New England Patriots: 3 things to watch for in Week 1 action vs Miami

The New England Patriots opening contest of the 2021 NFL season is just a few days away now. The team will begin making their final preparations for their Week 1 bout with the Miami Dolphins, with kickoff set for 4:25 PM on September 12th.

There is a lot to unpack heading into the matchup, which features two up-and-coming AFC East teams that are hoping to contend for a playoff spot this season. Both teams find themselves with new quarterbacks under center, while also boasting standout defensive units. It will be a hard fought battle, and it should result in some entertaining football.

As a result, there’s a lot of things to keep an eye on in this one. Everyone is drooling over the Mac Jones/Tua Tagovailoa matchup, especially considering the pair were teammates during their college days at Alabama. Both teams are facing heightened expectations after strong offseasons, and it will be interesting to see which moves have immediate payoffs in this one.

It’s safe to say Gillette Stadium will be rocking for this one, as it will be the first regular season game with fans allowed in Foxboro in a year and a half. Excitement is through the roof to see whether this team can put last season’s disappointments behind them, and starting things off with a win would be sweet. Here are three things to watch for in the New England Patriots Week 1 contest against the Miami Dolphins.