The Miami Dolphins, who have jumped out to a surprising 3-0 start for the season, will be tested Monday night, playing the 3-0 New Orleans Saints, who have found their winning ways with head coach Sean Payton back on the sideline.
The Saints went 7-9 last year while Payton served a suspension for his involvement in "Bounty-Gate" but look like a new team since his return, starting the season undefeated, having rolled over the Arizona Cardinals week, in 31-7 romp in Week 3.
"He's a great teacher, motivator, mentor, as well as being a great head coach," said Saints QB Drew Brees on Thursday. "He has an excellent pulse of the team at all times, and knows the right message to deliver to our squad."
Brees is coming off a Week 3 performance where he completed 29-of-46 for 342 yards and three touchdowns. TE Jimmy Graham caught two of those touchdowns off nine receptions for 134 yards and was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week, with 23 receptions for 358 yards and four TD for the year.
"He's very tall, he's got very good athleticism and very good ball skills," said Payton about his All-pro tight end. "His ability to transition in routes and torque his body in ways that allow him to catch balls behind, balls on-top or balls low (really helps)."
Miami find themselves trying to keep pace with the AFC East division-leading New England Patriots, going into Monday Night Football. Second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been a huge part of the Dolphins success, throwing for 827 yards, four touchdowns to two interceptions, and completing 64% of his passes. Tannehill out-dueled Atlanta Falcon QB Matt Ryan last week, completing 24-of-35 passes for 236 yard, including driving the offense for a game-winning drive that culminated with a touchdown with 38-seconds left to beat Atlanta 27-23.
"I think it's an all-around effort. I think guys are comfortable in the system now, being our second year here," said Tannehill.
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Monday Night Football's Miami Dolphins - New Orleans Saints coverage can be seen on ESPN with coverage beginning 8:30 p.m. EST.
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