5 most important Miami Dolphins defensive players for week one

The Miami Dolphins linebackers are good but there are still questions as to who will be responsible for what part of the defense.

Jerome Baker

Miami is going to roll out a defense designed to stop the Patriots’ rushing game but one linebacker is going to find himself covering the Patriots’ tight ends more than another. I think that Jerome Baker could be the linebacker.

Hunter Henry is one of the better pass-catching TEs in the league and his addition to the Patriots in 2021 was surprising considering they had also added Jonnu Smith. Smith was not overly impressive in his Patriots debut and while Henry played well, some expected a lot more.

The Patriots may try and find that QB to TE magic that they had with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. It will never be that efficient but this weekend, it could be a focus.

Miami matches well with the Patriots receiver group. The Dolphins should be able to win in the trenches and slow the Patriots’ rushing game. If they succeed in both, the Patriots’ focus will shift to the tight ends. In fact, this could be Mac Jones’ only outlet if Howard and Needham do their jobs.