Gameday: Three keys to a win PLUS Prediction

We are about 4 hours away from kickoff here in Foxboro, where it's close to 50 degrees and where fall football is definitelyin the air.

At stake today?

Only everything for the Miami Dolphins. A own today puts an end to a three game losing streak.

A win today, as I mentioned yesterday, validates everything Jeff Ireland did in the offseason.

And, most importantly, a win today puts the Miami Dolphins at 4-3, and only a half game out of the division.

So yeah, there's a lot at stake..

To the keys! (Yes, only 3 today. Can't tailgate and blog, that's crazy talk, people).

1. Win the turnover battle. This is something Miami, and Ryan Tannehill failed at miserably last week. You can't turn the ball over three times and expect to win. You just can't. Tannehill must play mistake free football today, and the defense MUST make some plays on Tom Brady. You saw the Jets game last week. How big was that pick six? Win the turnover battle, win the game. It's a simple, yet incredibly difficult, concept to grasp for these Miami Dolphins.

2. Pressure, pressure, pressure Tom Brady. This is how you beat the New England Patriots, by constantly pressuring Tom Brady. Get him out of rhythm, throw off his flow, get in his face every down, all day. That's the ONLY way you slow down and defeat Tom Brady. Cameron Wake, Dion Jordan, and those blitzing linebackers (who Ireland signed JUST FOR THIS GAME) MUST be on their game today.

3. Cover Gronk. This one should be an absolute no brainer. Rob Gronkowski is the Patriots ONLY legitimate threat. Don't tell me Danny Amendola's a threat, because he's not. Don't tell me Kembrell Thompkins is a threat, or Aaron Dobson is a threat, because they're not. Shut down Gronkowski, and you win the game. It may sound simple, but it's a formula few teams have ever figured out. DC Kevin Coyle MUST make this priority number one today.

PREDICTION

Do I think Miami has a chance? Absolutely. Do I think they have a relatively good chance? Maybe. But until Tom Brady isn't behind center I just can't go against the patriots at home, coming off a loss. Would a Dolphins win shock me? No. But my head says New England in a close one.

Final: Dolphins 23 Patriots 27

Check back in right before game time for a LIVE check in, including the inactives. 

And, as always, follow the quarter by quarter blog thought the day!

4 hours.

Go Fins!