Patch Patriots Roundup: Slowing Down The Dolphins, Free Agent Rumors

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Patriots did a decent job of slowing down what's expected to be one of the NFL's top offenses in Week 1 against Philadelphia. Week 2 won't get any easier, and perhaps previews what might be one of the most consistently interesting matchups in the years to come.

Unless the murmurs about Bill Belichick's job security turn out to be true, the divisional matchup between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots should turn into a football nerd's daydream in seasons to come.

Head coach Bill Belichick has long been considered the league's top defensive mind, long befuddling even the best offensive playcallers. Enter Mike McDaniel, the NFL's shiniest new offensive genius and, maybe, the coach most likely to challenge Sean McVay, Andy Reid and Kyle Shannahan for the title of best play designer.

The Dolphins offense took off like a rocket in Week 1, with Tua Tagovailoa totaling 466 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. Tyreek Hill, perhaps the league's most dangerous receiver, cleared the 200-yard receiving mark with multiple touchdowns.

If the Patriots get a leg up against a divisional opponent in Week 2, look for them to control possession with the running game on offense and try their damnedest to limit explosive passing plays on offense.

Here's what else to know from the past week:

A New Offensive Tackle In New England?

Veteran offensive lineman La'el Collins was released by the Cincinnati Bengals recently, but it's possible that he won't be a free agent for long.

Collins garnered an endorsement from former Dallas Cowboys teammate Ezekiel Elliot this week and Masslive reported that the Pats could have interest in bringing him in.

The 30-year-old offensive lineman has battled injuries in the past few seasons and fell out of the starting offensive line group in Cincinnati, but could provide good depth for the Patriots if he can stay healthy.

At this point, however, Masslive reports that the Pats could likely just be doing their homework on Collins, and it doesn't seem like a signing is imminent.

Bad Juju for JuJu?

JuJu Smith-Schuster became a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City last season, prompting the Patriots to bring him in largely as a replacement for the outgoing Jakobi Meyers.

But, as it turns out, Smith-Schuster could be losing confidence among the New England coaching staff.

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports that the veteran wideout may not be viewed as a top-five option among Pats wide receivers as might have an "increasingly shaky standing on the depth chart."

If that turns out to be true, it would be another questionable free agent signing for the Patriots, who agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract with Smith-Schuster in the offseason. Assuming he plays the year in New England if the Patriots were to cut Smith-Schuster ahead of the 2024 season they would incur a dead cap hit of over $12 million, according to Spotrac.

Fantasy Football Pats

This season, Patch will keep an eye on Patriots players who could help your fantasy team, or make good options for daily fantasy. Here's who we're excited about — or not scared of — in Week 2:

Rhamondre Stevenson

No kidding, right? Stevenson is the team's bellcow back. There's no chance he's available on waivers in your fantasy leagues, but he's a must-add for Sunday Night Football daily fantasy lineups.

Kendrick Bourne

He's back! After finding a permanent place in the doghouse last season — thank, Matt Patricia — it appears that the new offensive staff has discovered a more-than-competent receiver in Kendrick Bourne.

He was available on waivers across multiple platforms this week, and is likely to be a relatively cheap receiver option for daily fantasy this weekend. The Dolphis have a capable secondary, but with Jalen Ramsey still out there's a chance Bourne continues his strong connection with Mac Jones in Week 2.

Hunter Henry

Henry was rostered in only 16 percent of leagues on Yahoo! in Week 1. That number spiked after waiver wire pickups, but he's still available in more than half of leagues ahead of Sunday.

The tight end was targeted on six passes, which he turned into five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. Are the numbers thrilling? No, not really. But the tight end position is terrifying, and Henry provides a decent floor, if not higher.

How To Watch, Listen

Kickoff: 8:20 p.m.

Network: NBC

Streaming: Peacock

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub