The Miami Dolphins host the Jacksonville Jaguars for their Week 1 game of the NFL season. It’s say to say that this is a big game for two teams with playoff aspirations. The Jaguars overhauled a lot on both sides of the ball, while the Dolphins returned much of the team from last year. Both starting quarterbacks got a new deal this offseason, but still have much to prove. Here is everything you need to know about the Sunshine State matchup.
Jaguars vs. Dolphins Matchup History
Sunday will be the 11th time the Jaguars and Dolphins have met. The series is tied at 5-5 and the last regular season meeting was in 2021 when the Jaguars won 23-20 in a close game.
Key Players for the Jaguars
The success of the offense and how far the Jaguars can go this season all depend on Trevor Lawrence. The teams struggles really started last year after Lawrence was injured. He needs to stay healthy and be quicker with his decisions. Lawrence has shown flashes but needs to cut down on his turnovers to fully reach his potential.
The wide receiver room has been remade from a year ago. The Jaguars moved on from Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones. To replace them, Jacksonville drafted Brian Thomas and signed Gabriel Davis from the Buffalo Bills. Both receivers are deep threats that should help stretch the field and open up the intermediate game more. The middle of the field will be attacked by slot receiver Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram. The receiving corps is deep and hopefully will draw bigger chunk plays for the Jaguars.
The Jacksonville running game has to be better this year and that has to outside of just Travis Etienne. He has been the bell cow the last two years but was slowed last year with some nagging injuries. Tank Bigsby looks to improve on his rookie season and has flashed more consistency in the preseason.
Josh Hines-Allen has a career year last year and Travon Walker finally started to come into his own. After that, however, there was not much sack production.
The addition of Arik Armstead hopefully will help in that department. Ryan Neilson brings a different philosophy to the defense and this will hopefully help to make Devin Lloyd more comfortable. Also this will allow for Chad Muma to see the field more, making a good trio with Foyesade Oluokun.
The secondary will be anchored by Tyson Campbell, who will hopefully return to form coming back from an injury-plagued 2023 season. Andre Cisco took a big step last year and will be joined from second year player Antonio Johnson.
Free agents Ronald Darby and Darnell Savage were brought in to help a struggling secondary. The mix of who will play in what position will be a work in progress and they do not get an easy first matchup.
Key Players for the Dolphins
The offense did not change much from the previous season. Tua Tagovailoa will be throwing to his main weapons from the previous season in Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Braxton Berrios. There is speed to burn and they have one of the fastest wide receiving duos in the NFL.
Running the ball, Devon Achane will look to improve on his rookie season and will be joined by Raheem Mostert. The offense did have two additions with tight end Jonnu Smith and speedy rookie running back Jaylen Wright. The offense just got faster and harder to defend with the additions.
On defense, the Dolphins will get back edge rusher Jaelen Phillips from injury and Jaylen Ramsey will return in the secondary. The rest of the defense will have a new look.
The Dolphins drafted quick edge rusher Chop Robinson to help on the opposite side of Phillips. In addition to him, the Dolphins brought in Calais Campbell, Jordyn Brooks, David Long Jr., and Kendall Fuller. With so many new additions it will be interesting how long it will take the team to mesh together and become a cohesive unit.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Keys to Win the Game
The Jaguars have a new defensive coordinator, philosophy and a rebuilt secondary. However, they get a tough task to start the season. There is speed all over the field for the Dolphins’ offense. The back seven will have to stay on their assignments and not get beat by the speed of the offense. The Jaguars’ will need to make sure they do not give up the big plays in this game and put even more pressure on Lawrence and the offense.
To help the coverage, the Jaguars will need to get constant pressure on Tagovailoa. It has been shown when he is rhythm he is unstoppable, so the pressure has to move him off his spots. Hines-Allen and Walker brought the pressure last year but there was little outside of them. The addition of Armstead should help with that but it will be interesting if the Dolphins will double Hines-Allen or not.
On the offensive side, the Jaguars line needs to protect Lawrence and also allow for running lanes for Etienne and Bigsby. The Jaguars need to be more balanced and effective running the ball so that they can sustain drives. Under Doug Pederson the offense runs much better when defenses have to honor the run and play action can be employed more.
Who will win the Sunshine State matchup? It should be an exciting matchup in Week 1!
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.