KEYSTOTHEGAME

Five things the Miami Dolphins need to do to secure a victory at home against the Patriots:

KeepCamNewton in the pocket

WhileNewton has struggled this season, which is evident by his 78.9 passer rating and his five touchdowns to 10 interceptions ratio, the last time he played the Dolphins he looked all-world. Newton threwfor 155 yards, gained

75 rushing yards and ran for two touchdowns in a

21-11 season-opening victory over the Dolphins. Miami will need a linebacker to spy Newton, who has gained 451 rushing yards and scored 11 touchdowns.

Lock in onNewEngland’s tailbacks

Last year, NewEngland averaged 27.9 rushing attempts per game, and this season the Patriots’ average 32.8, which is a clear reflection ofwhere the franchise is froma talent standpoint. With their passing gamelacking, the Patriots have to lean on DamienHarris andNewton to carry the offense’s load. Even when passing, the backs are heavily involved. NewEngland’s tailbacks and fullbacks have caught 72of the team’s 235 receptions, and the screen pass is a major component of their offense.

Run the football effectively

The Dolphins have not run the ball effectivelymost of this season, and the last timeMiami played NewEngland theDolphins gained 87 rushing yards. Matt Breida (3.6 yards per attempt) returns fromhis COVID-19 caused absence, and SalvonAhmed (4.2 yards per attempt) is testing out his shoulder injury to see if he can play. Their speed could helpMiami’s rushing attack, whichwas carried by DeAndreWashington and Patrick Laird last Sunday.

Stay away fromStephon Gilmore

Gilmoreisn’thavingaseason worthyofDefensivePlayer oftheYearconsideration, but he’s stilloneoftheNFL’s best cornerbacks. Opposing quarterbacksarecompleting

56.3percentofpasses thrown toareceiver he’s covering, andhaveacumulativepasser

ratingof74.8.

Win the turnoverbattle

The Dolphins’ 25 takeaways are tied with the Steelers for theNFL lead, and Miami’s ability to pull down interceptions and force fumbles are the main reason theDolphins possess a top-five defense. However, free safety BobbyMcCain might be forced to sit out Sunday’s game because of an ankle injury he suffered vs. the Chiefs.