The Miami Dolphins got three sacks on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady when he visited Sun Life Stadium last season. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano would probably be just fine with his defense repeating that number Monday night.
Thursday, Sparano talked about how difficult it is for defenses to get to Brady, and of course, he gave some credit to the Patriots’ offensive line. But Sparano explained that New England’s offensive system as a whole — from its formations to Brady’s tendencies — is what keeps him upright.
“They’re open in formation, meaning they’ll be in empty, but he gets the ball and gets it out so fast. He’s got a quick release, and their whole thing is built on rhythm and timing and him getting it out fast,” Sparano said. “So those guys (the offensive line) don’t have to hold up very long at times, but they do a nice job in there.”
Despite the sacks, Brady’s completion percentage of 79.2 at Sun Life Stadium last year was higher than his percentage at any other stadium in 2010.
Miami has a solid cornerback duo in Vonte Davis and Sean Smith, though New England has three wideouts in Chad Ochocinco, Wes Welker and Deion Branch who are all capable of doing damage. New England also has two big tight ends with good hands in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
Getting all of those players covered, which could require a lot of man-to-man with bigger secondary packages, will be crucial in the Dolphins’ defensive front getting pressure on Brady. Over the last few years, defenses seem to be more effective in disrupting the Patriots' rhythm with solid pass coverage rather than sending big blitzes, which was very evident in the New York Jets' divisional round playoff victory over the Patriots last winter.
“That part of it is what’s rough, Sparano said. “You’ve got to get him to hold the football long enough to make him feel uncomfortable.”
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