Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (4-6) and New England Patriots (3-8) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 12 game at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):

When the Dolphins run: It’s not so much a three-headed monster at running back for the Dolphins, but more so De’Von Achane handling the big workload. He did it again in last Sunday’s 34-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, with 17 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown. The second-year tailback has already stormed past his rookie year carry total (101), with 122, while also leading the team in receptions (46).

As he rushes for 4.3 yards per carry this season for Miami’s 11th-ranked rushing offense, it would be a welcome return if fullback Alec Ingold can play through his calf injury. There’s a direct correlation between his absence and the lack of a 100-yard team rushing output in back-to-back games. This after easily hitting that mark in four consecutive outings. Nonetheless, left tackle Terron Armstead and center Aaron Brewer are exceptional run blockers, while guards Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg have been serviceable since the opening month of the season.

New England’s run defense ranks No. 20 in the NFL. Linebacker Jahlani Tavai leads the Patriots in tackles, and former Dolphins defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is key for coach Jerod Mayo’s defense in the middle. The Patriots were the team that got Miami going on the ground on Oct. 6, even as Achane left early that afternoon with a concussion, and they have allowed 100 yards rushing in eight of their past nine games. But Raheem Mostert said this week they have incorporated new schemes in run defense. Edge: Dolphins

When the Patriots run: When you face New England, you face a heavy dose of Rhamondre Stevenson. He already has a whopping 154 carries in 10 games and is averaging 3.8 yards per attempt, with 585 on the year and six touchdowns. It’s been no different of late, as the power runner got his 20 carries.

The Dolphins didn’t do a good job of stopping him nor Antonio Gibson in their first meeting. Stevenson went for 7.4 yards per carry (89 yards on 12 attempts), and Gibson had six carries for 52 yards (8.7 average). A big change for the Dolphins defense up front, though, has come in the demotion — and eventual cut — of linebacker David Long Jr., inserting Anthony Walker Jr. in his place. Since that move three games ago, the Dolphins have not allowed a 100-yard team rushing performance against them. This once-struggling run defense now ranks No. 10 in the league, and the defensive front has also benefited the past two games from the return of defensive tackle Zach Sieler. Edge: Dolphins

When the Dolphins pass: With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back the past four games, Miami’s pass game has been incredibly efficient. He has thrown seven touchdowns to one interception and has been above 70 percent on completions every time out, including 89.3 percent against the stout Buffalo Bills defense. He also has the Dolphins as the NFL’s top team in converting third and fourth downs over the past four weeks.

So this area of Sunday’s game takes on a different outlook than Oct. 6 in Foxborough, when Tyler “Snoop” Huntley started at quarterback. The Dolphins could stand to start hitting the big plays more like they have in the past, but Tagovailoa has been taking what the defense gives him, and it led to methodical drives throughout the win over the Raiders, before eventually hitting the big play downfield to tight end Jonnu Smith. With Smith’s effectiveness, it could lead Mayo to instruct his secondary, led by cornerback Christian Gonzalez and safety Kyle Dugger, to play more honestly against star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Under Bill Belichick, the Patriots were always known to create a focus on stopping that duo.

New England’s 20th-ranked pass defense also has to worry about Achane getting his touches in the pass game. The Patriots’ pass rush isn’t too intimidating. Defensive ends Keion White and Deatrich Wise have five sacks apiece this season, but the Miami offensive line is coming off an effort in which it held stellar Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby at bay, between right tackle Kendall Lamm’s play and some effective chips from tight ends. Tagovailoa can continue to get the ball out on time, while using some of his newfound mobility when needed. Edge: Dolphins

When the Patriots pass: And on the New England side, it’s also a new look than the first pairing of these two teams. After the Dolphins sank the Patriots in Week 5, Mayo sat veteran Jacoby Brissett in favor of rookie No. 3 pick Drake Maye. In six starts, Maye is 2-4 and has completed 66.8 percent of passes for 1,236 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions. The youngster can make plays in the pocket and on off-schedule throws, but he may be a little more susceptible to turning it over than Brissett, who had just one interception in his time as New England starter.

