Keep Tua pocket-bound

The Patriots should also make sure Tua doesn’t escape the pocket. He’s mobile, and been more effective making plays on the run.

If the Pats can keep him in the pocket, that’s where he’s been more prone to making mistakes.

Last season, Tagovailoa threw 11 touchdown passes, but also had five interceptions. He averaged just 6.3 yards per throw.

“We’re not playing Lamar Jackson, to that extent,” Patriots defensive captain Devin McCourty said of Tua’s running ability, “but he’s a guy that, if you watch him, he’s able to buy time either taking off and running, or buying enough time to get somewhere else in the pocket, and get his eyes back down field. And he has really good arm talent to be able to throw the ball across his body and do different things like that.

“So keeping him in the pocket, and keeping him contained and not letting him extend plays, especially because of the type of skill guys they have ... they just have so many weapons, that you don’t want to be chasing guys for a seven-or-eight second play. That’s going to be tough on us.”