This Week
The New England Patriots visit their AFC East rival Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL on Monday at 7 p .m. It is the second consecutive season that these two teams have played the game in Miami on Monday Night Football.
It is the season opening game for each team. Last season the Patriots (14-2) finished 6-2 on the road, 5-1 vs. the AFC East and 10-2 in the conference. The Dolphins (7-9) were 1-7 at home last season, 2-4 vs. the AFC East and 5-7 in the conference.
The Line/Prediction
As of Thursday the line on the game from Yahoo! Sports has the Patriots minus 7. The over/under is 45 1/2.
My prediction is Patriots 30, Dolphins, 17. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I was 9-6-2 against the spread and 12 for 17 on calling the over/under in 2010.
Tickets
The Dolphins have not sold out the game but will have the blackout lifted by purchasing any remaining seats at 34% of face value per league rules.
Tickets to the game can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.
Getting To The Game
If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Miami make sure you check out the links.
Here is the up to date weather forecast for the game from weather.com.
Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking and stadium information, parking map and a Sun Life 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.
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 You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
The NFL is giving a free Week 1 only preview of NFL Sunday Ticket, NFL Red Zone and SiriusXM NFL Radio. A friend of Sox & Dawgs, FangsBites.com has all the information.
Television
ESPN is televising the game nationally and Mike Tirico will do the play-by-play while Ron Jaworski and Jon Gruden will handle the game analysis and Suzy Kolber will be on the sidelines.
There is no DirecTV channel designation.
Here’s a wonderful Wikipedia page on all the rules for NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the flex scheduling, blackout policies and commercial breaks.
Radio
The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Gil Santos handles the play-by-play, former Patriot Gino Cappelletti does the color and new this year Scott Zolak will man the sidelines. It all starts with Gary Tanguay, Andy Gresh and Zolak with the pregame show at 4 p.m. along the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.
If you are outside of the broadcast area of the stations on the Patriots Radio Network you can purchase NFL Field Pass which allows you to listen to any NFL game live. You can also pick which teams broadcasters you want to listen to.
All NFL games are also available on Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio also carries the games under a special additional package.
The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 92, XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 861.
The Dolphins Radio Network has former Dolphins WR Jimmy Cefalo calling play-by-play and former Dolphins Joe Rose and Bob Griese providing the color with Kim Bokamper and Keith Sims on the sidelines via their flagship station WINZ. Their call is available on Sirius Channel 93, XM Channel 226 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 862.
The game will also be carried nationally by Westwood One to all of their Monday Night Football affiliates. Ian Eagle and Trent Green will call the game. That feed can be heard on Sirius Channel 88 and XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.
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. The program is 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 Sunday 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 team website in the media section.
To continue reading the New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins preview, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
Last Week
Both teams were idle.
History
- This is the 92nd meeting between the Patriots and the Dolphins since they started to face each other as AFL foes in 1966 when Miami became a franchise.
- The Dolphins lead the all-time series 50-41. This includes 3 meetings in the playoffs (1982, 1985, 1997) with the Patriots holding a 2-1 post season edge.
- This is the 16th prime time meeting between the teams. Of the previous 15 meetings, 10 were on Monday night; 3 were on Sunday night and 2 were on Thursday night.
- The Patriots swept the season series in 2010 winning 41-14 in Week 4 on MNF in Miami and closing out the season in Week 17 with a 38-7 win at Gillette.
- This is the 7th time the teams have opened the season against each other.
Patriots Team Notes
Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game
2011 Patriots Schedule/Results
The Patriots overall franchise record is 401-363-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in six appearances. They last appeared in the playoffs in 2010 when they lost at home to the New York Jets in the AFC Divisional Playoff, 28-21. They last appeared in a Super Bowl in 2007 losing to the New York Giants 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. They won the AFC Conference championship that season with playoff wins over Jacksonville and San Diego.
The Patriots are the defending two-time AFC East Champions; they have won the division 8 times since 2000.
The Patriots along with the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings are the only teams to have won 8 division titles in a 10 year span since the 1970 merger.
The Patriots are dedicating the 2011 season to the memory of Myra Hiatt Kraft, the late wife of owner Robert Kraft. Every Patriots player and coach will honor Myra’s memory by wearing a patch with her initials on it in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the local and global community and her influence on the charitable mission of the entire Patriots organization. The patch will be worn on the left chest of every player throughout the season.
Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they are 197-101 (includes postseason), been to five Super Bowls and won three, and made the playoffs 12 times. In the five seasons before Kraft bought the team, they were 19-61 with no playoff seasons.
Since 1994 no NFL team has won or played in more Super Bowls or playoff games.
The Patriots won at least 14 games last season for the fourth time in franchise history.
An AFC East rival has not swept the Patriots in a season series since 2000 when Miami and New York swept them.
