The skinny: These AFC East teams have met 86 times over the years, so their rivalry is long and filled with animosity. The last time they met, the Dolphins rallied from an 11-point deficit in the second half for a 22-21 victory in December 2009.
In that game, Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne made a big push to strengthen his hold on the job for this season with 335 yards passing. The Patriots are 10-5 under Bill Belichick in “Monday Night Football” games. New England has won six of its last seven Monday games.
The difference will be: Whether the Patriots’ defense can regain its balance. This once- feared unit is a shell of its former self. The offensively challenged Bills scored 30 points against the Patriots in Week 3, with some damage coming on special teams. New England ranks 27th in the 32-team NFL in total defense.
This is what happens when a team grows older and doesn’t draft replacements for lost starters. The past is past, and the future holds plenty of touchdowns scored by opponents if the Patriots can’t dig in defensively a little more.
The call: Dolphins 27-24
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
