{"id":34321,"date":"2017-11-26T18:53:57","date_gmt":"2017-11-26T23:53:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=34321"},"modified":"2017-11-26T18:53:57","modified_gmt":"2017-11-26T23:53:57","slug":"week-12-new-england-patriots-takeaways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2017\/11\/26\/week-12-new-england-patriots-takeaways\/","title":{"rendered":"Week 12 New England Patriots Takeaways"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week, the 8-2 New England Patriots<\/a> took on the 4-6 Miami Dolphins<\/a>. Tom Brady<\/a><\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Week 12 New England Patriots Takeaways<\/h1>\n

Tom Brady<\/a> Scores Four<\/h2>\n

With double the total yardage of the Dolphins at the half (286 compared to 126) the Patriots were comfortably in the driver\u2019s seat. Josh McDaniels<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Brady went 18 of 28 attemts for 228 yards, and four touchdowns. Usual suspects Brandin Cooks<\/a><\/strong> and Rob Gronkowski<\/a><\/strong> 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<\/a><\/strong>, pressures were frequent and expected; however they held up only allowing one sack on Brady.<\/p>\n

(Note: Keep an eye on the LaAdrian Waddle<\/a><\/strong> injury; he left the game with an ankle injury.)<\/p>\n

Seven Sack Performance for the Patriots Defense<\/h2>\n

Preventing pressures was troublesome for a Dolphins defensive line that allowed seven sacks on quarterback Matt Moore<\/a><\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

The line\u2019s performance may also have to do with why their running backs are also banged up. Damien Williams<\/a><\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

The Three-headed Monster Continues to Dominate<\/h2>\n

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<\/a><\/strong>, Rex Burkhead<\/a><\/strong>, and James White<\/a><\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

However, the balanced attack has proved to be beneficial, allowing explosive receivers Cooks and Phillip Dorsett<\/a><\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019ll be no different. Expect the Dolphins to limit mistakes and play better at home.<\/p>\n

Main Image:<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>