Jerry Hughes vs. Austin Jackson
For the second week in a row, Jerry Hughes will be lining up across from a rookie offensive tackle. This past week Mekhi Benton was able to keep the veteran pass rusher pretty well in check as Hughes finished with two total tackles and only one QB pressure.
This week Hughes will be lining up across from one of the Dolphins first round picks from this past NFL Draft in Austin Jackson, who they selected 18th overall. In his first career game, Jackson did a good job keeping the Patriots pass rushers out of the backfield.
Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post quoted offensive line coach Steve Marshall saying about his debut performance:
"“The thing that I was really impressed with Austin was his competitive spirit,” Dolphins offensive line coach Steve Marshall said. “The guy fought hard. He’s a tough guy and really did some good things.” Jackson was stout against the Patriots. And in most cases, the 21-year-old was left to handle himself in 1-on-1 battles."
It is interesting to note that Jackson was asked to block with little help. This could be an advantage for the Buffalo Bills because they have more talent than the Patriots do at the position.
Bills fans know all too well that Ryan Fitzpatrick is capable of having big games and the pressure from the defensive line, on the outside as well as inside and that is why this is the next key matchup.