NFL WEEK 1

KEYS TO THE GAME 1. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa vs. Patriots QB Mac Jones:

The battle of two former Alabama first-round picks should be interesting. Jones (22 TDs, 13 INTs in

2021), a Pro Bowl selection, will likely look to get the ball out quickly to avoid Miami’s blitzes and pass rush. Watch for Jones picking on CB Noah Igbinoghene, the replacement for Byron Jones (leg). Tagoavailoa (16 TDs,

10 INTs in 2021) must take advantage of WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to strike fear and confusion into the Patriots defense. Don’t focus on Tagovailoa’s deep throws, look for efficiency, decisionmaking and accuracy.

2. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel vs. Patriots coach Bill Belichick:

This is New England’s biggest advantage and fortunately for Miami, it’s not an on-field advantage so its effect is limited. Still, we’re talking about the possible GOAT so his presence matters. Watch how Belichick defends Hill and see if he tries to take him out of the offense.

But it’s possible Belichick could focus on taking away the run game and forcing Tagovailoa to win it with his left arm. McDaniel, the rookie head coach, packs offensive creativity with talented, speedy players and a defense that seems to have playmaking potential. Offensively, he’ll likely look to get the run game going and use it to throw off of play-action, and defensively expect lots of blitzes and heavy pressure on Jones. This should be a fun one to watch.

3. Patriots vs. Heat/ humidity:

Belichick brought his team down on Tuesday evening to practice in South Florida’s heat and humidity. We’ll see whether it helps. Hard Rock Stadium’s design puts the visiting sideline in oppressive, energy-draining sunlight the entire game during early afternoon matchups.

But perhaps Belichick is over-thinking the situation. During the past five years the Dolphins are 2-5 in September home games and have been outscored, 172-75. Interestingly, the majority of teams that have beaten Miami during that stretch — Buffalo (twice), Baltimore, New England and the Los Angeles Chargers — aren’t used to the heat and humidity, and didn’t arrive early for the game.

4. Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill vs. Patriots secondary:

Hill, who can take the top off of a defense in the blink of an eye, will be a focal point for both teams. Miami will mostly try to get him the ball in space so he can use his quickness, then his speed. But the Dolphins will take some deep shots, too. New England will almost certainly double-cover Hill, a six-time Pro Bowl selection. But the Patriots’ starting CBs, Jalen Mills and Jonathan Jones, seem vulnerable vs. Hill. New England’s best counterpunches to Hill might be its pass rush and FS Devin McCourty. Whether or not Hill has a big day statistically, he’ll have an impact on the game.

5. Dolphins rushing defense vs. Patriots rushing offense:

New England lost twice to Miami last year, but the Patriots had over 100 yards rushing in each game. If the Patriots are able to play a ball control offense led by their running game it’ll give Jones a huge break and possibly pressure Miami’s offense to pass more than it desires. It also minimizes the role of Miami’s pass defense and pass rush, possibly the strongest aspects of the team. Miami’s run defense, led by DL Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, and LBs Elandon Roberts and Jerome Baker, needs to be good.