How Jerod Mayo ‘surprised’ Patriots before matchup with Dolphins

Jerod Mayo called a bit of an audible as the Patriots prepared for the Dolphins.

Miami figures to be a handful for New England on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. Recent results aside — the Dolphins are surging after back-to-back wins — Mike McDaniel’s group features several players who can be matchup nightmares because of their lightning speed.

In an attempt to gear up for the increase in pace, Mayo changed how the Patriots practiced Wednesday.

“Some players were surprised when Mayo didn’t have players in full cushion for the first Wednesday practice last week,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote in a column published Sunday. “One player noted that Sunday’s matchup against the Dolphins is more about speed, so a reliever would ideally have them best prepared to meet the challenge in that area.

“Players expected to be back in pads next Wednesday, knowing a more physical run-based Colts team is coming to town.”

The Dolphins combined for nearly 400 yards when the division rivals met in Week 5 despite being quarterbacked by Tyler Huntley. Of course, Tua Tagovailoa takes Miami’s offense to another level, so Mayo would be wise to take appropriate precautions.

Oddsmakers don’t expect New England’s preparation to pay off, however, as the Finns are favored by more than a touchdown at FanDuel Sportsbook.