5 most important Miami Dolphins defensive players for week one

Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) intercepts a pass Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) intercepts a pass Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Dolphins Jaelan Phillips. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

Phillips off the edge is one of the joys of watching Miami Dolphins football and on Sunday, Phillips needs to contain Jones while putting him on the ground.

Jaelan Phillips

Phillips enters his second season in the NFL and his rookie season was good enough that fans are excited to see what kind of growth he has in year two. On Sunday, his ability to collapse the pocket from Jones’ left side will be important because the right side will see Emmanuel Ogbah blitzing often off right tackle.

I expect at some point we see the Patriots keeping a tight end inline to block either Phillips or Ogbah and in doing so they will take away another passing option for Jones. Whichever player is finding a cleaner path to the QB will get the adjustment.

Phillips is strong and matches up well but containment is important as Jones can run the ball if needed to. He can step up in the pocket to avoid the rush. For Phillips, keeping his balance off the edge and not allowing Jones to move will be the top task. If he can do that, Jones will have a long day.