbles.

Olivier Vernon notes:

• Has 21.5 sacks in first three seasons.

• Has 6.5 sacks this season to lead team.

Brent Grimes notes:

• Leads team with 5 INT’s.

• Leads team with 13 passes defensed.

• Had 2 INT’s Week 8 vs. San Diego.

• Returned INT for a 22-yard TD Week 7 at Jacksonville.

• Was AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 10 vs. Buffalo.

Former Patriots on the Dolphins:

• DL A.J. Francis (IR)
• DB Don Jones
• QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson (practice squad)

Players with New England roots:

• TE Arthur Lynch (IR) – Dartmouth MA

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• none

Dolphins do not name team captains. They are appointed on a weekly basis prior to the game.

Miami has 3 retired numbers:

• 12 – Bob Greise
• 13 – Dan Marino
• 39 – Larry Csonka

Next Week

Logo of Next Opponent

Up next: New York Jets – AFC East

Location: MetLife Stadium, Meadowlands NJ

Date/Time: Sunday December 21 1 p.m.

TV Network: CBS