Game Preview: Dolphins at Patriots

Week one is finally here; with a long offseason and training camp, the Patriots will finally play in a game that counts. The New England Patriots will begin their 2022 regular season in Miami against the Miami Dolphins. It will be their third consecutive year opening their season against the Dolphins.

Quick hits

* The Dolphins and Patriots will square off on opening day for the 11th time and third consecutive year.

* The Patriots are 17-40 when playing the Dolphins in Miami, while in New England the Patriots have the upper hand owning a 36-19 record.

* The Patriots and Dolphins started playing each other twice a season in 1967. There have been splits in 30 different seasons.

* Mac Jones needs 105 passing yards to replace Butch Songin on New England’s all-time passing list. He would be in 10th place.

* Nick Folk looks to keep his streak going; he has not missed a field goal inside 50 yards since the season opener in 2020.

* There will be ten Alabama Alums playing in this game, including both starting quarterbacks.

* Matthew Slater needs six more games to become second all-time in most games played as a Patriot.

* Tua Tagovailoa is 3-0 against Bill Belichick. He is the only current starting quarterback who is undefeated against Belichick.

* The Miami Dolphins will be rolling with a new head coach for the 2022 season, Mike McDaniel. This will be the largest win-loss disparity between coaches in the NFL.

* The Patriots have had a rookie make a start on opening day 24 times under Bill Belichick.

* With rookie free agent DE Damcrus Mitchell and S Brendon Schooler making the 53-man roster, the Patriots have now had a rookie free agent make the opening day roster for the 19th straight season.

What to look for

* Mac Jones vs. the Blitz

The last time Mac faced Miami, it did not go well; he went 20/30 for 260 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Last season the Dolphins blitzed Jones 33 times in two games. He struggled with the Blitz. If Mac can overcome the pressure, the offense will be in a good spot.

* RPOS a problem for the Patriots

Miami loved quick fast passes last season – over 20% of their offensive plays were RPOS. New England needs to figure out how to stop a fast-moving Miami offense.

* How will the Patriots’ secondary match against a top-tier receiving core

New England’s secondary is young and inexperienced, while Miami’s offense is full of weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Patriots’ cornerbacks need to be at their best. Expect a lot of man coverage with safeties involved heavily.

* Will penalties become an issue

Belichick-coached teams are notorious for playing clean football. Last season that was not the case. New England ranked in the middle of the NFL with flags per game. They will have to clean up the penalties, or the game will be much harder than it needs to be.

* Will the Rookies play

The Patriots will have ten rookies suit up on Sunday, and there are many questions about who will start and who will play.

* Who will be in Mac’s ear?

Will Matty P or Joe Judge be calling the offensive plays? Belichick has stated everyone will be involved, but there will be one person calling plays, and all eyes will be on him.

Connections

Former Patriots

* Keion Crossen (Patriots: Player DB 2018; Dolphins: Player CB 2022-)

* Trey Flowers (Patriots: Player LB 2015-18; Dolphins: Player LB 2022-)

* Elandon Roberts (Patriots: Player LB 2016-19; Dolphins: Player LB 2020-)

* Eric Rowe (Patriots: Player S 2016-18; Dolphins: Player S 2019-)

* Calvin Munson (Patriots: Player LB 2018-19^, 2021; Dolphins: Player LB 2021-)

* Steve Gregory (Patriots: Player DB 2012-13; Dolphins: Safeties Coach 2021-)

* Chris Grier (Patriots: Regional Scout 1995-99; Dolphins: General Manager 2016-)

* Josh Boyer (Patriots: CB Coach 2012-18, DB Coach 2009-11, Coaching Asst.; Dolphins: Defensive Coord. 2020-, Def. Pass Game Coord./CB 2019)

* Ty McKenzie (Patriots: Player LB 2009-10; Dolphins: Outside LB Coach 2022-)

*Wes Welker (Patriots: Player WR 2007-12; Dolphins: WR Coach 2022-)

Former Dolphins

* Davon Godchaux (Patriots: Player DL 2021-; Dolphins: Player DL 2017-20)