New England is 48-14 against their AFC East Rivals since 2001.
The Patriots have won 12 of the last 17 games between the teams.
The Patriots are 3-3 in season openers vs. the Dolphins, they are 3-1 at home and 0-2 in Miami.
Last season in Miami the Patriots scored five different ways. They scored on a blocked field goal, an interception, a rushing touchdown, a passing touchdown and a kickoff return.
This is the Patriots 42nd appearance on MNF, they are 19-22 overall on Monday night and 10-14 as the road team.
New England is 2-2 when opening the season on MNF.
New England is 12-5 on MNF under Belichick.
This is the 11th time the Dolphins and Patriots have matched up on MNF and the 10th time the game is from Miami. The MNF series is tied 5-5; the Patriots have won five of the last six MNF contests.
Since 2000 the Patriots have the 3rd best road record in the NFL at 57-31. Only Indianapolis 59-29 and Philadelphia 57-30-1 have better road records in the same span.
Since 2001, the Patriots are 21-10 in September that’s the third best record among all NFL teams.
Overall the Patriots are 27-24 in season openers and have won 7 in a row. Their last season opening loss was in 2003 when Buffalo shut them out on the road 31-0. They went on to win 17 of the next 18 games and their second Super Bowl in three years.
New England leads the NFL with a plus 106 turnover differential since 1994 including a franchise record plus 28 in 2010.
They set a NFL record for the fewest turnovers in a 16 game season with just 10 miscues in 2010.
The Patriots have scored 30 or more points in 8 consecutive regular season games.
In 2010 they tied a team record set in 1961 with 9 non-offensive touchdowns on 4 interceptions, 2 kickoff returns, 1 punt return, 1 blocked field goal and 1 recovered fumble.
Predicting the Patriots 2011 season.
Patriots Staff Notes
This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Dolphins.
Bill Belichick coached teams are 13-11 vs. Miami. Belichick is 13-9 as Patriots head coach and he was 0-2 as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 162-94 in 16 NFL seasons. He is 126-51 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 15-6 in the playoffs, 14-5 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 177-100.
Belichick’s 177 wins are good for 10th all-time. Bill Parcells is 9th with 183 wins.
In 2010 Belichick recorded his tenth consecutive winning season with one team. Since the 1970 merger, only former Dallas head coach Tom Landry had more with 16 consecutive seasons.
Belichick is the only NFL coach to have 14 or more wins in a season four times.
Belichick’s 15 playoff wins are 5th most in NFL history behind Chuck Noll (16), Joe Gibbs (17), Don Shula (19) and Tom Landry (20).
He is one of 9 coaches in NFL history to have won three or more championships since 1933. The other 8 are in the Hall of Fame.
Belichick was named NFL Coach of the Year for the 3rd time in 2010.
Patriots Possible Starters
Offense:
- LT: Light
- LG: Mankins
- C: Koppen
- RG: Waters
- RT: Solder
- QB: Brady
- RB: Green-Ellis
- TE: Hernandez
- WR: Branch
- WR: Welker
- WR: Ochocinco
Defense:
- DE: Ellis
- DT: Wilfork
- DT: Haynesworth
- DE: Carter
- WLB: Mayo
- MLB: Guyton
- SLB: Ninkovich
- LCB: McCourty
- RCB: Bodden
- S: Chung
- S: Brown
Patriots Players Notes
This is Tom Brady’s 12th NFL season he is 12-6 vs. the Dolphins. Of the 6 losses 5 have occurred in Miami.
Overall Brady is 111-32 as a starting QB and is 14-5 in the playoffs for an overall record of 125-37. Brady is a 6 time Pro Bowl QB; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.
In 2010 Brady won his second NFL MVP and he was the first unanimous winner in league history.
Brady is 10-4 in MNF games.
Brady is 49-22 on the road in his career in the regular season.
Brady has 261 TD passes in his career he is now tied for 10th all-time with Dave Krieg.
Brady has gone 11 starts without an INT (335 attempts). His last one was an end of regulation Hail Mary against the Baltimore Ravens last season in Week 6 (5th game).
The 335 consecutive attempts without an INT are a NFL record.
Brady’s 14 playoff wins are tied for second in NFL history with Terry Bradshaw and John Elway behind Joe Montana’s 16 wins.
He is one of four quarterbacks in NFL history with 3 or more Super Bowl wins and 2 or more Super Bowl MVP awards.
Brady was the 7th and final quarterback taken in the 2000 NFL Draft at #199 0verall in the 6th round. He is the only one left playing.
The Patriots have two brothers currently on their roster; TE Rob Gronkowski and TE Dan Gronkowski, who they signed last week. They have a third brother Chris Gronkowski, who is a running back for the Indianapolis Colts. They are among 23 sets of brothers currently playing in the NFL but the only family that has three siblings playing. They are one of just nine families to have had at least 3 brothers playing at the same time in NFL History.
