10:10 a.m. ET: We're three hours away from kickoff, and fans are just filtering into Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski are expected to play despite being listed as questionable for Week 1's matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Gronkowski isn't expected to see a full slate of action, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him out on the field for about half the Patriots' offensive snaps. Brady, obviously, is expected to play the full game.
There are still many unknowns surrounding this Patriots team, including which players will start on the offensive line, at 'X' wide receiver, No. 2 cornerback and strong safety. We also have yet to see how the Patriots' will align their front seven with everyone healthy.
If I had to take a stab at the offensive line, I wouldn't be surprised to see a rotation of players, but I'll say that Nate Solder will start at left tackle, Marcus Cannon at left guard, Dan Connolly at center, Jordan Devey at right guard and Sebastian Vollmer at his usual right tackle position. Josh Kline and Ryan Wendell also could see snaps.
I expect Brandon LaFell to start next to Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola at wide receiver, though Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson should see a high number of reps, as well. Alfonzo Dennard, Logan Ryan or Malcolm Butler could start opposite Darrelle Revis at cornerback. Butler received most of the snaps in preseason, but he's an undrafted rookie out of West Alabama. Kyle Arrington should be the team's starting nickel cornerback.
The Patriots also might mix up the rotation at strong safety. Duron Harmon, Patrick Chung, Arrington, Ryan or Arrington could see time at the position depending on the Dolphins' offensive personnel.
My best guess for a starting front seven is Chandler Jones and Vince Wilfork at defensive end, Sealver Siliga at nose tackle, Dont'a Hightower and Rob Ninkovich at outside linebacker and Jamie Collins and Jerod Mayo on the inside. They also could bump Hightower for Jones and put Joe Vellano on the starting defensive line. Rookie Dominique Easley should see his first action on nickel and sub-package snaps.
Recording artist Pink just took the field for some pregame warmups. It seems that she'll perform prior to the Patriots-Dolphins matchup. This is my first time here at Sun Life Stadium and I'm constantly tempted to call it Joe Robbie Stadium, since that's what it was called when I was growing up. The view is a little closer here for the media than the press box at Gillette Stadium.
Stay here for updates and analysis throughout the game.
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