* Raekwon McMillan (Patriots: Player LB 2021-; Dolphins: Player LB 2017-19)

* DeVante Parker (Patriots: Player WR 2022; Dolphins: Player WR 2015-21)

* Billy Yates (Patriots: Asst. OL Coach 2021-; Dolphins: Player OL 2003)

Who has the advantage

When the Patriots run: Winner: Patriots

Damien Harris andRhamondre Stevenson are the top two backs in New England. Both players can run the ball well despite being quiet in the preseason. Last season the Patriots combined 259 rushing yards, averaging 4.5 yards a carry. If New England wants to be successful in this game, they must run the ball well. Miami allowed 114 yards per game which was 14th in the league.

Meanwhile, the Patriots were eighth in rushing yards per game. The Dolphin’s defensive line consists of Emmanuel Ogbah, Raekwon Davis, and Christian Wilkins, and behind them in the linebacker role are Andrew Van Ginkel, Elandon Roberts, and Jerome Baker. So the bottom line is – for the Patriots to have a chance in this game, they have to run the ball.

When the Dolphins run: Winner: Patriots

Miami did a terrible job of running the ball last year. Myles Gaskin and Duke Johnson led the team with 612 and 330 rushing yards. Tua is very involved in the rushing game as well. He picked up 128 yards with three touchdowns. Although it was a problem last year, do not expect it to be a problem this year, as Miami acquired Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert. Edmonds rushed for 600 yards last season with Arizona.

Along with Miami adding left tackle Terron Armstead and center Connor Williams, their running game should be better than last year. The Patriots will be rolling with Lawernce Guy, Dietrich Wise, Christain Barmore, and Davon Godchux on the line with Ja’Whaun Bentley, Matt Judon, Raekwon McMillan, and Mack Wilson at linebacker. Although the Dolphins acquired new talent, I am taking the Patriots in this matchup because of experience.

When the Patriots pass: The winner: Dolphins

Many NFL analysts wondered if the Patriots would finally get a number one receiver throughout the offseason. The Patriots did not get a number one receiver but acquired DeVante Parker, a former Dolphin. The Patriot’s passing attack is sub-par, but the good news is the Dolphins finished 16th in the league defending the pass and allowed 228 yards per game. Miami likes to blitz a lot, and that will be a key to the game. We’ve seen Mac Jones’s worst throws come when he gets blitzed. That is expected in the NFL, but Jones’s numbers dramatically decrease when getting blitzed. Miami had the 7th most sacks in the NFL last year, so this will be a factor. New England also shifted around some pieces on the offensive line. Trent Brown will now be on the blindside with rookie Cole Strange at left guard, David Andrews at Center, Micheal Ownnu at right guard, and Isaiah Wynn at right tackle. Wynn is injury-prone, which is something to watch for as the tackle depth is thinned out. Miami will be without their number 2 corner Byron Jones who will start the season on the PUP. However, Miami has one of the best shutdown corners in the league, Xavien Howard. Look for Mac Jones to spread out the ball. It will be interesting to see if the Patriots utilize their two tight end package more this season.

When the Dolphins pass: Winner: Dolphins

The Dolphins made a huge improvement in their passing game, adding star receiver Tyreek Hill in the offseason. Along with Jaylen Waddle and Cedrick Wilson, the Dolphin’s passing attack should easily overmatch New England Secondary. The Patriots lost arguably their best player last season, cornerback J.C Jackson. Jalen Mills took over as the wide receiver with Jonathon Jones on the outside and rookie Marcus Jones in the slot. Miami should have an explosive offense this year, especially with Mike McDaniel coming from San Franciso, who ran a Shanahan-styled game plan. Although the pieces are in place for Miami to have a great offense, all of this is contingent on third-year quarterback Tua Tagovaliova. Tua struggled last season to stay on the and has only played in 23 games. Although his completion percentage is very high, he keeps the ball within reach and avoids throwing the ball downfield. Tagovaliova does have something that no other current quarterback has: he is undefeated (3-0) against Bill Belichick. Miami should put up 21+ points on Sunday, so this will be a big first test for a young and inexperienced Patriots defense.

