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The Dolphins and RB Ronnie Brown had early success with the "Wildcat" offense in 2008.

“Anytime you can bring something out there that has never been seen before in a long time, there is no library for other teams to go to for an answer,” he explained. “When it happens in the middle of the game, I think that is beneficial, certainly. Especially when you are playing teams in this league that are such good teams."

Another aspect of the preseason is going to school on what an opponent’s weakness may be. In the Patriots preseason game against Washington in August, the Redskins got a 73-yard gain on a simple crossing pattern to the tight end.

“I’m sure we’ll see it again,” said Belichick. “All of our opponents will look at that play. Anytime you give up a 73-yarder, if you’re the next team playing them you have to take a look at it and say, ‘OK, maybe we ought to try that one on them.’ ”

Coaches agree that the ability to defend or execute those kinds of basic, tried-and-true plays are what makes the difference over the long haul.

“Bottom line, if you’re not doing what you do best, it doesn’t matter if it’s new or old or hidden,” said Kubiak. “When it comes time to use your bread and butter you better be able to do it or nothing else matters.”

Skullduggery it has its place, said Belichick. But it's a small place.

“Earlier in my career I thought it was more (important to have surprise) than I think it is now,” he said. “What I think it is now is: Which team will go out and execute what they’re doing better than the other team can prevent them from executing. That’s what makes the ultimate difference.”

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