Can Patriots Slow Dolphins' Tyreek Hill?
New England hosts the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in a divisional matchup that could be an early season measuring stick for where the Patriots are in the AFC landscape. The Patriots are looking for their first win of the season after a disappointing 25-20 home loss in Week 1. They're also hoping to avoid an 0-2 start, something they haven't suffered since 2001.
That could be easier said than done, as the New England defense will be tasked with stopping the No. 1 offense in the league as we enter Week 2. More specifically, the Patriots' secondary will need to stop - or at least somewhat contain - Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill.
Last week against the Chargers, Miami's offense posted 36 points and 17 plays of 15 or more yards. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa passed for 466 yards and three touchdowns, while Hill caught 11 balls for 215 yards and two scores.
The Tua-to-Hill connection could cause problems for a Patriots secondary that's currently ailing. Corner Jonathan Jones missed practice on Friday after appearing on the Thursday injury report as a limited participant. He's dealing with a hamstring issue and is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest.
Last week, New England placed cornerback Jack Jones on injured reserve, so he is unavailable. Leaving Christian Gonzalez, Marcus Jones, and Ameer Speed as the only corners available for Sunday. Safeties Miles Bryant and Jalen Mills could also see time at corner.
Hill has the ability to burn a healthy defense with his straight-line speed, much less one that is potentially missing its best defender in the secondary.
Jonathan Jones is the best option to cover Hill, if he's available, matching up with the Dolphins' wideout six previous times. In those games combined, Hill has managed just seven catches on 16 targets for 88 yards.
If Jones is not able to play, it could be a long day for the Patriots' secondary.
