Here’s a have a look at how the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots match up in six key areas forward of Sunday’s Week 1 sport at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):
When the Dolphins run: It’s time to see what the brand new Miami Dolphins run sport beneath coach Mike McDaniel and his wide-zone blocking scheme appears to be like like. While Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed had been the staff’s high operating backs right now final yr, now it’s the dynamic Chase Edmonds together with the speedster Raheem Mostert, who may be very accustomed to McDaniel’s dashing assault from San Francisco, main the way in which with Gaskin and Ahmed to comply with.
Up entrance, the addition of Terron Armstead at left sort out may give the Dolphins one thing near how the 49ers used Trent Williams in that spot along with his skill to bulldoze as a run blocker. Miami additionally added Connor Williams, a four-year guard it’s taking part in at middle whereas shifting Austin Jackson to proper sort out and Liam Eichenberg to left guard with Robert Hunt the one fixed from final season at proper guard.
The Patriots didn’t cease the run effectively in 2021, twenty fifth within the NFL permitting 4.5 yards per try. They surrendered 195 dashing yards to the Dolphins in final yr’s regular-season finale. With that unit not precisely stout towards the run, the new-look Dolphins run sport deserves the good thing about the doubt within the opener. Edge: Dolphins
When the Patriots run: New England ranked eighth final season in dashing offense and twelfth in yards per try. It’s a robust floor sport that brings again tailbacks Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson, every which averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 2021, Harris totaling 929 dashing yards and Stevenson 606. Harris had 100 yards on the bottom in final yr’s opener in Foxborough earlier than coughing up the important thing fumble that swung that 17-16 choice in favor of the Dolphins.
The Patriots misplaced guards Shaq Mason and Ted Karras within the offseason. Rookie first-round choose Cole Strange and 2020 sixth-round choose Mike Onwenu are actually slotted to start out at left and proper guard.
The Dolphins had been up and down in run protection all final season however determine to be extra according to one other yr collectively, returning practically all high contributors on the defensive entrance whereas including edge defenders Melvin Ingram and Trey Flowers within the offseason. Miami allowed 125 dashing yards or extra in its two matchups with New England final season. Edge: Patriots
When the Dolphins move: Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is 3-0 in his profession towards the Patriots. In these victories, he has merely managed the video games, throwing for 145, 202 and 109 yards whereas finishing 68 % of passes with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Those stats had been all gathered in a special period for the Dolphins offense. He now has Tyreek Hill and Cedrick Wilson Jr. at his disposal with fellow broad receiver Jaylen Waddle (restricted with a quad damage) rising into his second yr, plus tight finish Mike Gesicki. The problematic move safety from a yr in the past needs to be improved with the acquisitions of Armstead and Williams, though Williams must show he can persistently snap the ball as transformed guard at middle.
The Patriots had the No. 2 move protection a yr in the past, however they not have ballhawking cornerback J.C. Jackson within the secondary. The new-look Miami broad receiver corps may have its approach towards the likes of Jalen Mills and Jonathan Jones. Pro Bowl exterior linebacker Matthew Judon returns his team-high 12 1/2 sacks in a move rush that may carry various blitzers from varied spots. What would’ve been a good matchup for New England previously is not a bonus. Edge: Even
When the Patriots move: Quarterback Mac Jones was given a Pro Bowl distinction as a rookie for a season the place he produced 22 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, finishing 67.6 % of passes for 3,801 yards. In two matchups with the Dolphins, he accomplished passes at a 71-percent charge for 271 passing yards per sport, two touchdowns and one interception returned for a landing by cornerback Xavien Howard.
Out of an unimpressive Patriots broad receiving group, Dolphins castoff DeVante Parker turns into Jones’ high goal after an offseason commerce between the division rivals. He additionally has tight finish Hunter Henry to throw to.
The Dolphins carry again Howard and their standout security tandem of Jevon Holland and Brandon Jones, however cornerback Byron Jones is ready to overlook the primary 4 video games on the physically-unable-to-perform record and Nik Needham can also be restricted in observe this week. New England may look to focus on whoever will get inserted, whether or not it’s Noah Igbinoghene, Keion Crossen or undrafted rookie Kader Kohou. Miami additionally solely improved its move rush this offseason, including Melvin Ingram and Trey Flowers to a gaggle that already had Emmanuel Ogbah, Jaelan Phillips, Christian Wilkins, Andrew Van Ginkel, Jerome Baker and a slew of others that may rush the passer, even from way back to the security place. Edge: Dolphins
Special groups: Patriots kicker Nick Folk is coming off a 36-of-39 season final yr the place he was excellent inside of fifty yards. Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders had a down 23-of-31 season, however he has additionally alternated profitable seasons by means of his first 4 NFL years. New England returns punter Jake Bailey whereas the Dolphins introduced in veteran Thomas Morstead, on the lookout for an enchancment from Michael Palardy final season.
Give the Patriots, who even have Pro Bowl gunner Matthew Slater, the sting for now, however the Dolphins may swing it of their route with an explosive return ought to McDaniel certainly look to place his high abilities like Hill in on kick and punt returns. Edge: Patriots
Intangibles: Playing in Miami for a 1 p.m. kickoff early within the season for the Dolphins is likely one of the biggest home-field benefits in soccer. The Patriots have accomplished what they will to get acclimated to the warmth and humidity, training all week at Palm Beach Atlantic University, however it’s robust to make up for the offseason and coaching camp price of labor the Dolphins have beneath them in these situations.
Coach Bill Belichick clearly has the resume benefit on Mike McDaniel, however I sense McDaniel shall be ready for this second in his head teaching debut. Belichick is 9-13 in his Patriots profession at Miami. Edge: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 24, Patriots 17
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Source: www.bostonherald.com