1. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa vs. Patriots QB Mac Jones: The battle of two former Alabama first-round picks must be attention-grabbing. Jones (22 TDs, 13 INTs in 2021), a Pro Bowl choice, will doubtless look to get the ball out shortly to keep away from Miami’s blitzes and move rush.
Watch for Jones selecting on CB Noah Igbinoghene, the alternative for Byron Jones (leg). Tagoavailoa (16 TDs, 10 INTs in 2021) should make the most of WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to strike concern and confusion into the Patriots protection. Don’t give attention to Tagovailoa’s deep throws, search for effectivity, decision-making and accuracy.
2. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel vs. Patriots coach Bill Belichick: This is New England’s largest benefit and luckily for Miami, it’s not an on-field benefit so its impact is proscribed. Still, we’re speaking in regards to the attainable GOAT so his presence issues. Watch how Belichick defends Hill and see if he tries to take him out of the offense.
But it’s attainable Belichick may give attention to taking away the run recreation and forcing Tagovailoa to win it together with his left arm. McDaniel, the rookie head coach, packs offensive creativity with gifted, speedy gamers and a protection that appears to have play-making potential. Offensively, he’ll doubtless look to get the run recreation going and use it to throw off of play-action, and defensively anticipate a lot of blitzes and heavy stress on Jones. This must be a enjoyable one to look at.
3. Patriots vs. Heat/humidity: Belichick introduced his group down on Tuesday night to follow in South Florida’s warmth and humidity. We’ll see whether or not it helps. Hard Rock Stadium’s design places the visiting sideline in oppressive, energy-draining daylight the whole recreation throughout early afternoon matchups.
But maybe Belichick is over-thinking the scenario. During the previous 5 years the Dolphins are 2-5 in September dwelling video games and have been outscored, 172-75. Interestingly, nearly all of groups which have crushed Miami throughout that stretch — Buffalo (twice), Baltimore, New England and the Los Angeles Chargers — aren’t used to the warmth and humidity, and didn’t arrive early for the sport.
4. Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill vs. Patriots secondary: Hill, who can take the highest off of a protection within the blink of an eye fixed, can be a focus for each groups. Miami will largely attempt to get him the ball in area so he can use his quickness, then his pace. But the Dolphins will take some deep pictures, too.
New England will virtually actually double-cover Hill, a six-time Pro Bowl choice. But the Patriots’ beginning CBs, Jalen Mills and Jonathan Jones, appear susceptible vs. Hill. New England’s finest counterpunches to Hill is likely to be its move rush and FS Devin McCourty. Whether or not Hill has an enormous day statistically, he’ll have an effect on the sport.
5. Dolphins dashing protection vs. Patriots dashing offense: New England misplaced twice to Miami final 12 months, however the Patriots had over 100 yards dashing in every recreation. If the Patriots are in a position to play a ball management offense led by their working recreation it’ll give Jones an enormous break and probably stress Miami’s offense to move greater than it wishes.
It additionally minimizes the position of Miami’s move protection and move rush, probably the strongest features of the group. Miami’s run protection, led by DL Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, and LBs Elandon Roberts and Jerome Baker, must be good.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com