For the New England Patriots, Sunday Is Do or Die

For the Patriots to make the playoffs in this topsy-turvy NFL season, they need to treat Sunday's game versus the resurgent Dolphins as a playoff game. After losing a heartbreaker at home last Thursday to the New York Jets, the Patriots are now tied for second place in the division with the Miami Wildcats, I mean Dolphins, setting up a huge game in Florida on Sunday. Sure, the Pats are 6-4 and playing well enough to make the playoffs, but due to their 2-2 record in the division and tiebreaking losses to the Fish and the Colts, the Pats would be watching the playoffs if they were to start today. So how can the Patriots stop the Dolphins, considering Miami destroyed them in September? Control the ball. This Patriots team is a far better team than they were in Week Three, but that being said, so is Miami. Matt Cassel had a record setting game against the Jets, which may have been what he needed headed into this match up.  He is clearly more comfortable in the offense and has made ... (link)