BSJ Game Report: Patriots 35, Dolphins 17 -- Seven-straight wins

FOXBOROUGH — Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ victory over the Dolphins in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:

HEADLINES

Running game was on point: Patriots rushed for a season-high 196 yards — and would have had an even 200 if it wasn't Tom Brady's five "rushes" for minus-4 yards. It was the most since the Patriots had 246 vs. the Colts on Nov. 16. 2014. (The Jonas Gray Game.) The thing is, you'd think the Patriots could have run for 300-plus if they decided to go that way. Dion Lewis became the first 100-yard rusher on the season, with 112. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry. Rex Burkhead had 13 carries for 50 yards.

Breaking … Rob Gronkowski is good: The big tight end had two touchdowns for his 16^th career multi-touchdown game, which passed Randy Moss for first on the all-time franchise list. Even with Martellus Bennett inactive today, the Patriots have done a much better job limiting Gronkowski’s workload, but he’s still money when they need it.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/934874298904440832

Defense continues to do the job: The Patriots' defense held Miami to just 17 points, marking the seventh-straight game the Patriots have held their opponent under 20 points. In 2016, the Patriots held their opponent under 20 points in 11 games. The Patriots have allowed just 13.1 points during the streak.

Dolphins looked like they were coached by Rex Ryan: A bunch of cheap shots — cornerback Bobby McCain was ejected for throwing a punch at Danny Amendola — undisciplined penalties, curious coaching decisions … did Mike Tannenbaum swap Rex Ryan for Adam Gase when we weren’t looking? It’s great to attempt to bring some swagger into the Gillette as a visitor, but there’s a thin line between confidence and stupidity. Dolphins didn’t find it.

TURNING POINT

Dolphins had a chance to make a 21-10 game interesting as they got the ball to start the second half. But on third-and-2, Malcom Brown wouldn’t budge from his gap, and the rest of the defense collapsed to keep the Dolphins short by inches. Gase elected to punt. It took Patriots seven plays to score to go up 28-10 and to go up by three scores.



SECOND GUESS

Patriots were leading 28-10 when they had fourth-and-1 at the Miami 25 as the fourth quarter began. Instead of kicking a 42-yard field goal and going up by three touchdowns, the Patriots went for it and were denied. Thought wind could have been a factor, but Bill Belichick said it was the situation in the game.

THREE UP

Dion Lewis: Was sensational in the running games with 112 yards on 15 carries (7.5 average). It was the Patriots’ first 100-yard rushing performance of the season. Lewis had three runs of 20-plus yards.

https://twitter.com/fearthe_beard11/status/934889989795540992

Trey Flowers: He had two sacks and forced a fumble, and continues to be an invaluable down-to-down force for the defense. His injury leaves some concern, but didn’t appear to be overly serious.

Stephon Gilmore: Was in man coverage most the day against DeVante Parker and held him to one catch on three targets. Had an interception near the end of the first half, and should have had another one if teammate Duron Harmon didn’t take it away from him.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/934868141179412480

Bonus — Jonathan Jones: Was all over the field with team-leading total tackles, including a sack of Matt Moore. Drew the toughest coverage assignment in Jarvis Landry, and held him in check (eight catches, 70 yards). Also recovered a fumble on special teams. Continues to play great ball.

https://twitter.com/fearthe_beard11/status/934891547153260544

THREE DOWN

Ted Karras: We love Steady Teddy and he probably played well overall with how many yards the Patriots rushed for, but his snap/fumble almost got Brady killed and gave the Dolphins life when they had none.



Officiating crew: Ron Torbert’s crew is one of the youngest and least experienced in the league, and it shows. They never had control of this game, and it teetered on featuring an all-out brawl. Not acceptable.

Cam Fleming: Another case of few snaps and a big error(s). Subbed for injured La Adrian Waddle and promptly gave up a sack to Cameron Wake.

INJURIES

Nate Ebner (knee): Looked to sustain a serious knee injury while running the fake punt early in the first quarter.
Trevor Reilly (concussion): Did not return after taking a head-to-head hit on the opening kickoff of the second half.
Trey Flowers (ribs): Was injured at the 4:03 mark of the third quarter but was able to return to the game and spoke to reporters after the game, always a good sign.
Marquis Flowers (leg): Also injured at 4:03 of the third quarter and returned to the game.
Tom Brady (right hand): Favored his throwing hand after being taken down late in the third quarter. Stayed in the game.
LaAdrian Waddle (right ankle): Got rolled up on at 11:24 of the fourth quarter and did not return.
Kyle Van Noy (lower right leg): Looked like a cramp with 9:38 left in the game but tried to avoid reporters in the locker room.

TOP PLAYS

Fake punt leads to opening score.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/934847072288759808

Gronk TD No. 1.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/934851469487964160

Brandin Cooks was a little open on this one.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/934859015372156928

Gronk TD No. 2.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/934876065700261888

Cooks "receiving" touchdown.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/934891668771180544

THREE TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER

Run the ball more: I'll be writing more about this in my column, but the Patriots really need to mix in the run more to help preserve Brady. They did a better job in the second half, but Brady was exposed to too many hits in certain parts of the game. The most glaring stretch was when they had the ball and a 21-10 lead with 4:06 left before halftime. The Patriots went pass, pass, pass, interception. Totally unnecessary.

Best game by the cornerbacks this season: Between Stephon Gilmore clamping down on DeVante Parker and producing 1.5 interceptions, Malcolm Butler keeping Kenny Stills (three catches on six targets) in check, and Jonathan Jones holding his own against the toughest assignment (Jarvis Landry, 8-70), the Patriots' cornerbacks were on point against a dangerous group of receivers. Great sign as we creep closer to Pittsburgh.

Linebackers now a source of strength?: For much of the preseason and the first half of the season, there was a lot of consternation about the Patriots' linebacking corp — even with a healthy Dont'a Hightower. But in the past three games, even with Hightower lost for the season, the linebackers have really come on, namely Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts. Both have played exceptionally well since the bye. David Harris still leaves some to be desired, but even role players like Marquis Flowers and Trevor Reilly have been executing their responsibilities. Good stuff.