Special teams: Winner: Patriots

The Patriots and Dolphins have good kickers in Nick Folk and Jason Sanders. Both kickers have proven to be reliable. Folk is coming off a big season; he hasn’t missed a field goal under 50 yards since week one of 2020. The Patriots had three blocked punts last year, which was unusual for a team that prides itself in every part of the game. Waddle should get the call for returning kicks for Miami, while Marcus Jones and Myles Bryant should split opportunities. New England did add two undrafted rookies to their roster Brenden Schooler and DaMarcus Mitchell, who both have made plays in the preseason. The kicking game must be sharp for New England to compete with Miami.

New faces

* 2022 draft picks – OL Cole Strange, CB Marcus Jones, CB Jack Jones, QB Bailey Zappe, RB Pierre Strong Jr., DL Sam Roberts, IOL Chasen Hines,

* 2022 rookie free agents – DE DaMarcus Mitchell, S Brendon Schooler

* 2022 players (claimed or traded) – WR DeVante Parker, Mack Wilson Sr.

* Veteran free agents resigned to the Patriots – T Trent Brown, LB Ja’Whaun Bentley, OL

James Ferentz, DE Carl Davis Jr., K Nick Folk, QB Brain Hoyer, FS Devin McCourty, Spt Matthew Slater

* Veteran free agents signed – RB Ty Montgomery, S Jabrill Peppers

Injury Report

Key:

DNP: Did not participate in practice

LP: Limited participation in practice

FP: Full participation in practice

NL: Not listed.

Patriots:

S Joshuah Bledsoe, Groin-WED: FP; THURS: LP

WR Jakobi Meyers, Knee-WED:LP;THURS:LP

WR Ty Montgomery, Knee-WED: LP; THURS: LP

OT Isaiah Wynn, Back-WED: LP; THURS: LP

Dolphins:

RB Salvon Ahmed, Heel-WED: LP; THURS: LP

T Terron Armstead, Vet Rest

TE Tanner Conner, Knee-WED: LP; THURS: LP

DT Raekwon Davis, Knee-WED: FP; THURS: LP

FB Alec Ingold, Hamstring-WED: LP; THURS: LP

LB Melvin Ingram, Vet Rest-WED: LP; THURS: LP

CB Nik Needham, Quad-WED: LP; THURS: LP

S Eric Rowe, Pectoral-WED: LP; THURS: LP

LB Andrew Van Ginkel, Not Injury Related – Illness-WED: LP; THURS: LP

RB Chase Edmonds, Groin-LP; THURS: FP

RB Myles Gaskin, Neck-LP; THURS: FP

WR Jaylen Waddle, Neck-LP; THURS: FP

Game Officials

Head Referee – John Hussy (20th season in the NFL and 7th as head official)

Weather Forcast

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon. High around 90F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

Noteworthy quotes

Miami Dolphins

“I think Week 1 is always exciting. I can say every game is exciting, but Week 1 is always exciting. It’s the start of a new season for our new team with the Dolphins, and a lot of the fans are looking forward to seeing guys like Tyreek (Hill), seeing guys like Terron Armstead, seeing a lot of the new additions that we’ve picked up throughout this offseason. If I’m not mistaken, this is probably the first time in a long time that the Hard Rock is sold out (of season tickets). So you can see the hype around the team with the fans and all the people that want to come and see our team play.” – Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

“I know one thing that coaches in the National Football League – especially experienced NFL head coaches, especially arguably the best coach of all time, Bill Belichick, he’s going to be prepared. So you know that as a head coach, you better prepare your team and leave no stone unturned. Otherwise, you’ll end up kind of coaching with regret after the fact. Luckily, the schedule came out long ago, so I digested that and knew what Week 1 was. Luckily, it’s the Miami Dolphins versus New England Patriots and not a one-on-one square-off between head coaches.” – Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel.

“Coach Belichick is obviously one of the greatest coaches in this great game we got. But, the way that he thinks is next level. I’m sure Coach Bill has a plan up his sleeve. I feel like our coach has a plan up his sleeve as well.”

