Keys To The Game: Patriots host Dolphins, playoff implications

On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins will travel to the frozen tundra of Gillette Stadium to take on the playoff-bound New England Patriots.

Though all eligible contenders in the AFC are locked in, the format of the 2012 playoffs is to be determined. All eyes in New England will be on the 1PM matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans. The implications of that matchup will largely determine where the Patriots stand at kickoff.

There are many playoff scenarios – none of which come to fruition with a Patriots’ loss. For the Patriots, the modus operandi is to win. At 4:25PM, New England will have to put on the blinders and focus on these three factors:

Protect Tom Brady

Pass protection has been a nagging issue in recent weeks. It is task numero uno for opposing defenses: get to Tom Brady. Sacks and quarterback hits must be significantly reduced in order for this Patriots team to be successful tonight.

Stick to the Run

Part of successfully protecting Tom Brady stems from having a viable running attack. The run is what saved New England in their last meeting with Miami, and will be a big part of the gameplan this week,

Tighten up on the Secondary

I haven’t said this in a few weeks, but it certainly needs to be said: we need the secondary in order to win today. Keeping  Miami’s offense on the bench will allow Tom Brady & Co. to develop a rhythm where they can put up the obligatory 50+ points that led to New England’s midseason success. I’m nodding my head in the direction of Aqib Talib to be a difference maker. Let’s hope McCourty stays out of the CB spot.

I’m seeing the Patriots walk away from this one quite comfortably.

Patriots 34, Dolphins 20 (12-4)

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