Chris Perkins: Things to watch for in Miami Dolphins-New England Patriots matchup

MIAMI GARDENS — Miami hosts New England this Sunday and both teams have reason to think they can win.

The Dolphins (5-2), the first-place team in the AFC East, are the better team and they beat the Patriots, 24-17, in Week 2. 

Plus, the Dolphins are coming off a 31-17 loss to the Eagles in Philadelphia that should provide Miami extra motivation for this week.

On the other side of the field, New England (2-5) is coming off a 29-25 victory over Buffalo that could give the Patriots confidence in their ability to pull off another upset.

The Dolphins, who play Kansas City in Germany after the New England, and then have a bye week, must be careful to remain laser-focused on the Patriots. This could be a so-called “trap game,” meaning the Dolphins look right past the Patriots to the Chiefs and fall into the “trap” of overlooking an opponent.

But Miami has been good about beating the teams it should beat, and this is a team it should beat.

Having said that, here are some things to look for in Sunday’s game: 

Tua’s interceptions

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has six interceptions in seven games. Last year he had eight interceptions in 13 games. Additionally, Tagovailoa has thrown an interception in five of Miami’s seven games this season, including a pick-6 against the New York Giants. When you consider Tagovailoa has also been credited with a lost fumble he has seven turnovers in seven games this season, which is something to watch in light of Miami’s minus-4 turnover margin, which is tied for 23rd in the league.

Tyreek Hill … or his possible replacement

Speedy wide receiver Tyreek Hill has a hip injury and, after listening to Tagovailoa, it seems doubtful Hill is playing this Sunday. Hill leads the NFL in receiving yards with 902 and remains on track for his goal of an NFL-record 2,000 yards. However, he was held to 40 yards on five receptions when these teams met in Week 2, his lowest output of the season.

If Hill can’t play, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who was slowed with a back ailment last Sunday, becomes the No. 1 option in the pass game and slot receiver Braxton Berrios probably becomes the No. 2 option.

After that, it’s up to Cedrick Wilson Jr., Robbie Chosen and newly-acquired Chase Claypool to get the job done at wide receiver. River Cracraft, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury, could be activated, too.

It’s interesting to note Dolphins tight ends have only been targeted once in the past three games, so they might not be much of an option. Or, perhaps in a change of recent game plan, they become a major option.

Dolphins’ offensive line

The left side of the offensive line will be manned by backups, although left tackle Kendall Lamm, the backup, has started more games than Terron Armstead, the starter. But this week brings a new starter at left guard with either Lester Connor (the likely choice) or Robert Jones. Starter Isaiah Wynn (quadricep) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

We’ll keep an eye on center Connor Williams (groin), who has missed the past two games and three-plus games this season. Right guard Robert Hunt and right tackle Austin Jackson have made all seven starts this season.

The offensive line, which is at the center of the pass protection packages that also includes fullbacks and tight ends, has only allowed nine sacks. And they lead the NFL’s leading rushing game (181.0 yards per game).

New England is 13th in run defense (100.7 ypg allowed) and tied for 28th with 13 sacks, so the Dolphins’ offensive line won’t be facing the same caliber of opponent as Buffalo or Philadelphia.

Miami’s secondary

The secondary could be sitting in a good position or it could be a jumbled mess depending on the injury situation. It’s not yet known whether cornerback Jalen Ramsey (left knee) will play, but it appears cornerback Xavien Howard (groin), who missed the Philadelphia game, will start alongside Kader Kohou. And cornerback Nik Needham (Achilles) has been activated so Miami’s secondary could have three cornerbacks — Ramsey, Howard and Needham — who weren’t available for the Eagles game.

Of course, Miami could be without safety Jevon Holland (concussion protocol), which would make Brandon Jones the starter beside DeShon Elliott. 

If Ramsey plays, the nickel package is probably a Ramsey-Howard-Kohou trio. If Ramsey doesn’t play, the nickel package is probably a Howard-Kohou-Parry Nickerson trio.

Fortunately for Miami, the Patriots are 21st in passing (208.9 yards per game).

Pass rush

It appears things are coming together with edge rusher Bradley Chubb getting 2.0 sacks last Sunday to bring his season total to 4.0, tied for the team lead with linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and defensive lineman Zach Sieler. Fellow edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (1.5 sacks) seems to be regaining his form physically after missing four games. The Dolphins’ 24 sacks are tied for third in the league while New England has allowed 15 sacks, tied for 20th.