How ‘D’ can tame Tua in opener

Tua Tagovailoa has the distinction of being one of the few rookie quarterbacks to beat a Bill Belichick coached defense. It’s stunning when it happens, because Belichick, who is 21-6 against rookies since he took over the Patriots, usually has young signal-callers pleading “Uncle” before long.

While Tagovailoa didn’t play in last year’s season opener, he was at the helm for a 2212 Week 15 win over the Patriots in Miami.

He had an unspectacular day, but did what was needed, completing 20 of 26 passes for 145 yards. He didn’t have any touchdown passes. He threw one pick.

But that got the job done.

Nine months later, the Patriots are expecting to see a better version of Tagovailoa, playing with an improved cast on offense.

Receiver Will Fuller, signed in the offseason, is suspended so the Patriots won’t have to defend him this time around. They also won’t see a few other Dolphins because Brian Flores’ team has been dealing with a breakout of positive COVID-19 tests.

Starting left tackle Austin Jackson was on the list early in the week, so his status bears watching.

Ultimately, the defense has to focus on Tagovailoa, who like Mac Jones, is a University of Alabama product.

Here’s how the Patriots can stifle Tagovailoa and the Dolphins offense: