The Dolphins will be in Foxborough on Sunday, September 12 for a week one matchup against the New England Patriots. This game will be aired on CBS and kick-off will be at 4:25 EST. The Dolphins come into this game-winning two preseason games in a row. They beat the Bengals last week in their dress rehearsal game in a dramatic fashion. Reid Sinnett found Chris Myrarick on a 34-yard touchdown strike to win the game. They will be looking to do the same against rookie quarterback Mac Jones. This is the Dolphins Game Preview: New England Patriots.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins will of course be starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa who had a good preseason. He looked pretty accurate and was getting the ball out of his hands fast. The Dolphins quarterback also showed some speed outside of the pocket and could easily extend playing if he wished. He needs to focus on finishing drives with the offense. There were many times in the preseason where the offense would stall on the opposite end of the field and they would have to settle for a field goal. Some drives were even worse and they ended in an interception deep in the red zone.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
The receiving core will also be interesting to see during this game. Especially rookie wide receiver and stand-out player Jalen Waddle. He has looked speedy quick and his route running looked great in training camp all summer. Look for Tagovailoa to look for him early to give his rookie receiver a taste of regular-season NFL football. Tight end Mike Gesicki is also a key pass catcher in this game. He seemed to get the big chunk plays for the Miami Dolphins in their preseason games. He has great hands and is dangerous after the catch with his strength and ability to shed tackles.
Running Backs
The running backs in Miami have looked impressive during the preseason. This is with Miami not having that featured running back such as an Ezekiel Elliott or a Dalvin Cook. The Dolphins need a heavy dose of Myles Gaskins and Malcolm Brown in this game. They can both tote the rock and provide the dolphins with some good yardage. Do not be surprised if Salvon Ahmed also gets some playing time. He has quickness and is an elusive running back that can find creases in the opponent’s defense.
Defense
The defense will need to find a way to stop Mac Jones and the Patriot’s offense. Luckily for the Dolphins they have one of the best secondaries in the NFL featuring Xavien Howard, Eric Rowe, Jason McCourty and Byron Jones. Look for them to confuse the young rookie Mac Jones and maybe force a few turnovers in the process.
The Patriots have been touted to have one of the best offensive lines in the league. Defensive ends Christian Wilkins and Emmanuel Ogbah needs to get as much pressure as possible on Jones and tire out New England’s offensive line.
Special Teams
Jaylen Waddle and Jakeem Grant Sr. will more than likely be doing the punt returns and the kick returns for the Dolphins. It has already been mentioned that Waddle has speed, but do not sleep on Grant either. He is very quick and elusive. He has the special ability to juke defenders out as soon as he catches the ball and then proceeds to turn on the Jets. This will be a special duo in the special team’s department and look for them to begin showing off week one in New England.
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