Patriots-Dolphins Post-Game Breakdown
The Patriots took on the Miami Dolphins yesterday at Hard Rock Stadium. Usually, Miami is a house of horrors for the Patriots. The perfect example is the “Miami Miracle” last season. But this time in Miami, things were different. Antonio Brown is now in the fold (for now). The defense is performing at a level we haven’t seen in quite some time. Everything just seems to be clicking. That’s why the Patriots came out of Miami with a 43-0 victory yesterday to move to 2-0 on the season.
That defense though. pic.twitter.com/8zLMnfkLXp
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 15, 2019
Let’s break down the Pats-Dolphins game in a bit more depth.
Antonio Brown Was Involved Early and Often
People were wondering how the Patriots would utilize Antonio Brown. Would he be in the huddle on most snaps? Would he be used on some endarounds? What would his exact role entail? We found out yesterday the Patriots got the ball to Brown early and often. On the first touchdown drive, Brown had 3 receptions for 36 yards. He finished the game with 4 receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown.
.@TomBrady finds @AB84 for a 20-yard touchdown. #GoPats #NEvsMIA
📺: CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch on mobile: https://t.co/y8YLGKmeTf pic.twitter.com/nAUsiFKHLP— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2019
It’s very clear the Patriots plan on using Brown as much as possible. I don’t blame them one bit. Brown is extremely talented and makes this Patriots offense that much more scary. The worst part of all for the rest of the NFL? This was without a full week of practice for Brown. If he’s around for the rest of the season, he is only going to get better and better.
The Defense Is Special
This defense is really coming into form. The question for the past few seasons has been the defense and when they would come together. This season, the Patriots are starting off on the right foot. Just look at the stats and big plays from yesterday.
Defense had a day. pic.twitter.com/7x5vze9nui
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 15, 2019
.@j_collins91 takes the ball then takes it to the house! #GoPats | #NEvsMIA pic.twitter.com/qqhKoVUYiU
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 15, 2019
INTERCEPTED AND GOODBYE! @BumpNrunGilm0re | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/AxRA4l44Lz
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 15, 2019
You get the point. This defense is firing on all cylinders right now. If you have any doubts about the defense going forward, then you’re clearly not watching this team close enough. Here’s a scary tidbit of information for you to think about as well.
Over their last three games, which includes a #SuperBowl win, the #Patriots have allowed six total points.
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) September 16, 2019
Wow!
The Running Game Showed Up Yesterday
The one negative about the week one win against the Steelers was the running game. Sony Michel and James White didn’t do anything noteworthy week one. In week two, the running game showed up. Michel punched in the first touchdown of the game. James White had a receiving touchdown at the end of the game. Not that it mattered much in this game, but it was nice to see the running game compliment the passing game. When the games get tougher, the Patriots are going to need both phases on offense to be clicking.
In Conclusion
Another good win in the books for the Patriots. The next several weeks don’t impose much of a challenge (vs. Jets, @ Bills, @ Redskins, vs. Giants, @ Jets). If all goes according to plan, the Patriots could very well be 7-0 entering week 8 at home against the Browns. The second half of the season will be much tougher than the first half, which includes road games against the Ravens, Eagles, and Texans. Don’t forget about the home game in December against the Chiefs. I love this Patriots team just like a lot of you do as well. But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Take it one week at a time, just like Bill Belichick preaches to his team.
-Alan Nahigian (@BigAl2793)