Let's wrap up this regular season quickly as we move on to more important things: a Sunday night playoff game against the Chargers.
My biggest takeaway from the season finale is that it appears Mike Vrabel has his players peaking at the right time, as their strong run of play continued against the Dolphins, even with a bit of a nap in the second quarter.
Yes, it was against a spunky Dolphins team looking to finish off their season — and I don't think some of their defenders wanted to be there — but, across the board, I have a hard time taking issue with much of the Patriots' play.
Drake Maye had a little bit of a rough stretch in the first half where he failed to see open receivers, but he was flawless in the second half to post another high grade.
The running backs, led by Rhamondre Stevenson, were outstanding.
The offensive line continued to play well, and once he knocked off a little rust, Will Campbell caught back up the group, and added some thump in the running game.
Not a heavy workload for the receivers in this one, especially Stefon Diggs (I think that was by design), but solid play all around, especially Efton Chism, Austin Hooper and Kyle Williams in the run game.
The defensive line was a little leaky in the run game, but that was about Mike McDaniel's awesome scheme, which is tough to prepare for, given all their speed. The Patriots actually got 50% pressure in this game thanks to plenty of blitzes (again), and wound up with a respectable stuff rate. Milton Williams knocked off some of his rust, even if he didn't look 100% on film.
The linebackers were all impactful and caused two fumbles, and Jack Gibbens nearly added an interception.
And the secondary was solid outside Carlton Davis (a concern) and Craig Woodson (tackling).
That's how you want to finish things off. The Patriots are ready for the postseason.
Here are the positional ratings against the Dolphins:
OFFENSE
Quarterback (4 out of 5)
Maye was in command throughout this game, and added two elite plays: the 3rd and 6 scramble when he avoided two would-be sackers, and the on-the-run throw to Diggs after eluding pressure. ... He does have some stretches where he doesn't see the field entirely well. Took a hit when Stevenson was an easy checkdown, threw deep to DeMario Douglas (and to the wrong shoulder) when Hunter Henry was wide open for a possible first down, and he scrambled when Kayshon Boutte was open in a zone void. This is something to monitor in the postseason against better defenses and coordinators. ... Great second half before exiting.
Running backs (5 out of 5)
Rhamondre Stevenson has been on fire since at least the Bengals game, and you could also argue since the Saints game.
He produced another 3 elite plays in this one, and just continues to be an example of an all-around back. ... TreVeyon Henderson continues to make progress at avoiding tackles, and even had a nice blitz pickup. ... Jack Westover has been increasingly solid in recent weeks.
Receivers (3 out of 5)
Efton Chism got more dirty work in the run game as a traditional Patriots slot receiver, and he looked pretty good at it. Also sold the flea flicker pass well by fanning on the box safety, which sucked in the Cover 3 corner to that side.
Offensive line (4 out of 5)
Will Campbell looked a little rusty early with three pressures and another poor pass block — he had a little trouble with Bradley Chubb's power — but he came out of halftime more effective, especially in the run game. Looked spry on film. Good solid start and ready for more. ... The rest of the line was mostly terrific, especially in the run game (Garrett Bradbury, Morgan Moses stood out on the TDs and Stevenson's 56-yard run). ... Thayer Munford was again a little iffy as the jumbo tight end.
DEFENSE
Defensive line (4 out of 5)
The starters — Christian Barmore, Cory Durden, Milton Williams and Anfernee Jennings — all had one poor run play it, and that was it for this group. ... Everyone landed multiple impactful plays with Barmore, Williams, Jennings, Chaisson, Elijah Ponder and Leonard Williams (continues to press for more time) leading the way. ... Of course, the Dolphins aren't any good up front, especially LG Jonah Savaiinaea and RG Cole Strange. Savaiinaea couldn't even block Marcus Jones on a blitz.
Linebackers (4 out of 5)
Jack Gibbens made plays all over the field, and Jahlani Tavai and Christian Ellis were flying around as well. ... Marte Mapu got torched on 3rd and 17, mostly due to a poor play call from Zak Kuhr.
Secondary (2.5 out of 5)
So, yeah, I'm worried about Carton Davis heading into the postseason. Had a pass breakup (where he was borderline early), then had five minus plays, including two missed tackles and another penalty. He's never played this many games in his career. Might be feeling it. ... Craig Woodson had two missed tackles, and I split the touchdown between him and Christian Gonzalez on an obvious miscommunication. Woodson looked like he thought he was the flat defender and had help behind him. Not sure what Gonzalez was doing.
THREE UP
Rhamondre Stevenson: He's entered Beast Mode in every facet of the game.
Garrett Bradbury: Had two minus plays, but very rare to see four plus plays for a lineman, including two pass blocks.
Drake Maye: My only worry is that I hope he realizes the postseason defenses are going to be a lot different than the Jets and Dolphins.
Leonard Taylor: I think this is two straight weeks for the practice squad big fella. But it's there on tape.
THREE DOWN
Carlton Davis: He was not good, and you worry teams are going to go after him in the postseason. I know I would.
Craig Woodson: He's normally better than that, but you do have to worry about the rookie wall. He's played a lot of football.
Marte Mapu: Got lost on the 3rd and 17 pickup.