The Miami Dolphins go to the New England Patriots on Sunday as a part of the NFL’s Week 18 schedule because the 2025 common season involves an in depth. This would be the closing recreation of the yr for the Dolphins whereas the Patriots are making ready for the playoffs and have an opportunity to assert the highest seed within the AFC playoff image with a win on this recreation and a few assist elsewhere.
To get a better have a look at the Patriots, who beat Miami again in Week 2, I turned to our mates and rivals over at Pats Pulpit to speak concerning the turnaround in New England, the authorized points that exploded this week, a surprisingly low variety of Pro Bowl alternatives, and extra. Taylor Kyles, as at all times, was form sufficient to reply my Patriots questions.
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You can try the Dolphins side of our conversation over on Pats Pulpit.
How do you suppose the Patriots stability the prospect to get the highest seed within the AFC versus defending gamers for a possible playoff recreation subsequent week? I do know Mike Vrabel has mentioned the starters will play, however will we see them pulled if the Denver Broncos bounce out to an enormous lead in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers, who’re anticipated to relaxation their starters?
Last week in New York, the Patriots benched as many starters as doable after seizing a large lead halfway via the third quarter. I believe their dream situation could be a repeat of that efficiency, however starters will play so long as it takes to win.
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Mike Vrabel is massive on taking part in to an identification, and rolling over earlier than the sport is in hand one week earlier than the playoffs could be very off-brand. Players battling damage could also be on a snap rely, however as Vrabel advised reporters this week, everybody who’s wholesome will play.
How a lot of a distraction has the Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore authorized points been this week?
It’s come up with nearly each participant and coach interviewed this week, and all have insisted they’re ignoring outdoors “noise” and specializing in the Dolphins. I believe that’s inconceivable to do absolutely given the circumstances, however this group has proven spectacular psychological toughness all through the season.
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Stefon Diggs acknowledged the state of affairs has had an impact on him, however he’s recognized for his give attention to the sector. I’d be mildly stunned if Diggs or Christian Barmore’s play is considerably impacted.
I used to be stunned that, as a lot of an awesome story the Patriots have been this yr and being tied for the highest spot within the AFC playoff image, they solely landed two Pro Bowl alternatives in quarterback Drake Maye and cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Who was snubbed? Is there a participant who has flown below the radar however can have a huge impact on this recreation or within the playoffs?
Hunter Henry was most likely essentially the most deserving participant who wasn’t voted in. Many could be stunned to be taught he’s by no means earned a Pro Bowl nod, and this was the tight-end’s finest season. He has wonderful rapport with Drake Maye, whose aggressiveness and accuracy have added a downfield factor to the 31-year-old’s recreation. Henry can also be a flexible piece of Josh McDaniel’s offense, spending time in-line, within the slot, and even at flanker in some run schemes.
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Marcus Jones has been an elite punt returner since getting into the league in 2022, and he had a career-year that included two touchdowns. Jones has additionally emerged as one of many league’s finest slot cornerbacks, offering bodily run protection, sticky protection, and wonderful ball expertise. I wouldn’t say he was snubbed as a result of Chimere Dike was greater than deserving, however Jones had a Pro Bowl-caliber season as a returner. The video games should additionally broaden to incorporate slot corners, because it’s practically inconceivable for the position to earn accolades given the notion of the place.
What has been the most important shock of the yr for the Patriots? The greatest disappointment?
Drake Maye placing up a Pro Bowl season has to take the cake for greatest shock. I assumed the Patriots might win 13 video games this season, largely due to the pairing of Maye and McDaniels, however nobody might’ve seen this coming. He’s proven fast enchancment going all the best way again to the summer time, maturing as a decision-maker, pocket supervisor, and chief. Poor ball safety and inaccuracy have held him again at instances, however these are sometimes outshined by stretches of just about excellent play. He shortly deciphers disguises and blitzes, and he’s just about unphased by strain. As lengthy as New England continues to construct round him, I really don’t suppose there’s a ceiling to what Maye can turn out to be as he continues to be taught and develop.
One good factor about Vrabel’s employees is that few gamers have really disillusioned, however Barmore’s play has taken a step again from his dominant 2023 season. Blood clots saved Barmore out for many of final season, which should be thought-about when assessing his 2025 efficiency. That mentioned, he isn’t the identical fluid athlete he was at his previous peak. Barmore’s been a legal responsibility in opposition to the run at instances, and he hardly ever reaches the passer regardless of racking up hurries. If I have been New England, I’d be trying to find a commerce accomplice who’d be keen to tackle Barmore’s contract this offseason.
In 2024, the Patriots have been 4-13. In 2025, they’re 13-3 heading into this week. Adding Mike Vrabel and having Drake Maye become an MVP candidate have made an unlimited influence, however we now have all seen the one-year bounce with a brand new head coach, adopted by regression in yr two. I do know you might be having fun with this yr, however what have you ever seen that leads you to consider it is a return to New England combating for the highest spot within the AFC East every year, somewhat than a one-year spike?
The trio of Vrabel, Maye, and McDaniels is a championship-caliber basis that might be collectively for the subsequent 20 years. Vrabel is a confirmed franchise chief and Coach of the Year winner. McDaniels has invaluable expertise working with arguably the best head coach and quarterback of all time on high of his personal spectacular resume as a coordinator. I’ve already gushed about Maye, however he really is the true deal.
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This offseason, EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf and his entrance workplace constructed on that basis with excellent free agent and draft lessons. Milton Williams has been a difference-maker when wholesome, Robert Spillane is the center of the protection, and re-signing Jaylinn Hawkins has emerged as a play-maker below this new regime. New England has additionally gotten half a dozen starters out of their rookie class, which has performed a big half in elevating a 4-12 group to a legit contender. If they will maintain something close to that hit fee, the Patriots ought to return to changing into one of many premier threats within the AFC for years to return.