Fansided

5 players the Patriots need to play well to beat the Dolphins

By Jarrett Bailey

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 29: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks to pass the ball against against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 29, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 29: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks to pass the ball against against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 29, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 18: J.C. Jackson #27 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass intended for Tim Patrick #81 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at Gillette Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 18: J.C. Jackson #27 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass intended for Tim Patrick #81 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at Gillette Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

J.C. Jackson

All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore will miss the first six weeks of the season after being placed on IR. Losing his production means that J.C. Jackson will be the No. 1 cornerback and be looked upon to step up.

Now, Jackson is by all accounts suited to play this role- he’s done it before. He was the No. 1 cornerback for the Patriots in five games last year when Stephon Gilmore didn’t play, and he proved himself worthy of holding that title.

He had nine interceptions last year, and picked off Tua in the red zone when the Dolphins were threatening to score in the matchup between these two teams in December.

The Patriots are perfectly confident in Jackson’s ability as a ball hawk on the perimeter. They know exactly what he is capable of, and based off of last season, so does Tua. Don’t be surprised if he shies away from throwing to Jackson’s side of the field.

If his play carries over from 2020, the New England is in good hands. Along with Jalen Mills, the Patriots secondary will look to set the tone early and prevent Tua from getting comfortable whatsoever.

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