5 players the Dolphins need to play well to beat the Patriots in Week 1

3. TE Mike Gesicki

Gesicki and Tagovailoa connected well during the preseason, and the Dolphins quarterback would do well to make a strong connection with the big, athletic tight end. The Dolphins added to their wide receiver stable this offseason (Will Fuller, Jaylen Waddle), but Gesicki (6-foot-6, 250 pounds) still might be the best option to create real mismatches against defenses.

Gesicki’s career numbers against New England (in five games against them) are not very good. That can be blamed on up-and-down quarterback play, or Bill Belichick recognizing him as a threat and putting priority on keeping him in check. Maybe it’s a little of both.

Over the last two seasons, 58.7 percent of Gesicki’s catches (61 of 104) have gone for first downs. Even with more (or better) mouths to feed elsewhere in the Miami passing game, he’s ripe for a bigger role this year.

The Dolphins have to keep the chains moving and not waste their scoring opportunities if they’re going to beat the Patriots in Week 1. Gesicki will be vital to both components.