Miami vice: Pats rarely beat Dolphins in December

The New England Patriots will finally play in Miami in a meaningful late-season game.

That has seldom been the case this century. New England is 2- 5 in Miami in the Belichick- Brady era when the game is played after November.

This year’s game is not without meaning. The Patriots ( 10- 2) can clinch their 16th AFC East title this century on Monday night in Miami with a win or tie.

For the 5-7 Dolphins, another disappointing season would effectively end with a loss. Win, and they’d retain their long-shot hopes of snagging an AFC wild card berth.

Why does New England struggle in late- season games in south Florida?

“Well, they’ve had some good teams, first of all,” Tom Brady said, in the Patriots’ way of forever flattering the opponent. “They play well at home.”

Another reason — the truest reason? The weather difference.

“We’re in a northern environment. They’re in a southern environment,” Brady said.

“I think it’s hard for them to come up here. I think it’s challenging for us to go down there, and that’s just the way it’s always been.”

As it happens, it’s not expected to be hot Monday night in the Miami area. Weather forecasters call for temperatures as high as 21 C.

New England has not allowed more than 17 points in any game since the beginning of October, so the Jay Cutler- quarterbacked Dolphins — who have struggled big time on offence in most games this season — have their work cut out for them. Also, in his career, Cutler never has defeated the Patriots.