As the Dolphins have struggled in recent weeks covering talented tight ends like the Raiders’ Brock Bowers and Cardinals’ Trey McBride, it may behoove defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to deploy a different strategy. As safety Jordan Poyer has struggled, maybe allow cornerback Jalen Ramsey to play in the box and cover Patriots tight end Hunter Henry, who leads the team in receptions and receiving yards? New England isn’t particularly scary on the outside, with Demario Douglas the only wide receiver with more than 300 receiving yards for the team’s passing offense ranked last in the NFL. With fellow cornerback Kendall Fuller expected to miss a second game due to his latest concussion, it could be either Storm Duck or Cam Smith who play as third up at the position behind Ramsey and Kader Kohou.

Maye can be elusive at times, but the Dolphins will have opportunities to get to him, as New England ranks 29th in the league, giving up 35 sacks. Rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson can build on his high pass rush win rate against Las Vegas and sacks in each of the two previous games, as he and Emmanuel Ogbah look to attack tackles Vederian Lowe and Mike Onwenu. Sieler and Calais Campbell should create an interior pass rush, or get their hands up to deflect Maye passes when they can’t get to him. Edge: Dolphins

Special teams: It’s a special teams disaster nearly every time the Dolphins play the Patriots. There’s no other way to put it. New England special teams ace Brenden Schooler blocked a punt when these two teams met earlier this season, and last year, he got the Dolphins for a blocked field goal. What will happen this time, as long snapper Blake Ferguson, who had a bad snap in the first Patriots matchup, remains on the non-football illness list and Tucker Addington handles those duties?

That said, Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders has made all his kicks over the past four weeks. And Jake Bailey didn’t even have to punt against the Raiders. You just never know what can happen in this phase of the game when Miami plays New England. Edge: Patriots

Intangibles: Miami comes in on two-game winning streak and has an opportunity at home to complete a season sweep of the Patriots in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1999-2000. The Dolphins know every week is pivotal toward their playoff hopes, so they won’t overlook New England and its young combination of rookie coach Mayo and rookie quarterback Maye. Tagovailoa, by the way, is 6-0 in his career against the Patriots. Edge: Dolphins

PREDICTION: Dolphins 31, Patriots 17

Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — will Miami use Patriots game to open up offense? | VIDEO

His phone rings in December 2014, and it’s too early. Sean Payton has a bad feeling. He is on his way to present a game ball to Bailey Elizabeth Leon, a 12-year-old patient at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. The pair have become friends over the course of multiple visits. Payton promises her the Saints will beat the Chicago Bears on Monday night and he is returning with a gift.

As he looked at the football in his passenger seat and answered the call, Payton knew something was wrong: Bailey was gone, passing away from pediatric cancer.

“I pulled over on the side of the road and immediately called both my children (Connor and Meghan). I was devastated knowing that I should have stopped by sooner (that week),” said Payton on Wednesday, his voice cracking. “She was so tough. And such a huge fan. I remember flying to her funeral and taking the ball to her parents and them putting it in her casket. It just reminds us of our mortality. The idea of young kids dealing with sickness is so difficult.”

Shaped by this experience, Payton and his wife Skylene, a former nurse, found themselves drawn to help, first in New Orleans, and now in Colorado. In June the couple asked to tour Children’s Hospital of Colorado. They were impressed during the two-hour visit and wanted to support the kids in a meaningful way. After discussing ideas, Sean and Skylene made a $150,000 donation to help build a playground on the backside of the hospital.

At a time when nerves are frayed and the suffering is agonizing, this space can offer a chance for kids to be kids and for their families to suspend reality.

“We shared with them an idea we had for a long time, and they thought it was a great way to engage with the youth. We are extremely grateful,” said Christy Dobson, vice president, board and community relations at Children’s Hospital. “It will be a place for some respite, for normal activities, a healthy way for them to play.”

The contribution allowed the hospital to move forward, leaving optimism that the area, with adaptive swings, wheelchair accessibility and possibly a rock-climbing wall, will be ready in spring of 2025.

“They were so generous with their time. We got back home, talked about it and we thought it would be something really cool,” said Payton, who had been reluctant to discuss the donation, not wanting any attention. “It constantly reinforces that if you are able to give, whether it’s time or resources, it creates that feeling of fulfillment and balance in your life.”

