The Patriots' preparations for Monday night's game are heavily focused on attempting to contain Miami's two gamebreakers: Running back Reggie Bush and wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
"He's covered, and then not only does he end up with the ball but he ends up with a lot of yards after that," said coach Bill Belichick of Marshall. "We've had a tough time with him before."
"He doesn't just make great catches 50 or 60 yards down the field," said cornerback Devin McCourty. "He turns catches of maybe 5 to 10 yards . . . into a 70-yard touchdown."
But focusing on Marshall may open running lanes for Bush.
"He's a fast, explosive player," said McCoury of the star running back, obtained by the Dolphins from the Saints prior to training camp. "You can't give him much room out there."