CokeZero
16-09-2006, 11:56 AM
Daunte Culpepper will make his home debut in Sky Sports' opening Sunday fixture as Miami host AFC rivals Buffalo.
The quarterback should feel right at home with the Dolphins after growing up in Florida.
His first start for his new team didn't go according to plan last week as he threw two interceptions in the defeat to Pittsburgh.
However, the Bills are unlikely to prove as tough a challenge as the reigning Super Bowl champions, although they did run New England close in their first match.
The Patriots rallied from 17-7 down to win on home soil and deny head coach **** Jauron his first win in charge of Buffalo.
The key factor for Buffalo could be running back Willis McGahee. They are 3-0 against the Dolphins when he rushes for over 85 yards.
Troy Vincent is missing for Buffalo after the veteran safety was placed on the injured reserve list and linebacker Takeo Spikes is listed as questionable.
The second game of this week's doubleheader sees New England travel to the Big Apple to face the New York Jets.
The game will be a battle between the master and the apprentice as Jets rookie head coach Eric Mangini will go head-to-head with Bill Belichick, the man he worked under for 10 years.
A 23-16 success over Tennessee was the perfect start for Mangini, but the Jets haven't beaten the Patriots in their last six meetings.
Quarterback Tom Brady could tie the mark for fewest games started (80) to reach 60 victories. He lost one of his favourite targets, though, after disgruntled wide receiver Deion Branch was traded to Seattle.
The Jets were also keen to sign Branch, with the Patriots reportedly filing tampering charges to add extra spice to a match-up.
There is already some ill-feeling between the two franchises after Bill Parcells decided to leave New England for the Jets after Super Bowl XXXI in 1997.
Tedy Bruschi could miss out for New England as he continues to recover from a wrist injury, while Jets receiver Tim Dwight may not be able to face his former employers due to a thigh strain.
The quarterback should feel right at home with the Dolphins after growing up in Florida.
His first start for his new team didn't go according to plan last week as he threw two interceptions in the defeat to Pittsburgh.
However, the Bills are unlikely to prove as tough a challenge as the reigning Super Bowl champions, although they did run New England close in their first match.
The Patriots rallied from 17-7 down to win on home soil and deny head coach **** Jauron his first win in charge of Buffalo.
The key factor for Buffalo could be running back Willis McGahee. They are 3-0 against the Dolphins when he rushes for over 85 yards.
Troy Vincent is missing for Buffalo after the veteran safety was placed on the injured reserve list and linebacker Takeo Spikes is listed as questionable.
The second game of this week's doubleheader sees New England travel to the Big Apple to face the New York Jets.
The game will be a battle between the master and the apprentice as Jets rookie head coach Eric Mangini will go head-to-head with Bill Belichick, the man he worked under for 10 years.
A 23-16 success over Tennessee was the perfect start for Mangini, but the Jets haven't beaten the Patriots in their last six meetings.
Quarterback Tom Brady could tie the mark for fewest games started (80) to reach 60 victories. He lost one of his favourite targets, though, after disgruntled wide receiver Deion Branch was traded to Seattle.
The Jets were also keen to sign Branch, with the Patriots reportedly filing tampering charges to add extra spice to a match-up.
There is already some ill-feeling between the two franchises after Bill Parcells decided to leave New England for the Jets after Super Bowl XXXI in 1997.
Tedy Bruschi could miss out for New England as he continues to recover from a wrist injury, while Jets receiver Tim Dwight may not be able to face his former employers due to a thigh strain.