The decision was made because of the diversity and complexity of the Dolphins' offense, and with their "Wildcat" package in mind.
"We were just trying to have our communication as efficient as we could, and sometimes for a coordinator it's easier to see the whole game from up there than down on the field when you're making the calls," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said of the switch.
"With all the different things that Miami does - their Wildcat formations and multiple personnel groupings and all that - it's just one step less in the communication if you can see it upstairs as opposed to hearing it from someone relaying [it] to him down on the field."
The decision, which was made in coaching meetings early last week, reflected how much respect the Patriots had for the Dolphins' diverse attack.
In the end, the defensive performance was mixed.
When it came to the "Wildcat" - in which running back Ronnie Brown lines up at quarterback and takes a direct snap from center - the Patriots bottled it up to the tune of eight rushes for 25 yards. Miami also was penalized for holding on a ninth rush out of the formation.
So in that respect, the Patriots won an important battle within yesterday's chippy, emotionally-charged 48-28 victory. They weren't about to get clawed by the 'Cat again, as the Dolphins - unveiling it for the first time in Week 3 and catching New England by surprise - had scored three rushing touchdowns and one through the air in a 38-13 rout.
Overall yesterday, the Dolphins finished with just 62 yards on 19 carries, which Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork said accomplished the defense's No. 1 goal.
But the flip side is that the New England pass defense was alarmingly porous, with Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington ringing up a career-high 341 yards and three touchdowns.
If the Patriots are to make any kind of postseason run - there are five regular-season games remaining and at 7-4 they're in the playoff chase - it's hard to imagine they'll go far unless things tighten up in the passing game, both with the pass rush and in coverage.
