The New England Patriots open up their 2022 season against the Miami Dolphins. Which players should we watch out for in the opening matchup? The 2022 season for the Patriots is one that could potentially drastically change the direction of the franchise.
They look to build on their promising 10-7 season in 2021. Mac Jones hopes to take a massive leap forward in year two, as the offense continues to struggle with the uncertainty with the playcalling.
The Dolphins revamped their offense this offseason, highlighted by signing Terron Armstead and trading for Tyreek Hill. They hope that third year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa takes a leap in Mike McDaniel’s Shanahan-style offense.
New England also has had troubles winning consistently playing in Miami, but I think with the revamped Dolphins’ roster, more pressure is put on a few Patriots’ players.
Three players to watch out for in week one for the Patriots
Mac Jones
The first player to watch out for is an obvious one. Mac Jones is entering a crucial second year in the NFL and the first year of a new playcaller. Matt Patricia looks to be the primary playcaller, which has had less than ideal returns this offseason.
Will we see Jones and the offense have the early season struggles, or can Jones build on his year two with virtually the same cast around him? I think DeVante Parker is going to help a bit, and I like the depth behind him.
Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson look to provide some help in the passing game as well. Mac Jones is never going to wow the league with his physical ability, so being an efficient passer most of the time is imperative.
The Dolphins also have a talented defense that has been near the top of the league over the last few years, so he may not have the easiest time moving the ball, but this week one matchup is an important one.
Three players to watch out for in week one for the Patriots
DeVante Parker
The Dolphins thought so highly of DeVante Parker they they traded for Tyreek Hill, signed Cedrick Wilson, and traded him to a division rival. It’ll be the first game against his former team for Parker, who was drafted in the first round back in 2015. Parker didn’t have the best career in Miami, but he at least proven to be a reliable target.
He know appears to be the top target in New England, and you know that Parker would love to light it up against his former team. DeVante Parker has the potential to accumulate 1,000 receiving yards this season, which would be awesome in his first year with the Patriots.
Luckily, it looks like he’ll have better quarterback play, as Tua Tagovailoa might not be on the level of Mac Jones just yet. Parker’s unceremonious ending in Miami probably stung a little, considering the team looks to be building a promising roster.
The Dolphins do sport a good secondary, but will it end up being enough for them to contain all of the offensive weapons the Patriots have? Week one might be a perfect opportunity for DeVante Parker to have a breakout game.
Three players to watch out for in week one for the Patriots
The secondary
The Patriots’ secondary has a big test in week one already. The Dolphins’ receivers might be the best group in the NFL, so the secondary of New England will be put to the test. Projected starters in this unit include Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Jalen Mills, and Jonathan Jones.
Will this unit be enough to contain Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill? The Dolphins offense is likely going to call a handful of plays to try and simply outrun New England’s secondary. Miami should be able to do this at will to most of their opponents.
Since the Patriots don’t have a high-end cornerback, I’m worried that both Hill and Waddle will easily be able to expose the unit. Mills and Jones are solid, and the safety duo of Dugger and McCourty is a one of the better ones in the NFL, but facing high-end talent on offense might be their weakness in 2022.
The Denver Broncos have Patrick Surtain II, the Green Bay Packers have Jaire Alexander, the Indianapolis Colts have Stephon Gilmore. The Los Angeles Rams have Jalen Ramsey, and many other teams have truly shutdown secondary pieces.
These players instill fear into opposing defense, but I don’t think anyone in the secondary for New England can do this, which is why I’m a bit worried.