What we learned in the New England Patriots’ 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
The game between the NFL’s two lowest-scoring offenses lived up to its billing on Sunday, as the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins slogged through 60 minutes of football. In the end it was the Dolphins exceeding their season scoring average by four points and the Patriots falling below theirs by three in a 15-10 Miami win at Gillette Stadium.
Some more offensive numbers from this one – the two teams combined to go 6-of-24 on third downs, and each failed on their lone fourth down attempt. Both quarterbacks took a beating, with 14 combined QB hits.
That lack of offense wasn’t just due to poor play. The other big story of this game was the penalties. There were 23 flags thrown in this game, with 18 of those being accepted. For reference, the crew led by referee Adrian Hill came into this game averaging 16.8 flags thrown per game, ranking fourth in the NFL.
This game left the Patriots with plenty of questions, as they now find themselves staring at a 1-4 hole after losing what projected to be one of their most winnable games of the year. What went wrong, and what do they need to fix? Let’s take a look in this week’s takeaways…
End of game defense
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 06: Jonnu Smith #9 of the Miami Dolphins looks to avoid a tackle from Marte Mapu #15 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
This game was decided in the final minutes, but before getting to what happened with the Patriots’ offensive driving for the win let’s keep it chronological and first look at the Patriots’ defense.
The deciding drive was an absolute march by Miami. Starting with an even 12 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, the Dolphins went 80 yards in 15 plays and took 7:36 off the clock. What was notable was how the Dolphins dominated on the ground, running 11 times for 57 yards. They averaged 5.2 yards per carry on that drive, compared to 4.2 yards per carry on the 30 carries leading up to that.
Part of the reason the Dolphins were able to gash the Patriots’ late? They simply wore them down. Alec Ingold’s game-winning three-yard touchdown run with 4:27 to go was the Dolphins’ 72nd offensive play of the game. By comparison, the Patriots had only run 41 plays to that point.
“I know for a fact fatigue played a part in this game,” head coach Jerod Mayo said postgame when asked about that drive. “We’ve got to be able to get off the field, we’ve got to be able to move the ball offensively. We have to win the time of possession game [Miami had the ball for 34:20 on Sunday] or at least be close, which once again, they controlled that.”
This all goes back to a core Bill Belichick concept – complementary football. The offense can help the defense, the defense can help the offense, etc.
Throughout Sunday’s game the Patriots’ offense struggled to move the ball. Through the first three quarters, five of their eight drives resulted in three-and-outs and none took more than 4:22 off the clock. The defense was on the field a lot on Sunday, and that showed up at the end of the game.
End of game offense
Patriots receiver Ja’Lynn Polk pulls in an endzone reception before being ruled out out of bounds due to the toe-heel rule in the final seconds of the 4th quarter. (Kris Craig/The Providence Journal/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
After the Patriots allowed that touchdown, the offense still had plenty of time to answer down only five. They moved the ball well initially, getting inside the red zone to the 12 yard line at the two minute warning with all three timeouts left. In theory, plenty of time to set up a game-winning score.
That’s when things turned though. Despite rushing for what ended up being a franchise-record 7.9 yards per carry, and with plenty of time left on the clock, the Patriots went to the air four times in a row. All four Jacoby Brissett passes were incomplete. While one to Ja’Lynn Polk came close before being overturned on the ‘toe-heel’ rule, the Patriots were not immune to their passing issues with the game on the line.
Did the Patriots even consider running the ball in that situation? “There were a bunch of conversations about that. We ended up throwing the ball,” Jerod Mayo said when asked that question after the game. “That’s what we decided to do, and ultimately it’s my decision. I would say we averaged over seven yards a carry, I’m not sure, so that definitely was part of the discussion. We just didn’t finish it up.”
The Patriots ended up getting the ball back with 41 seconds on the clock and no timeouts, and did pick up a few chunks. However, the Dolphins were protecting the sidelines and – forced to throw to the middle of the field – the Patriots had the clock run out on them.
End of half decision-making
August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt works on the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The end of the game wasn’t the only odd offensive decision-making sequence for the Patriots. It also happened at the end of the first half.
With 1:50 to go and all three timeouts, the Patriots got the ball off a Dolphins punt. While backed up at their own five-yard line, there was still a chance to set up the double score.
Initially, it looked like the Patriots were going to just run out the half, and picked up eight yards on first down. They started to let the clock run, yet they then threw the ball on the next two plays, with both falling incomplete. That gave the ball back to Miami in favorable field position with 55 seconds to go and the Dolphins having all three timeouts.
Against Seattle in Week 2 the Patriots did something very similar, and it burned them. The Seahawks were able to get a field goal off the drive, in a game that went to overtime.
This time there was no such burn, as the Dolphins were as out of step on their one-minute drill. The Patriots ended up getting the ball back, only to punt again.
No scoring occurred because of this misstep. But the Patriots’ end-of-half management in close games has been playing with fire. It’s now twice they’ve handled that situation the same way, which is notable.
Another key missed opportunity
New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye looks on in disbelief after missing a short field goal in the first half. (Kris Craig/The Providence Journal/USA Today Network)
The Patriots had one other clear missed opportunity, early in the second quarter. After Brenden Schooler blocked a punt, they had the ball on the Miami 23-yard line.
Despite starting 23 yards away from the end zone and gaining 28 total yards on five plays on the drive, the Patriots walked away with zero points. How? Penalties.
The Patriots lost 20 yards on two holding calls, and had a run stopped in the backfield as well. In the end Joey Slye ended up with a 33-yard field goal attempt, and missed wide right.
Penalties were a problem for the Patriots all day, which we’ll get into as we go here. But in a situation like that, failing to capitalize for whatever reason was a real red mark for the offense.