WR Wes Welker now has catches in 79 consecutive games, 65 as a Patriot. The last time Welker did not have a catch in a game was 12/24/05 as a Dolphin.
LB Jerod Mayo led the NFL with 193 tackles in 2010.
In 2010 LB Gary Guyton scored two defensive touchdowns returning a fumble 35-yards at Chicago and returning an interception 59-yards vs. Cincinnati.
WR Julian Edelman has the highest punt return average in team history at 14.2 yards per return.
Edelman set a team record with a 94-yard punt return vs. Miami on January 2, 2011.
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis became the first Patriot with 1,000 plus rushing yards since Corey Dillon in 2004.
Green-Ellis’ 13 rushing TD’s were second most in the NFL last season.
In last season’s game in Miami on October 4 S Patrick Chung blocked a punt, a field goal and had an interception return for a touchdown.
Less than a week before the game the Patriots claimed LB A.J. Edds off of waivers after the Miami Dolphins released him.
The Patriots have two New England natives on the roster they are: TE Aaron Hernandez (Bristol CT – Florida) and S James Ihedigbo (Northampton MA – UMass). They have 6 players who played for a New England school or a current or former Big East Conference member. They are: WR Deion Branch (Louisville); S James Ihedigbo (UMass); C Dan Koppen (Boston College); CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers); NT Vince Wilfork (Miami) and DE Mike Wright (Cincinnati).
The Patriots have 7 retired numbers: 20 – Gino Cappelletti, 40 – Mike Haynes, 73 – John Hannah, 78 – Bruce Armstrong, 79 – Jim Lee Hunt and 89 – Bob Dee.
Dolphins Team Notes
Here is the Dolphins roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
2011 Dolphins Schedule/Results
Miami’s all-time record is 394-290-4 they are 20-20 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 2008 when they lost to Baltimore in the AFC Wild Card game, 27-9. 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.
The Dolphins hold a 33-13 series advantage over the Patriots at home and they have a 15-9 series lead at Sun Life Stadium (formerly known as Joe Robbie Stadium, Pro Player Park/Stadium, Dolphins/Dolphin Stadium and Land Shark Stadium) since it opened in 1987.
Miami has swept the season series from the Patriots 13 times.
The Dolphins have more appearances on Monday Night Football than any other NFL team, this is their 75th. They are 40-34 on MNF.
Since 2001, Miami is 26-36 vs. the AFC East.
Selling tickets to Dolphins home games isn’t always easy in South Florida.
The Dolphins are planning some special things for the pregame ceremonies.
Miami has the most AFC East titles with 14 followed by New England with 12, Buffalo with 11 and New York with 4. Baltimore/Indianapolis and Houston won the other 10.
Dolphins Staff Notes
Hear what Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano had to say to the New England media about the match up.
Miami head coach Tony Sparano in his 4th season with the team; he is 25-23 since taking over and 0-1 in the playoffs for an overall record of 25-24.
He is 2-4 vs. New England in his career.
Sparano is a native of West Haven CT and is a graduate of the University of New Haven.
Towards the end of camp, Sparano talked tough about the competing in the AFC East.
Sparano was left defending his offensive line after a shaky preseason.
Sparano is worried about crowd noise from Patriots fans following the team on the road.
Dolphins Players Notes
Dolphins QB Chad Henne is 1-3 against the Patriots in his career, overall he is 13-14 in his NFL career. Henne was a second round pick by Miami in 2008 out of Michigan.
The big pick up for the Dolphins in the off season was RB Reggie Bush who was acquired in a trade with New Orleans.
Bush admits that he’s taken some added motivation with him to his new home in Miami.
The Dolphins drafted OL Mike Pouncey in the first round 15th overall from Florida. He is the twin brother of Pittsburgh C Marquis Pouncey.
How good can the Miami secondary be in 2011?
Anthony Fasano isn’t flashy, but the Dolphins know they can always count on the veteran tight end to get the job done.
Cameron Wake isn’t letting fame get in his way.
Takeaways will be the key if Miami is going to beat New England on MNF.
After New England released rookie TE Will Yeatman last week, he was quickly claimed off waivers by Miami and is on the Dolphins 53-man roster.
There is one player on the Dolphins roster from Big East universities and New England based colleges. He is: T Marc Colombo (Boston College).
The Dolphins have three retired numbers: 12 – Bob Griese, 13 – Dan Marino and 39 – Larry Csonka.
Next Week
The Patriots host the San Diego Chargers next Sunday in their home opener at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. Kick off is at 4:15 p.m. on CBS.
Follow Steve on Twitter @djstevem
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