Week one: Miami Dolphins have edge over the Patriots by position
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins have a better secondary even without starting cornerback Byron Jones active on the 53.
Secondary
- Dolphins vs. Patriots
- Edge: Dolphins
The Dolphins’ depth at cornerback is questionable and that is a big problem but they are still better at the top than New England. The Patriots opted to let J.C. Jackson walk this past off-season and that could be a big mistake for the Patriots and impact their defensive success.
Xavien Howard is Miami’s best CB and it is unclear who will step in for Jones on the opposite side. Nik Needham, Noah Igbinoghene, and Keion Crossen are all in the mix for the job. Igbinoghene is huge liability right now and I would venture that some of the Patriots’ deeper corners are as good or better than Noah has played.
Starting corner Jalen Mills is going to face a tougher season without Jackson on the field. He will now be paired with Jonathan Jones. The Patriots’ secondary, at least on paper, isn’t going to put fear into offenses and Tyreek Hill shouldn’t have a problem exploiting them.
At safety, the Patriots have two solid starters in Devin McCourty and Kyle Duggar but the Dolphins have one of the best young safeties in the NFL, Jevon Holland, and Brandon Jones, while still needing to development is a solid blitzing safety. Add Eric Rowe’s experience into the unit and the Dolphins are in a good position.