Patriots Week 1 roadmap to the Miami Dolphins: The Mac era begins
New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins: Players to watch
The New England Patriots have several players fans are excited to see starting with Mac Jones.
Coming off a National Championship, the rookie quarterback is being thrown right into the fire after beating Cam Newton out for the starting position. With his command of the offense, at least in the preseason, Jones allows Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to return to a more Patriots-type offense with actual tight ends to get the ball to.
New England Patriots
Other Patriots players to watch include new wide receiver Kendrick Bourne who really has a chance to thrive in New England. Of course, Henry and Smith add a playmaking element to the tight end position that has been missing the last two seasons.
Defensively, rookie Christian Barmore is a player to watch along with cornerback J.C. Jackson, who will be stepping into that shutdown cornerback role with Gilmore out.
As for the Dolphins, top 5 pick Jaylen Waddle could present an early challenge for Jackson. The former Alabama wide receiver is an explosive weapon for Tagovailoa along with veteran wide receiver DeVante Parker. Tight end Mike Gesicki always seems to come up with big catches against the Patriots. It will be important early that the Patriots defensive make things difficult for Tua early or it could turn into a long afternoon with the weapons the Dolphins do have.
When it comes to facing the Dolphins defense, the New England Patriots offensive line will have to play physical and control the line of scrimmage. Left tackle Trent Brown will have his hands full with Emmanuel Ogbah who could make life miserable for Mac Jones. Another player who could make life miserable is top cornerback Xavien Howard. Look for the Patriots to try to establish the run early to protect their rookie quarterback.
New England Patriots: Redoing team’s 2021 game-by-game predictions. dark. Next
Prediction: New England Patriots 23, Miami Dolphins 16
In the team’s first home game in front of fans since 2019, the Pats will turn back the clock in defeating the Miami Dolphins in a game that will come down to a last drive defensive stance by Belichick’s boys.
Expect a big play or two defensively by Kyle Van Noy as he gets his revenge on his former team. Mac Jones will show flashes, but ultimately Damien Harris and the Patriots running game will control the clock in a smashmouth football game that will show the NFL that the Patriots are back even with a rookie quarterback under center.