The Miami Dolphins will kick off their 2020 season on Sunday with the hopes of avoiding the same slow start that plagued the team’s 2019 campaign. A divisional win is the best kind of win — it gives you a firm lead on a competitor that could end up standing between you and the postseason. Miami will have their work cut out for them looking to gather that first win against the Patriots. But what will Sunday’s game look like? We have five bold predictions for the Dolphins versus the Patriots.
CB Byron Jones logs an interception
The Miami Dolphins gave Jones a big contract this offseason and for a short while Jones was the NFL’s highest paid cornerback. That ship has sailed thanks to big extensions for Darius Slay, Tre’Davious White and Jalen Ramsey already this summer. But Jones will still need to prove his worth to Miami as a big-money addition and his lack of interceptions in Dallas was a hot-button issue. Our prediction? Jones comes up big in Week 1 with a forced turnover to help prove his standing as a great offseason addition for the Dolphins. It may come courtesy of a lack of chemistry between Cam Newton and his new receivers, but all turnovers count the same.
Dolphins will rush for more than 120 yards
Expect a group effort here for the Dolphins, but the Patriots should be able to be had up the middle of the defense. The team lost Danny Shelton, Donta Hightower and Patrick Chung this offseason, dramatically softening their sturdy play up the middle of the defense. Given Miami’s heavy investments in the ground game this past offseason, the team will be looking to dictate play in the trenches at a much more consistent rate this season. Pair that with New England’s losses and the opportunity is there for Miami.
Preston Williams returns to lead team in receiving
Welcome back, Preston! Williams is poised to return after making a big splash in 2019 as an undrafted rookie free agent. An ACL injury abruptly cut short his rookie season but Williams has been arguably the best receiver in camp and when you add DeVante Parker’s hamstring issue to the mix, Williams appears to have the table set for a big day. The Patriots may also opt to shadow Parker with Stephon Gilmore, further amplifying the opportunities that will be afforded to Williams.
We will not see Tua Tagovailoa
Sorry, Miami! We all want to see Tua on the field sooner rather than later — but we get the impression that the Dolphins are going to hold firm with keeping Tua on the sideline until they feel as though he’s ready to take control completely. If the game ends up being a blowout for better or for worse, we may get a taste of the No. 5 overall pick, but we are expecting a closely contested football game this weekend between these two AFC East rivals.
Dolphins will generate pressure but struggle to finish with sacks
The Dolphins’ new-look defense will get plenty of opportunities to bring pressure with the sturdy play on the back end. But will they be able to finish those plays and convert them into sacks? The Dolphins have struggled in recent years with big, strong quarterbacks who can pull away from contact — and we’re a little hesitant to give the defense the benefit of the doubt until we see it. Miami will bring the heat but Newton has the size and athleticism to pull through contact and avoid some extra negative plays.
