The Miami Dolphins visit the New Orleans Saints for Monday Night Football. Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET. Listen to the live radio broadcast HERE or find it locally HERE.
Both teams go into Monday with 3-0 records. Miami, a team which has struggled for years, is enjoying its best start since 2002, according to ESPN.
"We have a special team," Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline said, via ESPN. "Expectations will continue to rise, and high expectations bring out the best in you. We welcome it."
Hartline leads Miami with 18 receptions for 238 yards and two touchdowns. While Hartline has emerged as a reliable target, the receiver's production is helped by the offseason pickup of Mike Wallace, who draws the attention of defenders for his playmaking abilities and speed.
The progression of second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill is also a reason for Miami's successful start. Tannehill has completed 66.4 percent of his passes this season for four touchdowns.
"I think the game slowed down for him tremendously," Dolphins quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor told the team website, via ESPN. "He's seen all the different looks the defense is giving him in terms of fronts and pressures and coverages, so it's slowed down for him."
Tannehill will be tasked to keep up with New Orleans' quick-scoring ability, led by quarterback Drew Brees. The veteran signal caller has already eclipsed 1,000 yards in just three games.
With coach Sean Payton back and new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who installed a 3-4 defensive scheme, the Saints look poised to finish stronger than last season.
"Any time you go into a situation where it's a new defensive coordinator that's installing a new defense, you always have the question of how you're prepared," Saints linebacker Parys Haralson said. "Everybody is pretty confident in what they had, in what we have here. This is a defense full of talented players."
