FOXBORO -- If the Miami Dolphins are going to play spoiler to the Patriots' division title celebration on Sunday, then wide receiver Davone Bess and running back Reggie Bush will certainly have to show up to play.
Bess is coming off his best game of the season, making seven catches for 129 yards in a 24-21 win over the Seattle Seahawks. In eight career games against New England, Bess has 41 receptions for 526 yards, 27 of those for first downs, and four touchdowns.
So the Patriots will know where he is at all times.
"Let me tell you, he's a great player," said Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo on Thursday. "Ever since I came into the league, he's always been a focal point. He does a lot of things for them, especially on third down. He has a lot of option routes to go go any way he wants to go. He's an integral part of their offense."
The same goes for Bush, who's coming off a 14-rush, 87-yard game with a touchdown in last weekend's win over Seattle. His five rushing touchdowns through 11 games this season gives him just one less score than he had in 15 games in 2011.
He'll once again be a threat for the Patriots defense on Sunday.
"He can run routes, he has great hands," said Mayo. "He also can take that 80-yard touchdown. So, it'll take 11 men to the football."
"This guy, he can hit you any way, anywhere on the field," said defensive lineman Vince Wilfork on Thursday. "In the pass game and the running game, being able to reverse field. We've all seen him in special teams and kick returns, maybe even punt returns to make plays for his ball club. We know how special this guy is."
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.