The idea of Payton with a warm heart is quite the juxtaposition to the person seen on the sidelines or in Broncos headquarters. His factory setting is abrasive. At least for public consumption.

But in his second year in Denver, Payton is becoming one of us. His understanding of this area, of Broncos Country, of what the Broncos mean to this region has evolved and grown.

It started in the spring when his comfort level was noticeably different, his energy spiked from coaching a young and hungry team. Then it was reinforced in June.

This season he has changed the culture. Changed the record. And found a fit with a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix. But it is clear it goes well beyond that, extending to life away from the field.

He is not just passing through anymore. This place is becoming home to Payton and Skylene.

“He’s all ball in the building. I would say the majority of the guys haven’t seen the other side of him. I have known him for nine years so I have seen it plenty,” kicker Wil Lutz said. “He wants to be part of and buy into the community that he’s part of. I think it is truly important. You don’t want to be a coach who only cares about the locker room. When he was in New Orleans for 15 years, you saw him embrace the city. And he’s doing it here now.”

Payton provides his team with reminders of life’s fragility. It is not uncommon on Saturdays before home games for the coach to host a patient from Children’s Hospital. Prior to the visit, Payton puts a biography of the child on the big screen in the morning team meeting, listing their favorite players, food and where they are from. He wants the players to make a connection, if possible.

The visit concludes with the child breaking down the huddle at the end of practice. These moments, his experience a decade ago a constant reminder, can not be taken for granted.

“It’s their wish to be there, to be with our guys,” Payton said. “It’s so good for our team to see. It is humbling and really puts everything in perspective.”

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The era of the triple option may have come to an end at Lake Brantley.

Third year Lake Brantley football coach Skip Clayton has been let go by the school. Clayton acknowledged the move via text message Wednesday night, writing “the principal [Brian Blazewitz] says he wants to go in a different direction.”

Athletic director Eric Entrekin also confirmed the move via text message, ending a relationship with the Clayton family and the school that spanned nearly 40 years.

Clayton took over as head coach in 2022, after serving as an assistant coach under his father, George Clayton, who was the Lake Brantley head coach for 19 seasons before retiring and giving way to Dave Delfiacco, who resigned in 2022, when Skip took over.

Skip’s father, George Clayton, 74, who had a 153-66 record at Lake Brantley, died in May of last year.

Skip Clayton, who graduated from Lake Brantley High in 1996, had a 9-22 record in his three seasons, going 3-7 this season.

The Clayton era at Lake Brantley was know as the era of the triple-option offense that was installed by the elder Clayton when he took over the job as head coach in 1996. Skip served as his father’s assistant, as well as assistant to Delfiacco from 2003-2022.

The school produced a number of star running backs during that time, and four NFL players Pat DiMarco (2012-19), Dee Brown (2002-06), Tion Green (2017) and Jared Bernhardt (2022).

Chris Hays can be found on X @OS_ChrisHays.

MIAMI GARDENS — Spirits are high around the Miami Dolphins right now because they’re riding the wave of back-to-back victories for the first time since December when they defeated the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys in consecutive games.

Playoff hopes are still alive for the Dolphins (4-6), and they’ll rise even higher if they defeat the New England Patriots (3-8) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Coach Mike McDaniel has re-tooled the offense, going from a big-play passing game to a ball control run game with a short passing game.

The Dolphins hope to awaken the deep passing game led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

But until then, they seem content to utilize the new offense led by Tagovailoa, running back De’Von Achane and tight end Jonnu Smith.

The Dolphins likely need to win five of their remaining seven games to earn a playoff berth, and most have the Patriots game penciled in as a victory.

Here are some keys to the game: 

Dolphins’ new offense fits historical trend

The Dolphins’ revamped offense still bears watching. It’s in its infancy stage.

But the Dolphins have been here before as an organization. The offense is floundering. The record is disappointing. Then, out of nowhere, a midseason offensive re-birth leads to a playoff berth.

We saw it in 2008 with the unexpected emergence of the Wildcat offense.

We saw it in 2016, eight years later, with the unexpected emergence of running back Jay Ajayi.

Now, in 2024, eight years after that, we might see it again with the unexpected emergence of a ball-control offense.

