DOLPHINS GAMEDAY

Lean on the running game:

Kenyan Drake is off to a slow start in the final year of his contract. Drake gained just 12 yards on four carries and caught two passes for 15 yards last week. As Miami’s top offensive weapon, Drake needs to find a way to be more of a factor in the game. It would help if Miami’s starting offensive line develops better chemistry and becomes better at opening up running lanes. The Patriots held the Steelers to just 32 rushing yards on 13 carries last week.

Find a way to pressure Brady:

This has seemingly been mission impossible for more than a decade for just about every NFL team because Tom Brady, who was sacked once every 27 attempts last season, only struggles when pressure is in his face. That means Miami must be effective blitzing him or have Davon Godchaux and rookie Christian Wilkins produce pressure by beating the offensive linemen they face oneon-one.

Take Edelman out the game:

Josh Gordon and newcomer Antonio Brown are two of the most dynamic receivers in the NFL, players who can score every time they touch the football. But it’s Julian Edelman who serves as the workhorse in New England’s offense. Last week New England’s slot receiver caught six passes for 83 yards and gained 8-yards on one rushing attempt.

Have success on third downs:

The Dolphins offense converted 3-of-10 third-down attempts against the Ravens, and Miami’s defense allowed 7-of-11 third downs to be converted last week. Struggles on third down aren’t unique to this franchise considering ineptness on that critical down has plagued both units for years. But Miami’s offense must find a way to stay on the field to get more snaps per game, and the defense can’t let Brady and his unit extend drives with third-down conversions.

A playmaking receiver must step forward:

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has a knack for throwing receivers open, but he’ll need one to consistently deliver big catches for the offense to be respectable this season. While Fitzpatrick delivered a nice 49-yard reception to DeVante Parker last week, he also had two passes dropped on him against the Ravens that would have helped Miami make it a more competitive game. Preston Williams caught his first touchdown pass, but he also ran the wrong routes a couple of times.