I will be down with the Patriots in Miami on Sunday. Who am I picking? Well, I’m actually picking the Patriots to win in week 1 against the Dolphins. Why?
They Can Limit Tyreek Hill
Jul 27, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) catches a pass during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
I’ve been on the Jonathan Jones hype train for a while now. I think Jonathan Jones and the packages that they’ve had against Tyreek Hill in the past have had success. That was in Kansas City with better talent around him and a much better quarterback. Patriots did a good job holding Hill down for the most part.
Coaching Mismatch
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 27: Head Coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins on the sidelines during the first half of the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Hard Rock Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel is going in his first NFL game. I think it’s a massive mismatch at head coach. Forty eight years of experience for Bill Belichick, zero for Mike McDaniel.
Advantage at Quarterback
Mac Jones speaks with reporters before practice in South Florida
I like the Patriots at quarterback in this game. Mac Jones is just better than Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Try to spell that fast ten times
Defense is Younger and Faster
Patriots defense stretching
Defensively you have a healthy Matt Judon, a healthy Christian Barmore, a healthy Davon Godchaux and a revamped linebacker crew that’s younger and faster. The Safeties down in the box, Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger and Jabril Peppers are strong. I’m anxious to see how the new kids are going to play, meaning Marcus Jones and Jack Jones at the other corner spots. This defense could actually make some noise in 2022.
They’ve Been Here Before
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 19: Senior Football Advisor Matt Patricia and head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots look on during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on August 19, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
I feel like it’s just a normal spot for the Patriots to win one of their games. This is a regular season game against a divisional opponent. The Patriots have to win this type of game or else it’s going to be a long, troublesome year for them. I think they got to get out of the gate fast Sunday and win.
