The Patriots need a bounce-back game.

Few teams are offering a better chance to rebound right now that the Miami Dolphins.

Likewise stuck at 1-3 thanks to a three-game losing streak, the Dolphins will hobble into New England without its starting quarterback and the league’s lowest-scoring offense. Newly-signed Tyler Huntley has taken over for Tua Tagovailoa, and struggled last week in his Miami debut. Huntley went 14-of-22 for 96 yards, while adding 40 rushing yards and a touchdown in a stunning home loss to the Titans.

That loss came on Monday Night Football, meaning the Patriots have a one-day rest advantage against their longtime divisional rivals. Can they take advantage?

Here’s what to watch for in Foxboro:

When the Patriots run

According to Jerod Mayo, the Patriots are considering benching Rhamondre Stevenson (267 rushing yards, 2 TDs) in favor of Antonio Gibson after Stevenson fumbled in each of the team’s first four games. Regardless of who starts or sits, the Patriots ideally would feature them both on Sunday.

The Dolphins’ run defense ranks 26th by DVOA, a result of underperforming talent and bad football. Stevenson, fumbling aside, remains the Pats’ most dangerous weapon with the ball in his hands. But Gibson has been similarly effective, ranking first in the NFL in yards after contact and 10th in yards per carry among all running backs.

The Patriots, of course, are beholden to their banged-up offensive line, which continues to deal with injuries. The good news: the Pats had more success rushing left against San Francisco than in Weeks 1-3, which should help balance out a rushing attack that had most of its success going behind right guard/tackle Mike Onwenu.

When the Patriots pass

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk runs a route during Sunday’s NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)

Do the Patriots have a new downfield receiver?

Starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett targeted second-round rookie Ja’Lynn Polk deep multiple times against the 49ers, including once for a completion. More deep throws would align with the vision offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has laid out, and Brissett said is something the team is trying to emphasize.

“Definitely. … Obviously, Polk had a couple opportunities in the game, made some plays, and I’m definitely excited about the growth, and more guys coming into that fold,” Brissett said. “But, yeah, it’s definitely something that we’re trying to do.”

The Patriots could also benefit from a shakeup on the depth chart. Speedster Tyquan Thornton hasn’t caught a pass in three straight weeks, while veteran Kendrick Bourne returned to practice this week. Again, any downfield passing will depend on solid protection, and the Pats have allowed pressure on 49% of their dropbacks this season.

For Miami, veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell leads the team with two sacks and edge defender Emmanuel Ogbah has a team-high four QB hits.

When the Dolphins run

Once owners of one of the most explosive running games in the league, Miami ranks dead last in rushing by DVOA.

Callahan: Jerod Mayo, Patriots risking dangerous déjà vu

Speedy back De’Von Achane is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry behind an ineffective offensive line. Expect the Dolphins, who run a similar offense to the 49ers, to test the Patriots on the edges. Last week, San Francisco called 17 straight outside runs to start the game.

Huntley will also factor on the edge, as one of the fastest quarterbacks in the league. The Patriots will need to contain him on designed runs and quarterback scrambles, something they continued to emphasize this week.

“You best believe I’ve hit on it,” Pats defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington said this week.

“I know we’ve got a quarterback that’s going to use his legs.”

Miami’s run game should put significant stress on edge defenders like Keion White, Joshua Uche and Deatrich Wise, with Anfernee Jennings also potentially returning from injury. Jennings would provide a huge lift as one of the best run defenders in the league.

When the Dolphins pass

This week, Patriots defensive backs repeated it over and over.

Tyreek Hill’s numbers might be down, but he’s still the same player.

Related Articles

Getting to know new Patriots starting center Nick Leverett

Patriots injury report: One of three returning players more ‘doubtful’ than others

Patriots name tight end Hunter Henry as replacement captain

Patriots still prefer Mike Onwenu at original position in a ‘perfect world’

Patriots missing 1 active player at Friday practice before Dolphins game

Like fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle, Hill has 17 catches this season for just over 200 yards. Since Tagovailoa’s injury, Miami’s passing game has taken a nose dive. The Dolphins are still scheming to get them in space and run after the catch, but defenses have done well to corral them both and prevent deep shots downfield.

In their last meeting, Hill saw two targets against Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and didn’t make a catch. In fact, Gonzalez grabbed one interception during a Week 2 Miami win last year. It’s unclear whether Gonzalez will shadow Hill or whether the Patriots will keep him and Jonathan Jones, their other outside corner, on separate sides of the defense.

One other area to watch will be safety, where Kyle Dugger has been ruled out with an ankle injury and the Pats could turn to Marcus Jones or undrafted rookie Dell Pettus to help fill his snaps.

Game pick

Patriots 15, Dolphins 13