Big game heading into Sunday Night

The (1-0) Miami Dolphins will be facing the (0-1) New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday night football. This is the first division game of the season for both teams and a must win for the Patriots. After New England came up short last Week in the first game of the season to the Eagles, the team looks to rebound this time around. For quarterback Mac Jones and his offense look to pick up on what they accomplished last week later in the game against Philadelphia. Jones can’t afford to throw the ball 54 times this week like how it was for him a week ago. The running game has to be heavily involved with Rhamondre Stevenson, and Ezekiel Elliot contributing without committing any turnovers.

Last week the Patriots defense looked very solid against the high-flying Eagles offense and was able to contain Jalen Hurts and company. Only nine points is what New England allowed to Philly in the second half of last week’s game. Granted, the Dolphins are very explosive with wide receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as the top wideouts and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa under center. Tagovailoa might be (4-0) in his career against the Patriots but look for this game to be really close and a different outcome for Miami. Look for the offense not to be as productive like last week against the Los Angeles Chargers out in LA.

Must win for the Patriots this week

No one wants to see the Patriots start the season (0-2) in the New England area. The team is very talented and strong on defense and offense is a work in progress. Starting cornerback Jonathan Jones is questionable with an ankle injury and wide receiver DeVante Parker is also questionable with a knee injury that kept him out Week 1. Also added to the injury report with a questionable tag is Tackle Trent Brown, Guards, Sidy Sow, Mike Onwenu and Cole Strange. Hoping these players will play because the offensive line has been one of the biggest questions marks heading into the season. This is the first of back-to-back division games because next week the team heads to New Jersey to play the New York Jets. As I mentioned this is a must win for the Patriots.

Matchup to keep an eye on who will cover Tyreek Hill

If starting cornerback Jones can’t play on Sunday what player should cover Hill? In my opinion it should be rookie Christian Gonzalez. This will be a tough test for only his second game in the NFL but it will be a double coverage and maybe a safety over the top will help him out. Zone coverage should be played in the matchup because if you run man-to-man you will not be able to contain Hill. Last season in two games against the Patriots, Hill had 12 receptions on 19 targets with a total of 149 receiving yards and no touchdowns. New England did a real nice job on containing him a season ago hopefully that continues. Hill is a confident wide receiver willing to do whatever it takes to get open with any coverage on him.

Game Predictions for the Patriots and Dolphins

I expect the game will be a very close between both teams and the Patriots edging out the Dolphins 34-27. For Mac he will complete 25-35 passes for around 275 passing yards and three touchdowns. Stevenson will have about 13 carries for 80 yards rushing and also having 65 receiving yards. Expect a big game from Kendrick Bourne, he will contribute for 8 receptions, 95 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Onto Miami, Tua will be 23-35 for 250 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. Both Hill and Waddle will have quiet nights but I expect both to have about 85 yards and a touchdown a piece. Less than 24 hours until game time and expect a great game between both teams.