New England Patriots 2021 Schedule: 5 must-win games

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 03: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots reacts with his teammate softer making an interception in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 13: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

AFC East . Miami Dolphins . 2. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. . player. 59

Until shown, the division is now Buffalo’s to lose. Just because the bills could be the top team in the AFC East, doesn’t mean they won’t be two representatives in the postseason.

The winner of this game likely has to win both matchups to secure their spot as the No. 2 team. Best of all? Fans will be treated to see two former Alabama quarterbacks going at it.

Tua Tagovailoa is the hopeful first Dolphins franchise quarterback since Dan Marino. The entire offseason was built around making sure he would thrive in 2020. The additions of Will Fuller, Jaylen Waddle and Liam Eichenberg only solidified a strong receiving corp and improving offensive line.

New England’s offseason was also bent on building around their offense. The addition of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith will allow Josh McDaniels to run a 12-man personnel often. If Smith can improve as a blocker, it also will stabilize a top 10 rushing attack with Damien Harris, Sony Michel and James White.

Miami’s defense is still working out the kinks under former Patriots linebacker coach Brian Flores. There’s always a certain pressure also put on the protégé to eventually beat the master. Last season, New England split the series, but Tagovailoa struggled passing.

There will be no excuse for Tagovailoa in 2021. If he doesn’t improve, both Newton and Jones should have the opportunity to win the battle and remain the better AFC East club for another year.

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