Miami Dolphins: 3 game day predictions for week one

Tua Tagovailoa outperforms Mac Jones

This is the story line that everyone will be keeping an eye on during Sunday’s matchup. The quarterback matchup for the two teams features a pair of former teammates. Tagovailoa and Jones shared three seasons together on the University of Alabama roster, with Jones serving as the backup during the tenure.

The comparisons (and differences) between the two have been floating around ever since Jones was named the starter. Who had the better career at Alabama? Which one is more likely to become a star and be the outright leader of his team?

Tua is going to draw first blood and get the best of Jones on Sunday. The Dolphins should not only come out victorious in the game, but Tagovailoa could put up some numbers that we aren’t used to seeing. He now has one of the deepest pass-catching units in the league at his disposal, and all reports show a vast improvement for him in running the offense. Combine those with a now reportedly-healthy lower body, and Sunday’s game could be Tagovailoa’s true coming out party.

As for Jones, he will face quite a test, having to face what should be a top-10 defense in his first NFL game. Flores will assuredly have his guys ready to confuse and defend the daisy-fresh rookie, who could be in for a long day if the Dolphins are able to set the tone early.