The Miami Dolphins have too many good players to go 8-8, but that's just what happened in 2013. Despite a solid franchise quarterback, good receiving options and some big names on defense, the Dolphins never found a rhythm last season. Meanwhile, the AFC East rival New England Patriots have been the model of consistency for a long, long while.
Patriots vs. Dolphins 2014: Time, TV schedule, radio and how to watch online
The Patriots have a stranglehold on the AFC East, and the Dolphins are the only team that seems fit to challenge them. Here’s how to watch the game on Sunday.
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
With few huge changes this offseason, more of the same is expected out of the Patriots, a team that went 12-4 last season. If the Dolphins plan on changing things this year, besting the Patriots in the season opener at home is as good a way as any to make an early statement.
Then again, the Patriots could always make a statement of their own if Tom Brady comes out and shreds the Miami defense from start to finish, something that was notably absent from the early games of last season thanks to injuries among his receiving options.
How to watch
Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Announcers: Greg Gumbel, Trent Green
Radio: Patriots Radio Network, Dolphins Radio Network
Online streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket, Verizon NFL Mobile
Nuts and bolts
With the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills comprising the rest of the division, the Dolphins are the most likely team to challenge the Patriots for the AFC East. Unlike the Jets and Bills, the Dolphins have an established franchise quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, and there's an air of stability with the team. Buffalo and New York could wind up being decent teams, but it's not exactly a safe bet.
This Week 1 matchup could win up being incredibly significant if Miami progresses -- or New England regresses -- this year. The Dolphins have seen some upgrades this offseason, with notable offensive line additions Branden Albert and Ja'Wuan James. A pair of strong tackles can easily be the difference in a team making the playoffs or not.
But the Patriots haven't been sitting dormant. They now have cornerback Darrelle Revis, signed after the Denver Broncos swooped in on Aqib Talib. Revis will look to blanket Mike Wallace, Tannehill's top receiver, and smart money is on him being successful. He'll make life tough for Tannehill and that could easily be the matchup that decides this game.
Further reading
For more on the Dolphins, head over to The Phinsider. For more on the Patriots, Pats Pulpit has you covered.
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