We’ll see if history repeats.

Ingold, and his effect on the run game

Pro Bowl fullback Alec Ingold has missed the past two games with a calf injury and it’s shown in the rushing results.

After a five-game stretch of rushing for at least 100 yards, and a four-game stretch of rushing for at least 149 yards, the Dolphins have rushed for 67 yards (vs. Los Angeles Rams) and 82 yards (vs. Las Vegas).

Ingold usually takes care of the defender nearest the line of scrimmage so that running backs De’Von Achane, Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Wright have some room to maneuver. 

The confusing thing is the Dolphins won both of the past two games but went 1-4 during the stretch of 100-yard rushing games and 1-3 in the games rushing for 149 or more yards.

Re-establishing home field advantage

The Dolphins must win Sunday to re-establish home field advantage.

The Dolphins are 2-3 at home this season and 3-6 in their past nine home games, including two losses to Tennessee.

After New England, the Dolphins have home games remaining against the New York Jets (Dec. 8) and San Francisco (Dec. 22).

The Dolphins’ road to the playoffs will be much easier if they win their three remaining home games. 

After all, the Dolphins are 9-15 (.375) on the road under McDaniel. They won’t want to be required to win both of their final two games, at Cleveland and at the New York Jets, to make the playoffs.

Defense stopping Maye

The Dolphins defense is No. 9 in the league (308 yards allowed per game) – No. 10 against the pass (199 ypg allowed), No. 10 against the run (109 ypg allowed), and No. 15 in points allowed (22.1 per game).

The job this week is stopping New England rookie quarterback Drake Maye (nine touchdowns, six interceptions, 87.5 passer rating).

Maye is aided by running back Rhamondre Stevenson (585 yards rushing, 3.8 yards per carry, six touchdowns) and tight end Hunter Henry (46 receptions, 491 yards, one touchdown).

Miami’s defensive game plan will likely begin with stopping the run to make the Patriots one dimensional. And then they’ll attack Maye, perhaps with early blitzes to test his response.

McDaniel’s play-calling

McDaniel has done well as a play-caller in recent weeks. He has resisted the temptation to force the deep passes to Hill and Waddle. Instead he’s taken advantage of the underneath space created from the two-high safety scheme opposing defenses are utilizing in the passing game to use Smith and he’s taken advantage of the seven-man fronts in the run game to run the ball.

If McDaniel stays patient, and at some point re-discovers how to hit Hill and Waddle deep, this becomes a dangerous offense.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — will Miami use Patriots game to open up offense? | VIDEO

Bo Nix won’t be the only offensive rookie of the year candidate on the field Sunday when the Broncos visit Las Vegas.

The Raiders may be headed for a last-place finish and are 5.5-point home underdogs to Denver, but they’ve got one of the best young players in football in tight end Brock Bowers.

Better yet: Nix and Bowers were selected in back-to-back picks during April’s draft at Nos. 12 and 13, respectively.

“He can move, he can be outside, he can run a route tree maybe different than most tight ends,” Denver head coach Sean Payton said Wednesday. “When it’s happening week in and week out — you see it with (Detroit’s Sam LaPorta), you see it obviously with (Travis) Kelce and (George) Kittle. It becomes a little bit more challenging when they’re outside at receiver.”

While Nix has come on strong in recent weeks, Bowers has been a force from the start. He’s second in the NFL in catches (70), has 713 receiving yards and is tracking toward breaking just about every rookie record on the books for tight ends.

Two of his biggest games of the season came last week in a loss to Miami (13 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown) and Week 5 against Denver (8 catches for 97 and a touchdown). He’s had eight or more catches five times this year and he’s ninth overall in the NFL in yards after the catch.

“They’ve made it a key for him to get the ball,” Broncos corner Pat Surtain II said. “Obviously 13 catches is a high rate, especially for a rookie. But they’ve made it a point of emphasis to get him the ball at any spot and any position. They’ve even got him at X back-side, at tight end, at Z. He’s playing all positions and they’re utilizing him very well.

“It’s going to be a good challenge for us.”

Turner-Yell out for the year. Wednesday brought tough news for safety Delarrin Turner-Yell.

