Patriots vs. Dolphins: 5 Things to Watch for During the Week 1 Matchup

Opening weekend for the NFL is just a few days away and it's primed to be an entertaining one, finishing with the New England Patriots taking on the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. 

Week 1 is going to be a huge game for both New England and Miami as both are division rivals. The Patriots are projected to be one of the best teams in the league this season and they're going to have a lot to prove in their first game. 

With Monday night just a few days away, here are five things to watch for from the Patriots' perspective. 

How Well Offensive Guard Brian Waters Plays

The New England Patriots are rather thin at the right offensive guard position with Dan Connolly suffering from an ankle injury he sustained in the team's third preseason game against the Detroit Lions. If Connolly is unable to play, it will open the door for newly acquired Brian Waters to get the start against the Dolphins. 

The two-time All-Pro offensive guard is coming over from the Kansas City Chiefs and should fit nicely into New England's offensive system. During his time as a Chief last season, he played in Charlie Weis' offensive system, a system that is very similar to one New England uses today, as Weis was New England's offensive coordinator just seven years ago. 

Waters will be sporting former Patriot-great Tedy Bruschi's No. 54 and has been compared to New England's left offensive guard Logan Mankins as being said to be as beastly, tough and physical as him. 

If New England Can Protect Tom Brady Against Miami's Pass Rush

The New England Patriots may have dominated against the Miami Dolphins in their first matchup last year during Week 4, but Miami was able to bring down Tom Brady an impressive three times. 

Let's be realistic: As of late, when Brady has had pressure put on him and he's taking a lot of hits, he's simply not as effective as he is when he's got plenty of time—the same could be said about every other quarterback in the NFL.

If New England plans on winning Monday night, they are going to have to contain Miami's pass-rush led by Cameron Wake. 

How Much Pressure New England Is Able to Put on Chad Henne

Surprisingly, New England's below average pass-rush was able to get to Miami's quarterback a grand total of eight times in their two games in 2010. However, this is a different New England defense, as Bill Belichick has had his team playing in a 4-3 front rather than a 3-4. 

New England definitely showed some signs of an effective pass-rush in the preseason, with the likes of Andre Carter and Jerod Mayo leading the way. 

It will pay dividends if New England is able to put pressure on the easily flustered Chad Henne. 

If Chad Ochocinco Can Get Involved in New England's Offense

Let's just say that Chad Ochocinco has been a disappointment up until now and will have to turn it on real fast if he wants to be an impact in 2011. 

During the team's preseason, Ochocinco struggled tremendously, whether it was simply dropping a perfectly placed pass, running an incorrect route, being flagged for a penalty or simply just looking old—the preseason was a lost one for No. 85. 

At 33 years old, I am starting to question how much Ochocinco has left in the tank and if it is the end of the line for the four-time All Pro wide receiver. 

I do recognize that he has played in pretty much the same offensive system in Cincinnati during his entire career until now, but seriously, how much more complicated can New England's offense be than every other system in the NFL? I'm not buying any of the excuses of how New England's offense is far too complicated for him. 

I hate to say it, but Ochocinco is portraying himself as a fraud. 

Devin McCourty vs. Brandon Marshall

Miami's best offensive player besides left tackle Jake Long is Brandon Marshall, their No. 1 wide receiver. If New England wants to walk away with a pretty clear-cut, impressive, dominating victory, then Devin McCourty is going to have to shut down Marshall. 

During the team's first matchup with each other back on October 1 of last year, McCourty did an average job at covering the 6'4" Marshall as he held him to five receptions for 50 yards. 

McCourty is going to have to dominant if he wants to prove to the league that is he one of the next great up-and-coming shut-down cornerbacks.