Patriots to Host Dolphins in Week 2 Showdown

The Miami Dolphins will take on the New England Patriots in a Week 2 AFC East showdown on Sunday Night Football.

In Week 1, the Patriots lost a close game at home against the Eagles.

Meanwhile, The Dolphins won in a shootout against the Chargers.  These two teams are both looking to make an early statement in there respective division.

Big Test for the New England Defense 

Miami has an explosive offense led by Tua Tagovailoa.

His top two targets, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, had a combined 293 receiving yards.

New England’s  defense allowed 170 passing yards against Philadelphia. Star Receiver Tyreek Hill said he would dominate the Patriots’ defense if they double team.  Hill dominated the Chargers, as he accounted for nearly half of Tua’s passes. He caught 11 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns.

However, Bill Belichick is a defensive minded coach, who is well know for taking away opposing offense’s strengths. Belichick knows that Mike McDaniel has a tough-to-stop, well-schemed offense.

The matchup between the Dolphins’ receivers and the Patriots’ secondary will be something to watch in this game.

Tua Tagovailoa: 466 passing yards, 3 TDs
Tyreek Hill: 215 yards, 2 TDs

Unreal. pic.twitter.com/bguezLDOt3

— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023

Terron Armstead Injury Status 

Miami Dolphins key veteran left tackle Terron Armstead has been dealing with a leg injury since training camp. He was ruled out last week game against the LA Chargers.

However, Armstead returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since August, when the Dolphins had joint practice against the Houston Texans. The Dolphins are hoping to have Terron Armstead back to protect the left side.

https://twitter.com/T_Armstead72/status/1615079154973642753

Patriots Offense Looks to Get Rolling

Mac Jones and this Patriots offense are looking for immediate success under new offense coordinator Bill O’Brien.

Early on against the Eagles, Jones had it rough. But by the end of the game, he completed 35 out of 54 passes for 316 yards and three scores.

Most of the Patriots O-line was injured, and they had to start rookies Antonio Mafi and Sidy Sow at left and right guard.

Rookie receivers Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte are looking to be big for this Patriots offense. Mac Jones talked about how confident he is with both Demario and Kayshon, who were both targeted 11 times in Week 1.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1700986078889709855

Kickoff will be at 8:20 p.m. on NBC or Peacock.