The Broncos opted not to activate him from the physically unable to perform list at the end of his 21-day practice window, meaning he’ll revert to PUP and is out for the season.

“We spent a lot of time going through it,” Payton said. “We’ve got a real clear vision for him. Bright future. Had a real good visit. I know it’s difficult.”

Turner-Yell tore his ACL and meniscus in Week 17 last year and had worked diligently to get back. He was on track to hit his goal of returning around midseason when Denver returned him to practice three weeks ago.

Denver is healthy, though, and ultimately decided it didn’t have a roster move it felt comfortable making to get him back on the 53-man roster.

“With where we’re at in the season, it just became a challenge relative to managing the roster,” Payton said.

The Broncos have decisions to make on other reserve-list players in the coming week in linebacker Drew Sanders (Nov. 27 deadline) and wide receiver Josh Reynolds (Dec. 4 deadline).

Powers out Wednesday. Broncos left guard Ben Powers did not practice Wednesday because of a right shoulder injury he suffered late in Sunday’s win against Atlanta.

Safety Brandon Jones (abdomen) was limited all of last week, missed Sunday’s game and was limited again Wednesday. Defensive lineman Zach Allen’s been getting veteran rest days regularly on Wednesdays, while Sanders (Achilles), Reynolds (hand) and safety P.J. Locke (thumb) all practiced fully.

Run defense. Given the opponent and circumstances, Sunday against Atlanta might have been the Broncos’ best run defense performance since 2019. Denver held the Falcons to 50 rushing yards despite that offense averaging 152 over its past five games. The Broncos had only held two opponents to less than 50 rushing yards since the 2019 season.

“If an offense has got a run rhythm, you’re defending a lot of different elements,” Payton said Wednesday. “If an offense at some point becomes one dimensional, then you’re defending one element.”

The Broncos have surged to No. 4 in the NFL in yards allowed per carry (3.8) and are tied for sixth in EPA per rush allowed (-.12). Denver finished the 2023 season last yards allowed per carry (5.0).

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From Lake Mary’s viewpoint, it was a matter of all good things coming to an end. For Lake Nona, Wednesday’s outcome in the FHSA Class 3A Girls Golf State Championship could signal the beginning of yet another Central Florida girls golf dynasty.

Led by individual medalist Alexandra Snyder, a ninth grader, the Lions held off three-time defending champ Lake Mary down the stretch to capture their first golf state title at Mission Inn Resort.

Lake Nona posted a two-day score of 600. The Rams were 10 strokes behind to notch second place.

The Lions were led by first-year coach Shania Jones, a 2017 Lake Nona graduate who twice reached the state tournament as a player. “They worked hard and bought into everything I told them, but they also earned it today,” Jones said while holding her three-month old son Saamir. “I can relate to them since I played high school golf and I’m trying to be the coach they need in high school.”

Lake Nona’s previous state titles came in boys tennis (2022) and a girls water polo three-peat (2021-23).

Snyder shot 140 for the two days to finish in a three-way tie with Viera’s Hannah Hall and Jupiter’s Zoe Shamy. Snyder parred hole No. 18 twice in the playoff before winning the tiebreaker with a birdie on No. 1.

“It was one of my goals to win an individual title and winning with the team, so this is great,” said Snyder, who turned 14 in July. “I had a little too much adrenaline on the 18th hole both times (in the playoff), so I just slowed down and I was confident on the last hole.”

She warmed up for high school play by winning the Florida State Golf Association’s Junior Amateur Match Play tournament for ages 13-18 in July.

Lake Nona’s lineup had just one senior, Nicole Kim. She was joined by ninth grader Sofia MacApagal and juniors Isabella Melendez and Da’Mya Aubrey.

Lake Mary coach Dennis Burchill knew winning a fourth straight title would be a challenge.

“We gave it a run today, but Lake Nona just didn’t give in,” he said. “We didn’t get the medal we wanted, but we played hard.”

Lake Mary senior Mara King, a Penn State signee, tied for fifth overall with 143. Senior LSU signee Ryleigh Knaub was one shot behind in eighth.

Another senior in the tie for fifth at 143 was Olympia’s Emma Rynn, who is headed to Longwood University in Virginia.

