New England Patriots: 3 keys to defeating the Miami Dolphins

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New England Patriots J.C. Jackson (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Can the New England Patriots match Miami’s secondary?

On the flip side, this is an area where the Dolphins should be considered stronger than the Patriots, at least for the first six weeks of the season with Stephon Gilmore still on the PUP list.

While the Patriots wide receivers are much better than they were last year, it’s tough to envision them getting consistent separation against Xavien Howard and Byron Jones.

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Howard is coming off an amazing 2020 season where he lead the NFL in interceptions and was a first-team All-Pro selection. Jones doesn’t put up the same flashy numbers, but on most other teams he would be a number one corner. It just so happens that Howard is one of the truly elite defenders in the game currently.

This will be a good game to pepper Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry with targets over the middle of the field. James White could see some involvement as well as a reliable check down option.

New England’s secondary could have some issues due to the aforementioned absence of Stephon Gilmore. J.C. Jackson is very good, and Devin McCourty with Kyle Dugger is a solid safety pairing. However, there is a legitimate issue at the second outside corner spot without Gilmore.

There’s no definitive solution as of right now. Jalen Mills could see some time there, as could Joejuan Williams. Jonathan Jones is more of a nickel back, and Shaun Wade hasn’t been on the team long enough to incite confidence that he can fill that role yet.

Someone will have to step up if the Patriots are going to stop Miami’s passing attack, which got a boost when they selected Jaylen Waddle with the sixth overall pick in the draft. Waddle could be a lethal weapon with his game breaking speed.

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