The Patriots got a much-needed win on Sunday against the Dolphins as New England dominated most of the three phases to slam an overmatched Miami squad 38-7.
From the Patriots' perspective, there was a lot to like in the game. I explained how and why the defense was better in this column from Monday. And a total viewing of the game even enhanced how well-executed the defense was.
After making a season-high (or maybe ever for a Patriots defense) 39 mental or physical errors in the 26-10 loss to the Lions a week earlier, the Patriots had six — six! — against the Dolphins. It was one the cleanest games I can remember from the unit, and just goes to show that execution often trumps talent when it comes to football. So a tip of the cap to Brian Flores, Bill Belichick and the rest of the defensive coaches for righting the ship in such a short period of time. I'm guessing it was a long week for the players, but they obviously doubled down on their efforts and were rewarded. Now the challenge is to build off that sterling effort.
As far as the Patriots' offense, it was certainly impressive that they set season-highs for touchdowns (five), total yards (449), passing yards (274), rushing yards (175) and explosive plays (seven, rushes of 10+ and passes of 20+ yards).
But while the defense had a performance that was great statistically and tactically, the Patriots' defense left a lot of yards on the field and are capable of much more in the future.
Why?
Well, consider that 36.5 percent of the Patriots' yards came on their six plays of 19 or more yards. They averaged 27.3 yards on those plays.
The Patriots ran a season-high 75 plays. So, on the other 69 plays, the Patriots averaged just 4.1 yards. It's probably why the New England passing offense is still ranked just 15th in DVOA by FootballOutsiders.com, while rushing is up to 14th (how that lands them 11th overall, I'm not sure).
Among the areas where the Patriots still have room for growth:
- Tom Brady, who finally gets his quick outlet back in Julian Edelman this week, has been average for himself to this point, including this game. Brady's also right in the middle of FO's ratings at 16.
- Sony Michel definitely showed more promise in this game, but he still had some of the typical issues you get with a rookie running back. He had 17 carries of 3 yards or less, and at least six were on him.
- The offensive line had perhaps its worst collective game of the season. They allowed a lot of pressure (33.3 percent) without the Dolphins blitzing much, and almost one out of every four rushes (24 percent) went for 1 yard or less. That's a lot, especially against a team with weak defensive tackles.
- The receivers had a strong game overall, but Phillip Dorsett dropped a long possible touchdown, and Josh Gordon had one as well.
Here are the positional ratings against the Dolphins:
Quarterback (2.5 out of 5)
With four games of data now, I think it's safe to say that Brady isn't very comfortable without having a trusted slot receiver. And he shouldn't be. For his entire career, Brady had that one dependable receiver — from Troy Brown and Wes Welker to Edelman and Danny Amendola (when Edelman was hurt last season) — he could count on to get open and move the chains when he needed that. And with Rob Gronkowski obviously hobbled of late, and Chris Hogan apparently falling out of the circle of trust (he was open a handful of times against the Dolphins and Brady basically ignored him). Brady just hasn't come close to being settled in the pocket like he has in the past and, as a result, his decision-making hasn't been as precise. This was another week where he had as many plus plays (six) as minus plays (six). Only one of the interceptions was on him as pressure forced the other one. But Edelman is on the way, which will change a lot of things. And Brady still made two of the best throws you'll ever see him make on the Dorsett drop, and the touchdown to James White:
Running backs (4 out of 5)
White was just outstanding in this game. We know by now that he's never going to be the greatest of runners between the tackles, but he's effective there and he doesn't have many peers in terms of a receiver. He would get my vote as Offensive MVP through four games. ... As far as Michel, had him for as many plus plays of his creation (six) as minus plays (six). He also had a slight issue in pass protection, which is likely why he wasn't featured in the passing game this week. Look, people will argue for years about Michel's worth as a first-round pick. To me, that's a discussion for down the road. The important question will be, "Is he effective?" In this game, he absolutely was. And while he left plays on the field, Michel is showing gradual progress, which is also vital. Forget the big plays that were blocked well and he wasn't touched for 10-plus yards. To me, these two runs show his greater promise because he's showing much better vision:
Receivers (4.5 out of 5)
Eliminate the two drops and Cordarrelle Patterson tripping over his own feet, and this unit was outstanding. The run blocking downfield by everyone was terrific, especially Patterson. ... Gronkowski looks like he's laboring with the ankle injury and could use the time off, but he's still effective whenever Brady goes to him. ... Impressive debut from Josh Gordon (three broken tackles). Baby steps on and off the field. ... Great bounceback game from Dorsett. If he catches that bomb, the performance would have been Brandin Cooks-esque with better run-after-the-catch ability. I'm serious. ... Hogan looks like the forgotten man. He previously struggled with some blocking assignments and I wonder if that's factoring into Brady's treatment.
Offensive line (2 out of 5)
[table id=156 /]
The Patriots might have done some good work on the ground, but this unit still left much to be desired. They had all sorts of issues with unheralded players like Vincent Taylor, Jonathan Woodall and Davon Godchaux, along with Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn (four pressures each). Quinn was terrible against the run and had no awareness for the Patriots' multiple and blantant crack-back blocks. ... In order of effectiveness: Joe Thuney, David Andrews, (large gap) Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, Trent Brown. Thuney's holding call on the screen was bullcrap.
DEFENSE
[table id=157 /]
Defensive line (5 out of 5)
Just a tremendous performance and bounce back after Detroit. I saw zero issues with gap integrity or holding the edge. There were contributions from everyone, although Trey Flowers was quiet. ... It's amazing the difference in this group with Keionta Davis as a healthy scratch (about time). ... I included Kyle Van Noy in this group because he basically played the entire game on the line and, boy, was he effective. He's now the playmaker in the front seven. There's really no question about it. ... Hello John Simon. Five impactful plays in 12 snaps. I don't care if it was garbage time; he showed speed and instincts. Playing in this scheme in Houston is obviously a huge asset. Simon is going to be a factor this season.
Linebackers (4 out of 5)
Terrific game, especially from Elandon Roberts. It appears that the big adjustment was putting Dont'a Hightower back as the Mike and moving Roberts to the weak side. That seems to play to each player's strengths right now. Hightower wasn't great in this game, but he was much, much better and effective.
Secondary (4 out of 5)
Didn't really get challenged by a scared and nervous Ryan Tannehill. Everyone covered well, and J.C. Jackson is begging for more playing time and Eric Rowe might not have a job when he gets back. ... Devin McCourty was very effective as a lurker against Danny Amendola. Tannehill wouldn't go near him. ... Jonathan Jones was very good in this game.
THREE UP
DE Kyle Van Noy: His finest game as a Patriot. If he can avoid the nicks that seem to affect his wheels as the season goes on, he's going to be a central figure.
RB James White: The de facto binkie for Brady until Edelman returns. It's amazing he wasn't in the gameplan more against the Lions.
DE John Simon: Just a cameo, but he was that good and productive. Brings much-needed depth to multiple spots.
THREE DOWN
LT Trent Brown: Not sure what's going on with him, but the Patriots need him to be better. Has been reaching a lot, and needs to get his hands up.
P Ryan Allen: A net average of 24 might not be all on him, but it's not good enough in any event.
RT Marcus Cannon: Gave up almost as much pressure as Brown. The good news is he seems to be improving and moving better with each week away from the calf injury. But the rust is still there.