“I just needed a few more puts to go in; that could have been the difference today,” she said. “My three years of high school golf has been amazing.”

Winter Park girls placed seventh with 636. St. Cloud was 10th.

There was also a three-way playoff for the boys individual title with West Orange senior Shawn Coultoff in that trio after shooting 75. Winter Haven’s Anthony Monteleone and Lakewood Ranch’s Parker Severs were the other playoff participants after they all totaled 141 for two days.

Coultoff had a chance to win on the final hole of regulation, but missed a birdie putt. He parred the first playoff hole and had to settle for third as eventual champ Monteleone and Severs birdied.

“My clubs and I weren’t well together today,” said Coultoff, who shot 66 on Tuesday.

The top local boys team was St. Cloud in seventh with 634, followed by Lake Mary in eighth and Winter Park in ninth.

Varsity content editor Buddy Collings can be contacted by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com. 

MIAMI GARDENS — Much will be different in the Miami Dolphins’ second pairing with AFC East rival New England Patriots when they face each other for the second time in 2024.

For one, Hard Rock Stadium won’t see the backup quarterback matchup of the Patriots’ Jacoby Brissett against the Dolphins’ Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, which culminated in an ugly 15-10 Miami win at Gillette Stadium.

Tua Tagovailoa is back for the Dolphins (4-6), as they look to keep building toward a season turnaround and playoff push while the Patriots (3-8) have turned to the future in rookie No. 3 draft pick Drake Maye behind center.

Tagovailoa puts his unblemished 6-0 record against the Patriots on the line Sunday in hopes of leading Miami to a season sweep of the divisional foe.

Despite the record, he hasn’t posted astronomical numbers against New England. Seven touchdown passes to four interceptions, although he has also rushed for three touchdowns, 1,299 yards in six games and a 68.3 completion percentage.

The Dolphins signal-caller has earned all his New England wins against former coach Bill Belichick, so he could get a different look in his first crack at rookie Patriots coach Jerod Mayo, Belichick’s successor.

“I’m not too sure. We’re preparing for uncertainty, if there is, defensively,” Tagovailoa said. “But it’s very similar to the structure they’ve had over the past few years when coach Belichick was the coach there. So we’re looking to go out there and play the plays with what they’ve presented us over the years, and if we need to adjust in any way, we’ll adjust.”

Many of Tagovailoa’s wins in the rivalry also came against former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, his college teammate at Alabama. It was thought that would be a longtime matchup in the division, but as Tagovailoa’s time in Miami outlasted Jones in New England, it’s now Maye who could be Tagovailoa’s contemporary for years to come.

“That’s just how this league is,” Tagovailoa said Wednesday. “I respect his game a lot. He’s a rookie, so there’s going to be bumps within his journey, but you see a lot of flashes of things that he can do, not just inside the pocket, outside of the pocket, as well. I’ve got a lot of respect for him and looking forward to competing against him.

“I wish him the best in his career that he’s just starting. Tough league, but with the right mindset, with the right people around him, surrounding him, I think he’ll be doing good.”

Maye got the nod for the Patriots the week that followed Miami’s Oct. 6 win in Foxborough. In six starts, he has completed 66.8 percent of passes for 1,236 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s 2-4 as a starter.

Said Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel of Maye, evaluating him as a draft prospect months ago: “I saw a true quarterback who has the ability to gain the confidence of his teammates and lead and orchestrate an offense. I saw a guy that can make plays in a multitude of ways.

“I think the Patriots are kind of feeling that right now where he’s a guy that can see down the field, can play fearlessly in the pocket and make every throw with the arm strength to do it, but also is a very good athlete that has some juice and can make plays off schedule. I think that’s been a huge bonus to their offense as of late, had some explosive plays, whether he threw it outside the pocket or he scrambled outside the pocket.”

Tagovailoa’s four games back since missing four on injured reserve have provided a jolt to the offense. Since that Week 8 comeback, Miami leads the NFL in third-down conversion rate (60.4 percent) and has converted all its fourth downs — one being the first of two touchdowns last Sunday to tight end Jonnu Smith.

