New England Patriots: 5 key players to watch in AFC East battle vs Miami

New England Patriots defensive lineman Adam Butler needs to be disruptive

If Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots defense are going to confuse Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, they are going to have to create some pressure and get in the face of the left-handed slinger.

The usual candidates are Chase Winovich and Deatrich Wise, but a player who can be disruptive is defensive tackle Adam Butler.

Along with Lawrence Guy, Butler will need to create some pressure up the middle which he has been doing the last few games he has been healthy.  A few weeks ago against Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals, Butler was a one-man wrecking crew and will need to be that type of force against a quarterback like Tagovailoa and a Dolphins running attack that could be rejuvenated with the return of veteran running back Matt Breida and rookie running back Salvon Ahmed.

Pressure up the middle by Adam Butler and Guy will put the Patriots linebackers in position to make plays.  So that means Chase Winovich, John Simon and rookie linebacker Josh Uche have to make plays to keep the Dolphins running game and short passing game in check.

If Belichick and his defense is successful at that, then it could be a long day for Tua Tagovailoa if he has to throw the ball downfield, which would put Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson in position to make some plays in the secondary.

It all starts on the defensive line and a player like Adam Butler could be a game-changer.