Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin has insisted that the New England Patriots are a side that continue to improve as the season goes on.

Philbin said that the Patriots' performances this season prove that they are becoming a very hard side to play against and that his team will need to be at their best on Sunday.

"They are a team that typically gets better as the season goes along," he told the club's official website. "That's I think been their history. This year is no different.

"Their production has improved since we last played them and their statistical measures can indicate they are getting better. When you throw the tape on, the tape is the best indicator. They are playing good football.

"Again they are a hard team. You have to go out there and beat them. This team doesn't beat themselves. They are too well coached, too many good players. They are smart. We are going to have to play our tails off. The film says they are getting better and better and better."

Philbin's side are 7-6, while the Patriots are 10-3.