In the Patriots' Second (Patrick) Chung Dynasty, the veteran safety has obviously played a key in the team's defense. They basically created a new position for him as mostly a linebacker with coverage responsibilities against the opponent's top tight end.
The move was a revelation for the defense, and it revitalized Chung's career. He never displayed the instincts to play in space as a traditional strong safety, so the Patriots brought him closer to the line and allowed his skills as an attacking player to take over.
It's largely been sweet music. Chung has become one of Bill Belichick's favorite players, and he's taken over Jerod Mayo's role as the one player who constantly gets taken care of with his contract (Chung, 32, is still signed for another two years — unheard of at a contact position).
But as Chung's role increased, so did the importance of his position to the scheme. And with Chung's play declining in recent weeks — likely due to near-constant health issues — it appears the defense is suffering as a result.
That's why Chung and his spot appears to be a major swing position as the Patriots enter the postseason.
For much of this season, especially in recent weeks, the Patriots have played Chung as an inside linebacker in their 3-4 defense — their best run defense — and there have been mixed results. I would expect smart teams, like the Titans, Chiefs, and Ravens, to target Chung if they see him in the box. We saw the Dolphins do that at times on Sunday.
It's a very tough position to put Chung in. The Patriots definitely match personnel — it's usually against three-receiver or multiple tight end sets — but opponents are going to view that as a distinct advantage because, as we saw against the Dolphins, even a pulling tight end can wipe Chung out of the play.
Then there are the growing coverage issues. The Dolphins went after Chung a season-high eight times on Sunday and he allowed five catches including the game-winner. So far this season, Chung has allowed a 70.5 completion rate, an average of 10.6 yards per reception and a passer rating of 99.4.
It's part of the reason why ProFootballFocus.com has Chung as one of the poorest-graded Patriots defenders at 54.8 (Justin Simmons of the Broncos leads at 90.8). Of the 58 NFL safeties with at least 640 snaps played, Chung ranks 54th overall. He's 48th against the run and 52nd in coverage.
Health has to be a major factor. Chung has dealt with a shoulder injury in the offseason, plus heel and head injuries during the season. As a result, the calling card of his game — tackling — has suffered. After routinely posting a rating into the 80s via PFF, Chung is at 62.2 this season — by far his worst as a Patriot.
It's been a tough season for Chung, and worse finish. But considering the role he now plays in this scheme, they need him to take his game up a level if the Patriots are to make another Super Bowl run.
Here are the positional ratings against the Dolphins:
OFFENSE
[table id=407 /]
Quarterback (1.5 out of 5)
Tom Brady's obviously dealing with something, and I don't think it's the elbow anymore. He appears to have an issue in his lower body, something with the right leg and it has thrown off his mechanics and lessened his willingness to take a hit in the pocket. It's definitely concerning and if he plays like this again, the Patriots will lose against the Titans. ... That being said, I didn't think Brady was awful in this game — I had him for seven plus-plays, and seven minus-plays (still a lot for him). Plus, he was able to get the job done when it was needed.
Running backs (4.5 out of 5)
This might have been their best all-round performance, from Sony Michel running tougher inside, Rex Burkhead being a playmaker, and Elandon Roberts having his finest blocking game — plus his touchdown was a phenomenal catch. ... It's time to unleash Burkhead as the lead back. He's got the moves and there's no time left to preserve his health. They need to ride him.
Receivers (2 out of 5)
Again a mixed back as for everything good N'Keal Harry, Ben Watson, Mohamed Sanu, and Phillip Dorsett did, there were worse plays with drops, back blocks, bad routes, penalties. ... This group, with the offensive line getting better, is the cause of the grenade offense. ... How successful were the Dolphins at eliminating Julian Edelman from the game? I didn't even write his number down on my grading sheet because he never showed, positive or negative.
Offensive line (5 out of 5)
Just an outstanding game from this group as a whole as they posted season-lows for pressure and stuff-run percentage allowed. They're really starting to get in a groove as far as Joe Thuney and Shaq Mason pulling, and the running backs getting into a rhythm. Better late than never for Dante Scarnecchia to get his group rounding into form heading into the postseason. .... In order of effectivness: Mason, Thuney, Cannon/Karras, Wynn.
DEFENSE
[table id=408 /]
Defensive line (5 out of 5)
Outside of Deatrich Wise finding new and creative ways to get his regular personal foul penalty and missing a tackle on a 22-yard gain, this group was virtually flawless. Would have like to see a pressure rate better than 25 percent — and that likely would have won the game — but the group hit a season-high mark by stuffing the run nearly 53 percent of the time. Nobody had a huge game, but it was solid across the board. ... Would like to see more from Chase Winovich. It appears he's hit a rookie wall because he has not taken off like I expected him to in the second half, and his football IQ has been a disappointment. Have to be more than a hustle guy to be a good player in this league.
Linebackers (3.5 out of 5)
Jamie Collins was excellent in this game overall, but the team needs more from him, especially against the pass in the middle of the field. He was manipulated by Fitzpatrick on the game-winning TD. ... Dont'a Hightower continues to play strong but he's had some issues in zone pass coverage and he missed another tackle. The Patriots can't afford that in the postseason. There's no margin for error. ... Ja'Whaun Bentley is not finishing a disappointing campaign well, one where we had high hopes for him. He missed two tackles and his whiff on Fitzpatrick will linger for a while. He needs to get much faster in the offseason.
Secondary (0 out of 5)
Just an awful game from this group across the board. No one was good, from the coaches' plans to cover the Dolphins, (more like not cover) to the execution. It was bad. ... Stephon Gilmore, JC Jackson, Patrick Chung, and Jonathan Jones combined for 21 minus-plays and ... two plus-plays. Did the secondary go out on the town on Saturday night? That's how they played. This group has much to atone for in the postseason and they better play lights out.
THREE UP
Rex Burkhead: Brought some sorely needed playmaking to the offense. Much more, please. Make the offense the Rex show in the postseason.
Shaq Mason: Really could go with any of the linemen, but we were rough on Shaq most of this season — and that was valid — and he deserves to have the spotlight back.
Jamie Collins: Was the biggest playmaker in the front seven and the team will need more on Saturday night.
THREE DOWN
Stephon Gilmore: You can't give quotes about how you're the best corner in the league and then get roasted like that with so much on the line.
Patrick Chung: This is becoming a real issue and if it lingers, I don't know if the defense can regain its swagger.
Tom Brady: Wasn't god-awful and did muddle through the game, but that pick-six is inexcusable and they need much more from him.