The Dolphins’ 27.7 points per game in the past four games ranks eighth in the league in that span. Against the Raiders, it was long, methodical drives that were sustained as Las Vegas kept Miami from hitting the big play until late, something the Patriots will likely look to replicate.

While Huntley led a struggling Dolphins passing game when Tagovailoa missed four games earlier this season due to concussion recovery, Miami’s first game against New England was one where the team discovered its run game this season.

Even as workhorse running back De’Von Achane left early with a concussion of his own, veteran Raheem Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright combined for a dominant ground game as both eclipsed 80 yards rushing.

The Dolphins found something in that matchup that they don’t think will be available this time around, though.

“We knew that they had specific things that they do, like set the edge 2 yards past the line of scrimmage,” Mostert said. “They stay true to that, but we exposed that and we were able to get that going. Now, they’re not doing it as much, so we have to find new tactics and new ways.

“This game, I feel very comfortable with just getting the outside zone and then also stretch plays. Just trying to maneuver that line and everything that they do. D-line is good, and they got two (line)backers that run to the ball, and they overflow a lot. We’re just trying to utilize that as best as we possibly could.”

Miami can complete season sweeps of New England in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1999-2000.

I worked the prep sports beat early on in my career at The Denver Post. As a journalist, I never cheered for the teams I covered but sometimes you can’t help but root for certain individuals.

This one I especially root for.

Surrounded by more than 70 friends, family, former coaches and community members on Tuesday, senior Remy Nguyen signed her national letter of intent to play for the University of Denver women’s tennis team at the Denver Tennis Park. With a portrait from 2011 of her and her family hanging on the wall in a longstanding “Breaking the Barriers” photo exhibit next to the table set up for the ceremony, it seemed like destiny for her to end up at DU.

“It’s a little overwhelming, I’m not going to lie,” she said about the turnout.

If it sounds like I’m gushing, I absolutely am. Remy is my niece. And I could not be more proud after she became the first-ever Division I athlete in our family.

Playing for Chaparral High School, the 17-year-old qualified for the Class 5A state tournament at No. 1 singles three times. And she compiled a 53-9 record while doing it, according to MaxPreps.

“Her first 15 matches (in 2024), she played 193 games. Out of those 193 games played, she won 180,” Chaparral head coach Dan Padrnos said. “… She goes on and is 20-0 on the season to get to the championship match.”

She finished runner-up to a longtime friend, Valor Christian’s Caroline Daugherty, in the finals, and earned a spot on CHSAA’s all-state first team. A three-star recruit and one of the top 10 mountain region players in her class, according to tennisrecruiting.net, she’s the first Colorado player to join the DU program since Steamboat Springs’ Tatum Burger in 2019.

“Her racket skills, her attitude and the effort and coachability — that is everything we look for in a player. Effort and attitude are everything. … We’ve watched her over the years and know that she has everything to be a success at D-I tennis,” DU assistant coach Maureen Kechriotis said.

National Signing Day has always been one of my favorite events to cover. It’s a celebration of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Not just from the athletes, but their families. The travel, the practice — it becomes a family affair. I can’t tell you how many times my brother Tod and his wife, Vie, changed their lives around to travel with Remy to a tournament several states away.

So often, that is the story of Signing Day all across the country.

“They’ve done so much, it’s actually crazy,” Remy said about her parents. “Practices, training, I mean, individual training, group training, scheduling, practice matches, scheduling tournaments, outside tournaments, out-of-state tournaments, high school tennis — like every single thing is just a ton of work. It’s just crazy the amount of stuff they’ve done for me.”

Several of her coaches shared fond memories during the event, from her prowess on the court to an eagerness to learn to helping teammates improve. High praise about the strong values held by those who helped shape who she is today.

Longtime family friend and Remy’s mental coach Brad Bernthal said it best: “No one goes it alone. To have your coaches here, your parents, family and friends, we are all so excited for you. But it’s also a celebration of each other. People like this don’t fall out of the sky. It’s a product of a community. …

“Remy, just know that we’re all here rooting for you and your success is reflected in all of us. We’re excited by what you have done and it gets us excited for where things are going.”

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MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins (4-6) are tightening up their operation in a number of ways as they embark on the final seven games of the regular season and attempt to make the playoffs.

