Miami Dolphins Host New England Patriots Nov. 1 with Rushing Edge
The Miami Dolphins will return to Hard Rock Stadium to host the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 4:25 p.m. ET as steady rain is forecast for Miami Gardens. Expected showers and thunderstorms could favor the home team and its emphasis on the run. Miami is the only NFL team to rush for at least 100 yards in each of its last five games. That streak frames Sundays matchup as a test of how weather may influence game plans for both teams.
Miamis rushing attack ranks seventh in yards per game this season and has served as a consistent engine for the offense. Late in the Dolphins most recent win, the team ran the ball multiple times in the final minutes to preserve the lead and close out the game. Left tackle Patrick Paul said the offensive line rose to the occasion in that sequence. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said his starting point as a play caller is to keep defenses off balance by mixing the run and pass.
Quarterback Malik Willis delivered a standout performance in that victory, registering what the team described as the sixth-best single-game EPA by a quarterback this season. Willis has also been a significant rushing threat, ranking second among quarterbacks with 223 rushing yards on the year, trailing Buffalos Josh Allen by 17 yards. His dual-threat play has helped Miami lean on the run to set up the pass.
New England counters with Drake Mayes scrambling ability. According to Next Gen Stats, when Maye scrambles he has 60 scramble dropbacks, 18 completions and 259 passing yards. He ranks second in scramble rushing yards with 204 and has a league-leading 27 first downs on such plays. The Patriots could be shorthanded at receiver and running back this week, as Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins are on injured reserve, A.J. Brown did not practice Thursday or Friday and is listed as questionable, and Treveyon Henderson missed practice time and is also listed as questionable.
The Dolphins ruled rookie offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor out for Sunday after he entered the concussion protocol earlier this week. Cornerback Juju Brents returned to practice on Thursday and is listed as questionable for the game. Fans should check the full injury report and the Dolphins official social channels 90 minutes before kickoff for final active lists. The game will air on CBS, will be available on the Dolphins Radio Network and the Dolphins game center will carry additional coverage.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Rain in Miami Gardens could magnify the advantage for a Dolphins unit that has consistently produced on the ground, creating a straightforward game plan against a Patriots run defense ranked 14th. Malik Williss ability to contribute as a runner paired with Miamis run-first identity forces New England to defend both the box and the perimeter. Drake Mayes scrambling presents a different stress for Miamis defense, but injuries to key Patriots receivers and a questionable Henderson could limit New Englands options. The Dolphins will need the offensive line to maintain its recent performance in Proctors absence if Miami hopes to sustain its streak of 100-yard rushing games.