So at long last, the NFL season is underway and the Jacksonville Jaguars open their season traveling to South Beach to battle the Miami Dolphins. The Jags revamped defense will be challenged right out of the gate while the ‘Phins defense will have their hands full slowing quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville’s upgraded offense. Here are some keys to the game that will determine who gets the season-opening win.

Keeping Control of the Football

It’s no secret that the Dolphins’ explosive ability to score starts with their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa connecting with the player who sits at the apex of the NFL Top 100, Tyreek Hill. Hill is merely one potent weapon in a robust offensive assault that wreaks havoc over the air and ground. With a clever tactician like head coach Mike McDaniel on Miami’s sideline, perhaps the best defense for Jacksonville is a good offense – or at least one that can keep the Dolphins defense on the field.

If the Jaguars are to win this contest, perhaps the production onus shouldn’t rest on Lawrence, but on their newly-acquired center Mitch Morse and the interior offensive line opening holes for Travis Etienne. While former Jaguar and 17-year vet Calais Campbell paired with rookie linebacker out of Penn State Chop Robinson will be a force for the Phins, the departure of Christian Wilkins and Bradley Chubb on injured reserve leaves the Jags with an opportunity to have a balanced offense. If Miami takes fewer snaps on offense, this translates to fewer opportunities for jackpot touchdown plays.

That being said, if the Jaguars offense is one-dimensional and has trouble keeping their defense off the field by not converting third downs, a swell of Dolphins possessions could lead to a tidal wave of scoring that disappoints the Duval Devout.

Both Teams Have the Same Offensive Weakness

For all the scrutiny laid out on the Duval Dive Podcast of the Jaguars guards and center, these spots could be Miami’s weakest point on offense as well. It’s a matter of which team takes better advantage. While the defensive line of the ‘Phins didn’t get better in the offseason, there’s a strong case that the Jags front four did. On top of defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker as one of the more statistically prolific sack duos in the NFL, the acquisition of Arik Armstead from the 49ers and the return of Devon Hamilton at defensive tackle make this a favorable matchup on paper.

If Jacksonville can exploit this advantage and pressure Tua into turnovers, this could set up an opportunity for the Duval defense to drown the Dolphins.

While Miami’s Jalen Ramsey isn’t mentioned as a key component, I’m not here to say that he won’t make a play putting either Christian Kirk or rookie Brian Thomas Jr. on ice for a play. That being said, it’s going to be the Dolphins ability to defend Evan Engram as the Jags tight end that determines if Jacksonville scores 30 points or more. If the ‘Phins linebackers are concentrating too hard on stopping the run, Engram is going to make fantasy owners the world over very happy.

The Jags Adapting to the New Scheme

Jacksonville hired Ryan Nielsen as their new defensive coordinator with hopes of bringing more aggressiveness to the defense. Playing a powder keg offense that can immediately score on you from any point on the football field isn’t the ideal place for a season opener. It’s even less so for a team attempting to execute a new defensive scheme in the opening week of a season.

Blown coverage or missed assignments can spell paydirt for any NFL offense. This is exacerbated by an offense featuring Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, and Raheem Mostert. While there’s some grace for Jacksonville in Odell Beckham Jr remaining on the injured reserve list for now, this game makes for a high degree of difficulty for a first-time outing having a new scheme to execute when the games count.