1. Can New England contain Reggie Bush?
This will be the first time the Patriots get a look at Reggie Bush during the regular season; he was
inactive when the Patsand Saints met back on Nov. 30, 2009.
Bush is a dynamic player who can really open up the running game, passing game and special teams. While the Fins have moved away from the “Wildcat” offense, look for them to use Bush in a number of ways depending on who the Pats bring out on the front line.
2. How will the right side of the line fare?
Logan Mankins and Matt Light should hold their own on Tom Brady’s left side. But it’s the right side that poses the biggest problems for the Pats tonight.
With Sebastian Vollmer banged up, rookie T Nate Solder could get the nod. On top of that, RB Dan Connolly isn’t 100 percent either, and it’s unclear how much time he’ll get.
With recently signed former Chiefs left guard Brian Waters filling in for him, there’s a decent amount of inexperience on the right side of the line. Look for Dolphins LB Cameron Wake to reap the benefits.
3. Opening the new year in a big way
Is there any better way to start the season? Under the lights, prime time, against a division foe.
If the results are anything like last season’s MNF game versus the Dolphins, Pats fans will
be happy. They beat up on them 41-14 then, with the special teams — Patrick Chung, mostly — shining bright.
Expect to see Tom Brady on point tonight. He’s 7-1 in his last eight MNF games, dating back to Dec. 26, 2005.
The Pats are 8-1 in openers since 2002.
