Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick enters the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots change travel plans ahead of Dolphins matchup

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/5/22

The Patriots have not faired well the last nine times they have traveled down to Miami to visit the Dolphins. So head coach Bill Belichick has decided to change the juju around -- sort of.

Instead of waiting until Saturday to travel down to South Florida for Sunday's season-opener, New England will reportedly be traveling on Tuesday and getting a full five days to prepare for the first game.

"I think there [is] a combination of factors, but in the end, it all looks like it's set up fairly well here," Belichick said, via CBS Sports. "So, make the travel on Tuesday instead of on Saturday. We'll already be down there. We'll be able to just focus on the Dolphins."

Catching up with Bill Belichick 1⃣ week before the #Patriots kick off their regular season in Miami‼️

New England will travel to South Florida early, five days ahead of their season opener, to "be able to just focus on the Dolphins." pic.twitter.com/V7KjvaJdR3
— Taylor Rocha (@TaylorRochaTV) September 4, 2022

While Belichick didn't say exactly why his team is traveling to Miami so early this time around, some think one of those "factors" is getting the Pats used to the massive humidity expected in the forecast for Sunday's game.

But it also likely has something to do with the fact the Patriots are 2-7 in their last road games against the Dolphins, and Belichick wants to do anything he can do to get his team into the win column in Week 1.

New England is expected to practice at a local college campus in preparation for the big game.

I’m hearing the Patriots will be coming to South Florida earlier than usual next week to get acclimated to the heat and practice at a local college here before week one matchup against the Dolphins #Patriots #Dolphins
— Yianni Kourakis (@WPBF_Yianni) August 31, 2022