In that regard, I really like what I’m seeing.

Key players such as running back Raheem Mostert, tight end Durham Smythe and linebacker David Long Jr., have had their playing time greatly reduced or, in Long’s case, been benched and waived.

Players tell me these lineup changes don’t represent a new era of accountability under player-friendly coach Mike McDaniel, which was my original thought.

Players tell me these lineup changes are the result of the hard work the team has been putting in for the past few weeks as players and coaches.

(By the way, have you noticed that the penalty problem has been cleaned up?)

Players tell me the guys who were demoted deserved their demotions, and the players that replaced them earned their increased playing time and revamped roles.

I like that. It keeps things simple and about the bottom line.

I’ve told you about the Dolphins having players-only meetings and that McDaniel still has firm control over the locker room.

Players say what we’ve seen recently with the Dolphins’ back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders is the words and attitude from those players-only meetings being turned into on-field action.

I believe them.

I’ve doubted this team’s motivations a couple of times and in a couple of ways.

However, I’ve never doubted this team’s fighting spirit, and I doubt that I ever will.

These guys haven’t quit, and they won’t quit.

Even in the face of lineup-shaking moves they’re still battling and have good attitudes.

The good thing is that these lineup moves represent accountability, maturity and, quite honestly, a commitment to winning.

The better thing is the players involved understand the moves, and they’re still working hard to make sure the Dolphins, who have won back-to-back games for the first time in almost a year, continue their winning ways. 

I know. I talked to the players involved in the changes. I talked to a few other players, too. No one is mad.

This is good. This is positive. This is encouraging.

Changes are, and were, necessary.

The Dolphins’ recent lineup changes have been fully and wholeheartedly accepted.

The credit for this goes to the players, firstly. They’ve handled the recent changes professionally. 

With Tua facing rookie Drake Maye, Dolphins-Patriots to take on new look

But secondly, tip your hat to the man in charge, McDaniel.

McDaniel seems to be drawing lines and taking action if those lines are crossed.

I like this no-excuses, businesslike attitude.

McDaniel has done this in an artful way.

He still publicly defends his players.

He’ll never embarrass or humiliate his guys. 

But now he makes lineup changes, which shows actions have consequences.

Personal feelings aren’t a factor.

Consider this: Voting begins for the NFL’s Top 100 players in about two weeks. Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill won’t finish No. 1 as he did a year ago. 

Hill has gone from over-used to little-used.

No one is crying for him.

The show goes on.

The team is more important than the individual.

This isn’t always how it’s been for these Miami Dolphins.

In fact, I’m not convinced every single player is on board with the recent changes.

Again, no one is crying for those guys.

The show goes on.

Change is sometimes necessary.

For example, defenses adjusted to the deep passing game involving Hill and fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle with the two-high safety concept. So McDaniel decided to change to more of a running and short passing game offense. 

Hill and Waddle are still involved, they’re just not the stars, not the focal points.

McDaniel made that tough decision despite the fact that the deep passing game is how McDaniel built his reputation, and the reason McDaniel, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Waddle and Hill got new contracts.

As for others who have had their roles change, it’s a varied list.

Mostert is probably closer to being a friend of McDaniel than any other player, including Tagovailoa.

Mostert, however, has lost snaps and carries after losing fumbles in losses at Indianapolis and Buffalo. He’s lost playing time to De’Von Achane.

Smythe, a staple of the offense the previous two years under McDaniel, has lost snaps to fellow tight ends Jonnu Smith, a better receiver, and Julian Hill, a better blocker.

Long, voted a team captain by players in August, lost his starting job last month when he started missing assignments. He was replaced by Anthony Walker Jr., and eventually waived Nov. 13 (he’s since signed with Detroit and assigned to its practice squad).

We’ll see what happens with safety Jordan Poyer, who has struggled all season, including last Sunday when he got caught up in traffic and then missed a tackle on a touchdown reception by rookie Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers.

Also, we’ll see what happens with the Dolphins in these final seven games.

Changes are being made.

That’s a positive.

And the players are accepting of the changes.

That’s more of a positive.

These guys want to win, and they’re willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve that goal.

In that regard, I really like what I’m seeing with the Dolphins.