Dolphins beat writer James Walker on the team's recent struggles against the run:
This has been one of the biggest mysteries of the season. Three weeks ago Miami had the No. 2 defense in the NFL and was No. 8 against the run. Then, out of nowhere, the Dolphins have allowed 661 rushing yards in the past three games. They are now No. 22 against the run. Players and coaches are at a loss. They say it is poor fundamentals, tackling and run fits.
The Dolphins have been pushed around too often in the past three weeks. They played a little better defensively against the Ravens, but not enough to think the issue will be resolved on Sunday.
This bodes well for LeGarrette Blount, who has dominated the carries in the last three weeks. He has toted the ball 42 times in that span; the next highest carry total is 12 by Shane Vereen. We're expecting Blount will carry the ball 15-plus times in a game that the Patriots should be able to control with their ground game.
Ravens news
