Patriots Plan vs. Dolphins Without Jonathan Jones?

The task of covering Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill will be significantly more difficult for the New England Patriots if cornerback Jonathan Jones is unable to play. Who will be New England's 'next man up?'

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots face a difficult task in attempting to contain speedy All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill during their upcoming matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium. 

However, that job may become Who Replaces Patriots CB Jonathan Jones if 'Out' vs. Dolphins? onerous if Pats cornerback — and Hill's expected shadow in coverage — Jonathan Jones is sidelined due to an ankle injury.  Jones was a new addition to New England's injury report on Thursday and did not practice with the team on Friday. He is officially listed as questionable for Week 2. 

Hill's blazing speed and field-savvy in Dolphins' coach Mike McDaniel's motion schemes make him particularly difficult to defend for mostly any player, or defensive scheme. Yet, Jones has fared well against Hill since becoming his primary defender in 2018. In those six games, the Auburn product has held Hill to an average of 24.5 yards and zero touchdowns.

While Jones has not been ruled out, his absence from the team's final full practice before this weekend's game casts doubt both on his ability to suit up and to the extent to which he will be effective. After all, playing on an ankle, which will be less than 100 percent, at best, presents challenges when attempting to match speed with one of the NFL's fastest receivers. 

If Jones is unable to play, the Patriots may turn to a talented, yet largely untested group of defensive backs to accomplish what some might call a "mission: impossible."

Marcus Jones

While few, if any, are able to match Hill's speed, Jones may be best equipped to do so among the Pats stable of corners. As evidenced by his logging a 4.38 40-yard dash time in 2022, the ex-Houston Cougar has the quickness to keep Hill within his reach. Instead, the question marks surrounding Jones are on his experience, as well as his coverage skills. Despite having seen the field for only 37 percent of the team’s defensive plays, Jones saw time as both a perimeter and slot cornerback. He logged 39 total tackles, seven passes-defensed, a fumble recovery and one interception returned 69 yards for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. Jones could have some success against Hill, his speed and ability to recognize routes. Still. he would require the help of a fellow defensive back in New England's split-safety alignments. 

Christian Gonzalez

Though Gonzalez may be a rookie, he is already playing with a poise beyond his years. In his pro debut against the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, the Oregon product earned seven total tackles, one pass-breakup and a sack on a corner blitz. Accordingly, he proved that his value is as much about adaptability and athleticism as it is statistical competence. He is well-sized at 6-2, 200 pounds, with the height and length to match up against opposing teams’ top receivers on the outside, such as Hill. Gonzalez is arguably at his best in man coverage. However, his ability to maintain eye contact with the quarterback also makes him a potential asset in zone. Should he be charged with defending Hill, it would most likely be in situational man coverage — with Hill expected to win the speed battle. 

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Myles Bryant/Jalen Mills/Adrian Phillips

While both Jones and Gonzalez appear to be the consensus selections for perimeter duties, additional help in the defensive backfield is likely to come from a trio of players known for their versatility. 

Despite his ability to align in multiple positions within the Pats secondary, Jalen Mills played a majority of his time at perimeter corner for the past two seasons. Despite missing seven games last season, Mills was able to log 31 tackles, five pass break-ups and intercept two passes. In the process, he held opposing quarterbacks to completing only 27-of-45 for 333 yards when targeting him. Though he has seemingly made a positional switch to safety, his multi-faceted skill set will allow him to provide Jones with assistance when guarding Hill. 

Bryant, a hard-hitting defensive back, has routinely played a versatile role with New England. With the Pats often employing multiple defensive backs against their opponents, Bryant provided notable assists in coverage to the Patriots defensive backfield; albeit seeing most of his snaps in the slot. Bryant has occasionally aligned as the third safety in the Pats customary three-safety set. As such, it would not be a shock to see him provide some physicality against Hill to match Marcus Jones' speed. 

As the elder statesmen among the group, Phillips’ greatest asset remains his adaptability. He has settled into the ‘Star’ role in the Pats defense. As such, he is primarily used as a hybrid box safety, capable of playing outside linebacker in most defensive schemes. However, he is also far from limited to that role. Phillips is more than capable of aligning along the defensive line, at slot corner and even outside-wide. Still, Phillips is at his best when playing in the box. He is a strong tackler with decent speed and is most effective when playing closer to the line of scrimmage. As such, he is the ideal defensive back to cover a tight end, or a running back out of the backfield. Though his speed would be a liability against an unquestionably faster opponent, Phillips coverage savvy may allow him to disrupt Hill's ability to recognize coverage while in motion at the snap. 

Kickoff between the Patriots and Dolphins is set for 8:20 p.m. on Sunday night, with New England set to wear their popular throwback jerseys and retro "Pat Patriot" helmets. Pats Nation is undoubtedly hoping that Jonathan Jones will be among those donning the red threads this weekend.