Boston Sports Then and Now

Former Dolphin Wes Welker will look to continue to haunt his former team when the Patriots host the Dolphins.

Overview: This always entertaining AFC East matchup is an important mid-season contest. With a victory, the New England Patriots (5-2) can really put themselves in the driver’s seat in the division. After struggling with losses in their first three games, the Miami Dolphins (3-4) have scrapped their way back into contention, but must win this game if they hope to stay in the race.

Last Week: The Patriots had a much-deserved week off after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-7 the week before in London. In their last two games, the Patriots have out-scored their opponents 94-7.

The Dolphins took advantage of two kickoff returns for scores by Ted Ginn Jr. to defeat the New York Jets 30-25.

All-Time Series: The Patriots and Dolphins split their two meetings a year ago with Miami unveiling the Wildcat formation in dominating the first game 38-13. New England returned the favor with a 48-28 win in the second encounter. Overall, the Dolphins lead the series 49-38.

Key Questions Entering Week Nine:
New England Patriots: The Patriots have been back to their dominating self the last two games, but their two opponents have a combined one win for the season. So, the question for the Patriots is whether they can maintain the same kind of superlative execution against a quality opponent.

Miami Dolphins: Since unveiling the Wildcat formation against the Patriots in week three a year ago, the Dolphins have been the only team to successfully use it as a part of their primary offense game plan, rather than as a gimmick. However, the New Orleans Saints neutralized the Wildcat in the second half of their comeback win and Miami used the formation in very minimal fashion against the Jets. The curious question for the Dolphins is whether the Wildcat is still going to be part of their regular offense or whether they think that with Chad Henne now running the show they no longer need to rely heavily on the formation?

Player To Watch:
New England Patriots: Third-year defensive back Brandon Meriweather has emerged as a leading performer for the Patriots. He had two interceptions against the Buccaneers and could be a key factor against the Dolphins as the Patriots try to control Chad Henne and the Dolphins’ offense.

Chad Henne will look to best Tom Brady in a battle of former Michigan quarterbacks.

Miami Dolphins: After scoring a total of 43 points in losing their first three games, the Dolphins have scored 30 or more points in each of their last four games. Coincidentally, Chad Henne made his initial start in the first of those four games (a 38-10 win over the Bills) and seems to be emerging as the quarterback of the future for the Dolphins. Henne will have his toughest defensive test to date in Bill Belichick and the Patriots.

Predictions: This could be a really fun game to watch as both teams have a number of explosive performers. There are a lot of comparisons that can be made between Chad Henne and Tom Brady. Not only are they both former Michigan quarterbacks, but both took over during the season after the established starter was injured while the team was floundering. Brady went on to win the Super Bowl in his first season as the starter for New England. Henne has made the Dolphins measurably better offensively, but they are not a Super Bowl contender. This will be a close game, but Brady and the Patriots will emerge victorious at the end.

Final Score: Patriots 34, Dolphins 27