– Dolphins Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill

“He’s a really cool player. I admire it – it is one of mine. It was one of the more impressive collegiate performances we’ve obviously had. We were involved in the quarterback evaluation process (in San Francisco) and just came away super impressed with his ability to play the NFL game. I think he’s a guy that for whatever reason, people like to say subtle disparaging stuff. I see a really, really good NFL quarterback that he’ll just continue to progress. He’s one of the guys that I feel very confident in how he plays the position. And even if he has any sort of hiccups, he’s one of the guys that you know going to be a legitimate NFL player at that position, which is so hard to do. He commands the game. He really has a feel of timing and – elusive, people don’t really say hand in hand, but within the pocket, he is very elusive. He’s got a really cool charisma and commands that I first saw when we were doing, I think, Zoom interviews at the time, talking to him about his stellar collegiate receivers, which one of them we have. I really like his play, and I think the best is right in front of him for his career. I look forward to watching it 15 out of the 17 games of the NFL season.”

– Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel

“It’s going to be fun. DeVante’s a hell of a player. He was a hell of a player here. I know he’ll be a hell of a player there. I’m excited to play against him” – Dolphins Safety Jevon Holland.

“He’s definitely going to want to have a good game. I’m going to expect his best. There are other guys too – (Jakobi) Meyers and Nelson (Agholor) and a couple of guys on the team.” – Dolphins Cornerback Xavien Howard.

New England Patriots

On Tua Tagovailoa

“Productive player knows how to use his weapons, receivers, backs. Makes a lot of good critical plays, goal line, third-and-one, fourth-and-one. A couple of plays that formatted against us last year. Smart football player.”

– Patriots head coach Bill Belichick

On how opening day is different

“I don’t think it takes longer to declare. Games are the same length. I think it’s just you have to decide once you see how the game’s going, what you want to keep in, what you want to throw out, or maybe what you might need to add based on the way it’s going. It’s hard to get everything ready for everything. Put your chips on a few numbers, and if those numbers come up, you’re good, and if some other numbers come up, you probably need to do something. I can’t think of too many opening days that there weren’t in-game adjustments that were an important part of the game. I’m sure it’s true both ways. It’s opening day, and nobody’s really shown anything. We’ll see what happens first game. That’ll declare a lot more going into the second game, that’ll declare a lot more going into the third game and then there’ll be a point that we get a pretty good feel for what the other team’s going to do and probably what you’re going to do, too”.

– Patriots head coach Bill Belichick

On being named captain

“I think it’s really cool. I think I have a lot of work to do. I want to become an even better leader. I think we have great guys around us that make everything better. Great coaches, great organization, and we’ve just got to build. I’m going to learn from the older guys like I did when I first got here and continue to do that. Hopefully, some of the younger guys can come to me, whether that be issues and things they want to get fixed, or things that they’re struggling with. I’ll be happy to help anybody on our team.”

– Patriots Quarterback Mac Jones

On the importance of game one

“Yeah, I think it’s important. I think sometimes in Game One, there’s a lot of emotional stuff. You want to focus more on the details of the plays and everything like that and let the emotions come and go. That’s how emotions are, and they come and go. Energy and all that will be there. At the end of the day, it’s just the start of something. You have to learn from it and grow regardless of the results. So we’re going to go out there and compete and see how it goes. That’s all that you can ask for.”

– Patriots Quarterback Mac Jones

Broadcast information

From the Patriots.com

TELEVISION: This week’s game will be broadcast by CBS and can be seen locally on WBZ-TV Channel 4. Greg Gumbel will handle play-by-play duties, with Adam Archuleta as the color analyst. AJ Ross will work from the sidelines. The game will be produced by Jonathan Segal and directed by Mark Grant.

LOCAL RADIO: 98.5 The Sports Hub is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. A complete listing of the network’s 33 stations can be found here. Play-by-play broadcaster Bob Socci will call the action along with former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who will provide color analysis. The games are produced by Marc Cappello.

For information on how to stream the game, please check out our how to watch/listen guide.