Week 1 of the NFL season is finally here and the Miami Dolphins kick things off against their in-state rival and fellow AFC competitor, Jacksonville Jaguars. Every game is crucial in the NFL, but getting early victories against conference competitors is crucial for potential tie-breakers down the road. The Jaguars finished the 2023 season at 9-8, but like Miami, were bitten by the injury bug down the stretch. They present a number of challenges that the Dolphins must contend with and that brings an increased focus on a few players that need big games for Miami to come out victorious.
Dolphins Players to Watch in Week One Matchup With Jaguars
Dolphins Tackles Need to Bring Their A-Game
The first thing that jumps off the page when facing the Jaguars is their formidable pass rush. Their top two pass rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker combined for 27.5 sacks last season. That was the most by any duo in the league in 2023. Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson need to be at the top of their game early to prevent the Jags rush from taking over. Miami is seemingly in a good position though when it comes to the anchors of their line.
The success of Miami’s line generally starts and ends with Armstead. The pro-bowler is entering his 12th season, but is still as good as they come in the NFL. In 2023, Armstead allowed just one sack, and six Quarterback pressures in 317 pass blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. That’s a pressure rate of 1.89%, far and away the best in the NFL. Armstead’s biggest issue has been staying consistently healthy, but even playing hurt, he’s been invaluable to the success of Miami’s offensive line.
Hines-Allen vs Austin Jackson
Hines-Allen will move around the Jaguars defensive line to gain the best advantage, which means he’ll most likely lineup across from Austin Jackson. Jackson took a few seasons to get his footing but has become a consistent force protecting the left-handed Tua Tagovailoa’s, blindside at right tackle. Through the majority of the 2023 season, Jackson posted the 2nd highest pass block efficiency rate in the NFL.
Austin Jackson: 98.3 pass-blocking efficiency rating this season
2nd among all Tackles 😤 pic.twitter.com/195VuyyfxN
— PFF MIA Dolphins (@PFF_Dolphins) November 22, 2023
Terron Armstead: 89.6 PFF grade since his return from injury
2nd among all OT's during that period 😤📈 pic.twitter.com/w9nA6qartc
— PFF MIA Dolphins (@PFF_Dolphins) January 4, 2024
Jackson will be tested big time when facing Hines-Allen, he recorded a pass rush win-rate of 20.8% in 2023. His teammate Travon Walker saw his sack total jump from 3.5 as a rookie to 10 last season. The Jaguars hope another double-digit season is on the horizon. Games are typically won and lost in the trenches and Miami’s tackle duo of Armstead and Jackson need to anchor the line all day to keep Tagovailoa upright.
Dolphins Safety Has His Hands Full
Jevon Holland is one of the league’s top safeties and he’ll be tested against Jacksonville. Miami could be without lockdown corner Jalen Ramsey, which means Holland’s impact is even more crucial. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram caught a ridiculous 114 passes in 2023 and is a focal point of their offense. Tight ends are often mismatches that offenses love to exploit, and Engram’s physicality and route running allow the Jaguars to create mismatches on offense.
Holland possesses the skills necessary to make life difficult for one of the league’s best at his position. The former Oregon Duck plays all over Miami’s defense and new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver loves to play aggressively. Holland could be featured defending the run, deep passes and even locked up one-on-one with Engram. Neutralizing Engram will go a long way in Miami snagging a week one win. Expect to hear Holland’s name a lot.
Time to Shine for Dolphins First Round Pick
Miami has a dominant pass-rushing duo in Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. The problem is Chubb starts the season on the PUP list, and Phillips will most likely be on an early season snap count after ending last season on IR. Enter Chop Robinson, the Dolphins first-round pick out of Penn State. Robinson was drafted to get after the passer. He’s struggled in rush defense in training camp at times, which means his impact may be saved purely for passing downs.
The rookie was the fastest defensive lineman drafted and his incredible first step can be a difference-maker in getting after QB Trevor Lawrence. Robinson has spent the offseason taking tips from not just his fellow defensive teammates, but the offensive ones as well to help mold his game. He has a shot to start his NFL career with a bang if he can help Miami’s pass rush throw Lawrence off his game.
Chop Robinson untouched for a preseason appetizer sack pic.twitter.com/K6KmwBU80D
— Jason Sarney (@Jason_Sarney) August 18, 2024
The Dolphins are 6-1 in September games under Head Coach Mike McDaniel and open as 3.5-point favorites at home.
Main Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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