WHEN NEW ENGLAND HAS THE BALL

The offense is clicking on all cylinders. Quarterback Tom Brady has spread his passes wisely in the last three games, using his tight ends and wide receivers successfully. . . . Today's game would be the perfect time to incorporate more of the running game since Miami allowed 150 rushing yards last weekend against Jacksonville. But Patriots rookie running back Laurence Maroney was injured last weekend against the Lions and is listed as questionable due to a back injury. Based on the way he was acting in the locker room on Friday, it appeared he'll be able to play today. . . . Maroney and veteran Corey Dillon have been called a two-headed monster coming out of the backfield. New England will need that monster in a big way today since Miami is ranked seventh in pass defense. . . . The Pats' offensive line will need to contain the Miami all-out blitz, including defensive end Jason Taylor.

ADVANTAGE: New England.

WHEN MIAMI HAS THE BALL

Dolphin quarterback Joey Harrington has been reborn in Miami and is looking for revenge against the Patriots. The former starting QB at Detroit began this season on the Miami bench behind Daunte Culpepper, but Harrington was forced into action when Culpepper was lost for the season due to injury. Harrington made his Dolphins' debut in New England on Oct. 8 and suffered a 20-10 loss. Since that game, he has quickly learned the system and enjoyed success. He has many dangerous targets, including wide receivers Wes Walker, Chris Chambers and Marty Booker. The trio has combined for 153 receptions this season, ranks third in the league behind St. Louis (157) and top-ranked Cincinnati (164). . . . Harrington needs just 16 passing yards to reach 2,000 for the fifth time in as many seasons. . . . Miami's total pass offense is ranked 11th in the league, while New England's pass defense is 18th. . . . The Patriots' secondary, led by Asante Samuel, has been strong of late.

ADVANTAGE: Miami.

SPECIAL TEAMS

When these teams met two months ago in New England, punter Josh Miller was was one of the most consistent performers for the Patriots. Now, he's on injury reserve, and for the last two weeks Ken Walter has assumed those duties. . . . Meanwhile, Miami punter Donnie Jones continues to string together another solid season. In the punting game, the Dolphins hold the advantage. . . . Miami veteran kicker Olindo Mare is a 10-year pro and it shows. Pats' rookie kicker Stephen Gostkowski has come into his own and is visibly more comfortable. . . . Today's game could easily be determined by a field goal.

ADVANTAGE: New England.

COACHING

When these two coaches met earlier in the season, Bill Belichick's Patriots were 3-1, while Nick Saban and his Dolphins had only one victory. Things have changed for Miami since its game in New England on Oct. 8. Harrington is leading the surging Dolphins with four wins in their last five games. . . . Both coaches are defensive-minded and know the another's tendencies. Saban is a disciple of the Belichick system, the two having worked together for four years in Cleveland. Belichick was the head coach and Saban was his defensive coordinator from 1991-94. . . . This is the time of year when Belichick steps it up a bit.

ADVANTAGE: New England.

INTANGIBLES

With a victory today and a Jets' loss, the Patriots can clinch the AFC East title. . . . Even though the Patriots have a 20-5 record in the month of December under Belichick, they haven't been as successful in Miami at this time of year. New England is 2-11 in the Sunshine State in games played in December. . . . Overall, the Patriots have won six of the last eight games against the Dolphins. . . . New England must cut down its number of turnovers (18 in the last six games). . . . The Patriots are 5-0 on the road this season.

ADVANTAGE: New England.

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340