FOXBOROUGH — Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ 21-11 over the Dolphins in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Cam Newton takes command of offense: It wasn't a Picasso, especially in the first half when the Patriots left point on the field, but the offense basically worked through Cam Newton in his Patriots debut and, for the opening game and no preseason, it worked about as well as can be expected. Newton rushed for 75 yards on 15 carries and completed 78.9 percent of his passes.
Patriots get physical: Certainly Newton was a big part of it, but overall the Patriots used multiple blockers in the running game and the offensive line held up well. There were a few snaps with extra offensive linemen, and FB Jakob Johnson was often used as a lead blocker. The physical offense seemed to wear down the Dolphins up front as the Patriots held a 34:49-25:11 advantage in time of possession. Patriots also averaged 5.2 yards per carry. The Patriots had 10 explosive plays (10+ yards on rushes, 20-plus yards on passes) and nine came rushing the football. Bully Ball has arrived in New England.
Defense solid in front and back: The Dolphins were the worst rushing team in league last year and the Patriots kept them right there with a 3.2 average per carry and 12 of the 87 yards came on a Ryan Fitzpatrick scramble. The Patriots picked off Fitzpatrick three times: Stephon Gilmore, Adrian Phillips and JC Jackson to ice it.
TURNING POINT
Dolphins made a game of it with a score following N'Keal Harry's fumble into the end zone from the 1-yard line but the Patriots answered right back driving down the field when they faced a 4th and 1 at the Miami 5. Newton converted and Sony Michel scored on the next play to make it 21-11 with 5:23 left.
SECOND GUESS
N'Keal Harry trying to make a second-effort play on the goal line and then fumbling, costing the Patriots a game-sealing score. How many times have we heard about how Bill Belichick preaches not putting the ball in harm's way at the goal line? An inexcusable error for Harry.
THREE UP
Cam Newton: There were a few mistakes with plays and checks, but for the most part it was a great debut for the new QB1.
Chase Winovich: The second-year player showed much improvement with his work against the running game as he was a factor on every down. No reason why he won't be an every-down starter now.
David Andrews: Hard to single anyone out on the offensive line at this point, but Andrews controlled the middle of the line in his return after missing all of last season. No rust there.
THREE DOWN
N'Keal Harry: His inexcusable fumble led to a 15-point swing in the game and he started the game by getting knocked on his butt by a cornerback on a screen where it's designed to give him a head of steam to run defensive backs over. Wasn't a total loss. He had a few tough yards out there.
Nick Folk: Missed from 44 yards on an easy kick. That position seems like it's going to be an issue this season.
Josh Uche/Jarrett Stidham: Both were healthy scratches. Tough opener for a top draft pick, and a dramatic fall to No. 3 QB for a guy who was expected to compete for the starting job.
INJURIES
Adam Butler (shoulder): Got checked but return to the game.
TOP PLAYS
Game 1, Interception 1 for @BumpNrunGilm0re! #MIAvsNE | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/MqZmT86qw6
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
? @CameronNewton's first TD in New England! #MIAvsNE | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/W6ED1gyUFs
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
INT for @Phillips_17 in his #Patriots debut! #MIAvsNE | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/LxfVwf6fcU
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
? @CameronNewton's second TD in New England! pic.twitter.com/PqUNvcqC8g
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
SPIKE IT!#BudLightCelly | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/6GYBJxvUXM
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER