New England Patriots

New England Patriots Week 2: 3 things to know about Miami Dolphins

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Arian Foster (29) rushes for the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots have put the Week 1 fun behind them, so we will too. It’s time to focus on Patriots Week 2.

Here are five things to know about the Miami Dolphins as we count down the days until New England Patriots Week 2.

3. Arian Foster has still got it

While watching Foster slip through to the second level and getting past Earl Thomas, one thing became clear: the former Houston Texans backfield fixture has still got it. Thomas is one of the best safeties in the league, and Foster made a big statement by juking by him.

In addition to Foster, the Dolphins are expected to field sophomore pro Jay Ajayi in Week 2, a guy who packs a punch to say the least. Just like the Patriots had to keep David Johnson and Chris Johnson at bay in Week 1, they will have to stay strong against Ajayi and Foster. In particular, Foster should not be underestimated.

Leonte Carroo (88) of the Miami Dolphins hoists his quarterback in Week 1. Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

2. Young and dangerous wide receivers

The Dolphins may have lost Greg Jennings and Rishard Matthews over the offseason, but they have a stable of promising young wideouts: Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker and Leonte Carroo.

Landry is one of the better possession receivers in the NFL; last year, his stat line read 110 receptions, 1,157 yards and four touchdowns. In Week 1, he picked up right where he left off in 2015, snagging seven balls in the losing effort to Seattle. Expect the Patriots to plug Malcolm Butler on Landry.

Additionally, DeVante Parker is primed to improve on an up-and-down rookie year in which he caught 26 balls for 494 yards and three touchdowns. He won’t be all that high on the Patriots’ list of worries in Week 2, but don’t forget about him.

Last but not least is Carroo, a guy this writer really wanted the Patriots to draft this past spring. He’s a Rutgers product.

Ryan Tannehill (17) gets slammed on the turf in Week 1. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Dolphins were terrible on third down last week.

Now that we have granted the Dolphins a few positive things, let’s talk about something you should know about them that isn’t very threatening.

For starters, the Dolphins were absolutely awful last week against the Seahawks on third down. It’s much of the reason the lost the game. Ryan Tannehill and the offense converted on just three of 14 third down attempts, good for a lowly average of 21 percent success rate.

Meanwhile, the Patriots’ defense performed well on third down, drawing even with the Cardinals by stopping six of 12 attempts. So it’s safe to say that the Patriots’ defense holds the advantage on third down until proven otherwise.

That being said, this is a divisional game, so anything can happen. Never underestimate a divisional opponent on first, second or third down.

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire all week as we bring you fresh points of analysis leading up to kickoff.