Weather Worry? Patriots Traveling Early To Miami

FOXBORO — With slightly below one week remaining till their 2022 season-opener, the New England Patriots formally are on to Miami.

The Pats are set to kick off the 2022 NFL season on Sunday, Sept. 11, they usually have already begun making preparations for his or her 1 p.m. sport in opposition to the Miami Dolphins at Arduous Rock Stadium.

In 2021, Miami swept the season collection between the 2 division rivals for the primary time since 2000. The Pats dropped their Week 1 matchup with the Dolphins at Gillette Stadium 17-16, whereas additionally falling to the ‘Fins 33-24 within the 2021 season-finale in Miami.

Whereas their efficiency on the sector will finally decide the end result, Patriots coach Invoice Belichick is undoubtedly hoping to reverse the pattern of poor showings in Miami. The Dolphins have gained seven of their final 9 at dwelling in opposition to New England.

With warmth, humidity and rain anticipated to play a job in Sunday’s sport, Belichick confirmed an early arrival in South Florida for his group as a result of climate. To assist mitigate the results of the potential situations, the Pats will journey on Tuesday, somewhat than their customary Saturday departure 

“I feel there are a mixture of things, however in the long run all of it seems to be prefer it’s arrange pretty effectively right here,” Belichick informed reporters on Sunday through video convention. “So, [we’ll] journey on Tuesday as an alternative of on Saturday. We’ll already be down there. We’ll be capable to simply give attention to the Dolphins.

The burden of sizzling, humid afternoons in South Florida can pose a problem for a group which is used to the cooler temperatures of New England. Muscle cramping, fatigue and dehydration are all elements in situations reminiscent of these the Pats could face on Sunday.

Final week, the Pats coach was requested in regards to the potential impact of the climate on his group, Belichick responded by saying:

“We’ve actually had an excellent alternative to be in some heat climate this 12 months. I’d say this has been somewhat bit hotter than regular coaching camp — after which time in Vegas. I feel that’s a type of issues that you just don’t actually know till you get into taking part in in it. It’s completely different to coach in it then to really play.”

As for the situations themselves, Belichick doesn’t count on both the sweltering temperatures or the potential precipitation to befuddle his roster, together with those that have little to no expertise braving the opposed climate situations. The Patriots are recognized to apply in all kinds of climates and situations, and their head coach believes that it’s going to serve them effectively on Sunday.

The additional time in Miami will solely assist that trigger.

Nonetheless, Belichick is aware of that climate can play a job in a sport’s final result. Because of this, New England, regardless of his earlier assertions on the contrary. Whether or not or not it’s oppressive warmth and humidity, or the unforgiving chilly, icy situations of northern winters, Belichick prides himself on fielding a group that’s prepared for any and all conditions.

“We apply in a wide range of situations from the beginning of coaching camp to the top of the preseason, so at any time when they arrive up, they arrive up,” Belichick informed reporters in late 2021. “We study from these. These could or will not be what we get that exact week. Someplace alongside the road, it may come into play. We speak about that, how it could have an effect on sure performs, conditions, ball dealing with, and so on. It is type of a continuous dialog we’ve on that.”

Regardless of the climate situations could also be on Sunday, the Patriots shall be prepared for them, as a result of diligence and prior efficiency of their head coach.