Patriots look to wrap up top seed in AFC against Miami

Josh Kline has regressed. He’s expected to start again with Pouncey dealing with foot and ankle injuries. QUESTIONABLE: G Jamil Douglas (ankle), T Ja’Wuan James (toe), WR Rishard Matthews (ribs), DT Earl Mitchell (calf), WR Kenny Stills (thigh). This was the 64th consecutive start for Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill….

The New England Patriots’ woes continue in South Beach as the Miami Dolphins have beaten New England for three straight years on their home turf.

Instead the yawning gap only grew.

The Dolphins (5-10), are playing for pride and jobs at this point.

Bill Belichick provided some clues on that last week when asked how long it took him to insert his full program in New England.

Patriots Playoff Scenario: If the Patriots will win, they will get the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

The 6-10 Dolphins will enter the offseason with a new general manager as they have elevated director of college scouting Chris Grier to the position. Tannehill outplayed New England’s Tom Brady and showed deft touch on the deep ball, a much-improved aspect of his game.

That’s the only time since 2001 that the Dolphins have made the playoffs.

The Patriots are not going into the postseason the way they would have liked.

Brady was more concerned with his play – and that of the team in the future – than what happened against the Dolphins. “I think he’s great”. “Let’s see if we can compete”. Did it take a couple of years in New England because of the personnel decisions he had to make? New England gained only 196 yards of total offense. Don’t bother asking him about the Dolphins’ situation.

“I told the players I’m committed to winning Super Bowls”, Ross said. Jackson also added a 20-yard reception on a screen play in the first half, but he clearly isn’t in prime shape just yet.

The Broncos, Patriots and Bengals would all finish 12-4, and because of tiebreakers, Denver would be the No. 1 seed and New England would be the No. 2 seed.

AFC East rivals will meet in the regular season finale for both teams today when the Dolphins host the Patriots at 1:00PM ET.

Just two weeks after being signed by the Patriots, the 32-year-old running back had his workload ramped up considerably in preparation for the postseason. I think you have to have that kind of attitude and the players want to really respond to somebody like that. “It’s going to be who plays the best”.

TANNEHILL CRITIC: The latest tempest involving the dysfunctional Dolphins will linger into the offseason. In the second quarter, Ryan Tannehill hit Greg Jennings down the sidelines for a big 31-yard gain as the final minute of the first half ticked down.