Dolphins vs Patriots NFL Week 8 Connections

Each week, we take a look at the player, coach, and executive connections between the Miami Dolphins and their upcoming opponent. This week, we take our first look at the New England Patriots this season:

Former NFL Teams

• Patriots offensive lineman Chris Baker played for the Dolphins during the preseason in 2013
• Patriots offensive coaching assistant Brian Daboll was the Dolphins offensive coordinator in 2011
• Patriots defensive tackle A.J. Francis played for the Dolphins during the preseason in 2013
• Patriots special teams coach Scott O'Brien was the Dolphins coordinator of football operations and assistant to the head coac from 2005-2006
• Patriots defensive lineman Rob Ninkovich played defensive end and linebacker for the Dolphins from 2007-2008, splitting time between the actice roster and the practice squad
• Dolphins tackle Will Yeatman originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Patriots and spent the 2011 preseason with them before being claimed off waivers by the Dolphins in the final round of roster cuts

Former NFL Teammates

• Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Gibson and Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola were teammates with the St. Louis Rams from 2009-2012. Patriots tight end Michael Hoomanawanui was with the team from 2010-2011 and tight end Matthew Milligan was there in 2012.
• Dolphins guard Richie Incognito and Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola were teammates with the St. Louis Rams in 2009
• Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore and Patriots defensive tackle Andre Nebleyy were teammates with the Carolina Panthers in 2010
• Patriots tackle Will Svitek and Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes and tackle Tyson Clabo were teammates with the Atlanta Falcons from 2009-2011
• Dolphisn linebacker Philip Wheeler and Patriots wide receiver Austin Collie were teammates with the Indianapolis Colts from 2009-2011. Wheeler and Patriots defensive lineman Tommy Keller were teammates with the Oakland Raiders in 2012.

Former College Teammates

• Dolphisn defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo and Patriots receivers coach Ivan Fears were coaches together at Syracuse in 1990
• Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount and Dolphins linebacker Josh Kaddu and defensive end Dion Jordan were teammates at the University of Oregon from 2008-2009
• Patriots running back Brandon Bolden and Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace and guard John Jerry were teammates at the University of Mississippi from 2008-2010
• Dolphins long snapper John Denney and Patriots wide receiver Austin Collie were teammates at BYU in 2004
• Patriots defensive lineman Marcus Forston and Dolphins running back Lamar Miller and defensive end Olivier Vernon were teammates at the University of Miami from 2009-2011
• Dolphins linebacker Jonathan Freeny and Patriots linebacker Steve Beauharnais, defensive back Duron Harmon, defensive back Devin McCourty, and defensive back Logan Ryan were all teammates at Rutgers from 2007-2010
• Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews and Patriots offensive lineman Chris Barker were teammates at the University of Nevada from 2010-2011
• Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes and Dolphins center Mike Pouncey, kicker Caleb Sturgis, running back Mike Gillislee, and linebacker Jelani Jenkins were all teammates at the University of Florida from 2007-2009
• Dolphins linebacker Austin Spitler and Patriots defensive back Nate Ebnew were teammates at teammates at Ohio State in 2009
• Patriots defensive lineman Joe Vellano and Dolphins cornerback Nolan Carroll and tackle Will Yeatman were all teammates at the University of Maryland from 2009-2011

Hometown/College State Ties

• Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount is from Perry, Florida
• Patriots defensive lineman Marcus Forston is from Miami, Florida. He played at the University of Miami from 2008-2011
• Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes played at the University of Florida from 2006 to 2009.
• Patriots wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins is from Miami, Florida
• Patriots running back Leon Washington is from Jacksonville, Florida. He played at Florida State from 2002-2005.