Tom Brady survives last game of regular season

With the addition of Ndamukong Suh and signing quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a large contract extension, the Dolphins were expected to compete for a playoff spot but that hasn’t been the case.

The New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins will square off for the 101st time, including three playoff games, in their 50th year as division foes and for the second of two meetings in 2015.

Top rushers LeGarrette Blount and Dion Lewis are done for the season, and Danny Amendola again joined fellow wideout Julian Edelman on the sideline last week. But whoever wins in the playoffs is the team that’s plays the best on that day.

-QB Tom Brady completed just 12 of 21 passes for a season-low 134 yards and no touchdowns. But in the finale they mounted lots of pressure on Tom Brady and netted 438 yards, their second-highest total of the season.

The Dolphins (5-10) are assured of finishing last in the division for the first time since 2007.

Look for New England to try and do the same in their coming clash.

There will be opportunities for explosive plays today.

Even though the Dolphins have been beyond lethargic this year, their star-studded defensive line should scare the Patriots Sunday.

Three key players on defense will miss the Dolphins game – defensive end Chandler Jones (abdomen/toe) and linebackers Jonathan Freeny (hand) and Dont’a Hightower (knee).

Rookie Jamil Douglas started last week in place of Pouncey, but he struggled mightily as guard is his natural position. That said, it’s hard to lay 10 points on a team that is as banged up as the Patriots are, and the Dolphins aren’t trustworthy no matter how many points they’re getting.

Tannehill prepares to take the field.

With the Colts sacking Tannehill six times Sunday, the Dolphins might want to feed the ball to running back Lamar Miller against the Patriots.

While I stated previously that the main focus of New England during their first round bye must be regaining chemistry, the bye also brings another added bonus.

Meanwhile, running backs Steven Jackson and Brandon Bolden carried a heavy load on the ground but without much success.

The Dolphins reportedly brought extra equipment staffers with them to Gillette Stadium in October in an effort to be extra diligent about keeping an eye on the team’s gear. “This game is really important for us because it’s a great goal for us to be the No. 1 seed”. The Patriots’ uber-conservative play calling was a direct result of their bad offensive line. The Dolphins have had their issues with him in the past and this week, with the other injuries, they’ll put a premium on trying to take him away.

The Patriots got a taste of the South Florida winter at FAU Stadium on Friday.