This week, the 8-2 New England Patriots took on the 4-6 Miami Dolphins. Tom Brady and the defending champs got the ball to start, immediately gained momentum with a fake punt after going three and out. That momentum would never be relinquished, and the Patriots would maintain the lead throughout the entirety of the game. Outside of a rare snap miscue, the defending champions performed up to standard with a 35-10 victory.
Week 12 New England Patriots Takeaways
Tom Brady Scores Four
With double the total yardage of the Dolphins at the half (286 compared to 126) the Patriots were comfortably in the driver’s seat. Josh McDaniels definitely had the option to eat clock in this bout, but instead, trusted the best quarterback in the game to chew up the Dolphins secondary.
Brady went 18 of 28 attemts for 228 yards, and four touchdowns. Usual suspects Brandin Cooks and Rob Gronkowski played a big part in this victory, with 15 targets, 165 yards, and three touchdowns between the dangerous duo. With the offensive line having to deal with Ndamukong Suh, pressures were frequent and expected; however they held up only allowing one sack on Brady.
(Note: Keep an eye on the LaAdrian Waddle injury; he left the game with an ankle injury.)
Seven Sack Performance for the Patriots Defense
Preventing pressures was troublesome for a Dolphins defensive line that allowed seven sacks on quarterback Matt Moore. Moore was certainly effected resulting in two resounding interceptions on the day. The Dolphins offensive line has not been a strong suit for them, and a much improved Patriots defensive front makes them pay. As the Dolphins fan base continues to blame bad quarterback play for their regression in 2017, consider the offensive line a major reason why neither quarterback can gain substantial traction.
The line’s performance may also have to do with why their running backs are also banged up. Damien Williams went down early with a shoulder injury early in the third quarter, which forces the dolphins coaching staff do reconcile why opposing defenses have been so disruptive.
The Three-headed Monster Continues to Dominate
The three headed monster, also known as the New England Patriots running game, has tormented defensive coordinators as they attempt to figure out the Patriots offensive game script. Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead, and James White have proven to be dynamic, elusive, and effective at catching out of the backfield. The split this game was 38 rushing attempts, to a mere 28 passing attempts, which seems odd when Brady is under center.
However, the balanced attack has proved to be beneficial, allowing explosive receivers Cooks and Phillip Dorsett to take the top off defenses. Lewis was especially involved with a 15 carry, 112 yard performance on the ground. Some would call him an unsung hero, having some of his goal line carries mooched by Burkhead.
In two weeks, the Patriots will play the Dolphins again in Miami. If the Patriots perform anywhere close to the level that they performed this week, it should be eventful. Beating a team in the second bout is always harder, and in this situation, it’ll be no different. Expect the Dolphins to limit mistakes and play better at home.
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