Three key matchups for the Patriots to beat the Dolphins

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Sep 11, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws the football during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

Key matchups for Patriots in week seventeen

Mac Jones vs. Dolphins blitz

If the Patriots have any shot of winning on Sunday, Mac Jones needs to play well. He showed flashes in the second half against the Bengals as he almost led the Patriots back from a 22-point deficit. That play needs to continue against a Dolphins defense under former Patriot assistant Josh Boyer that loves to blitz. Miami ranks seventh in the NFL with a 31.9% blitz rate but only blitzed Jones seven times in their week one matchup.

While Jones has struggled against the blitz this season, it can’t all be put on his shoulders. A combination of bad offensive line play and play calling has worked against him but ultimately, Jones is the one under center. In order for the Patriots to have a chance, he needs to identify the blitz early, change protections and get the ball out fast. I imagine it could be similar to the game against the Cardinals a few weeks ago.

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