Rhamondre Stevenson bounces back
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 06: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
Let’s start getting into some individual players, and we’ll begin with Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson was benched for the start of this game after fumbling in each of the first four games. When he finally got on the field, he responded exactly the way the coaches probably hoped.
The Patriots’ only consistent source of offense, Stevenson carried the ball 12 times for 89 yards and a touchdown. That includes a 33 yard run, sprung by blocks from Mike Onwenu and Kayshon Boutte. Perhaps more importantly, Stevenson didn’t put the ball on the turf.
Stevenson’s effort alone wasn’t enough to get the Patriots the win. But, as they try to turn things around offensively he’ll need to be a big part of it. That’s going to happen if he keeps playing the way he did on Sunday.
Latest offensive line alignment
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 06: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots rushes for a first quarter touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Just prior to Sunday’s game the Patriots (finally) got some good news on the offensive line. Left tackle Vederian Lowe returned after missing the last two weeks. With that, the team was able to move Mike Onwenu back inside to guard, with Demontrey Jacobs moving over to right tackle. Nick Leverett stepped in for David Andrews at center.
It wasn’t perfect, and there certainly were growing pains. But, this felt like the best offensive line performance the Patriots have had so far this year. Plus everybody seemingly left the game healthy, which means next week the Patriots may be able to start the same offensive line two weeks in a row for the first time this season.
The biggest problem for the offensive line? Penalties. They were called for three holds and a false start (which came on a third and inches when Leverett moved the ball too early), accounting for four of the Patriots’ 14 total penalties.
With the passing game in the state it’s in (we’ll get to that in a second), the talk is going to continue to grow around the Patriots making the switch to Drake Maye. It’s been speculated that poor offensive line play is part of what has made the team hesitant to make that move. If that is indeed the case, this Sunday may have served as a step towards ramping up Maye to take over.
What worked and what didn’t in the passing game
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 06: DeMario Douglas #3 of the New England Patriots reacts after a catch during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
There were a couple of Patriots receivers that stood out on Sunday. While the passing game as a whole struggled, there were some individual highlights.
When Pop Douglas had his first big game of the year production-wise against the Jets in Week 3, it felt like the ball was being forced his way. Douglas lit up the box score again on Sunday but in a way that was much more organic in the flow of the game. He caught six passes for 59 yards, including a couple of big catches late as the Patriots were driving for the winning score.
Kayshon Boutte also had his moments, with two catches for 34 yards. That included a key third-down adjustment to get open for Jacoby Brissettt on a scramble.
As for Kendrick Bourne, he played just 16 snaps in his return from a torn ACL last year. It’s not surprising the Patriots are easing Bourne back in, but he did catch one pass for six yards.
Overall, Polk (58 snaps), Douglas (36), and Boutte (36) dominated the wide receiver reps. Bourne is still getting eased in, Tyquan Thornton played just one snap, and K.J. Osborn and Javon Baker were inactive. It seems like the Patriots have found a receiver rotation they like – and one that is starting to produce – even just a bit. That’s another step in the right direction towards getting Drake Maye on the field.
As for Brissett himself, the impacts of constant pressure are still apparent. There were times he appeared to hold the ball too long once again in this game, and he missed a couple of throws as well. He finished 18-for-34 for 160 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Marte Mapu returns
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 06: Jonnu Smith #9 of the Miami Dolphins looks to avoid a tackle from Marte Mapu #15 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Kendrick Bourne wasn’t the only player who returned from a reserve list in this game. Safety Marte Mapu was also activated for this game, and boy did the Patriots need him with Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers both out.
Mapu was thrown right into the deep end, and held his own. Not only did he play the significant majority of the game, he also wore the green dot on his helmet, communicating signals between the coaching staff and players on the field.
In-game, Mapu was flying around and finished with seven tackles and a pass breakup. He also put a big hit on Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle as he tried to run a slant over the middle – that kind of contact is always a good sign for a player coming off an injury.
With key defensive communicators out and the top safeties banged up, the Patriots will probably need to rely on Mapu more moving forwards. Sunday’s game should give the team confidence in keeping him in that role.
Another test passed by Christian Gonzalez
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 06: Christian Gonzalez #0 of the New England Patriots celebrates a interception during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
With so many defensive playmakers out, one player the Patriots can keep counting on is Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez faced two of the best wide receivers in the NFL on Sunday, and once again held his own.
Against Tyreek Hill, Gonzalez allowed three catches on just four targets for 34 yards. While lined up opposite Jaylen Waddle he allowed just one catch for 11 yards on three targets.
Gonzalez also had an interception early in the game while covering Odell Beckham. Beckham tried to run a slant route, but Gonzalez read and undercut it. He nearly had a second pick as well working against Hill in the end zone, but Hill was able to punch the ball out. Gonzalez later noted he felt that was a focus issue on his part, as he had turned his attention to running the pick back before securing the ball.
Even without that second interception, it was another dominant game from Gonzalez. He’ll have another test next week against the Houston Texans, who come in with Nico Collins and perennial Patriots-killer Stefon Diggs.
Flags, flags, and more flags
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 06: Head coach Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots looks on prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
As mentioned above the Patriots were called for 14 penalties, 12 of which were accepted. That’s tied for the 10th-most penalties by the Patriots in a game in franchise history, per Pro Football Reference.
“We can’t do it,” Jerod Mayo said after the game, referencing the number of penalties committed. “We preach all the time about pre-snap and post-snap penalties.”
“The pre-snap stuff definitely bothers me,” Mayo added later when answering another question. “Look, we have guys, they’re out there, they’re trying their butts off, but at the same time, going back, not to sound like a broken record, it’s about execution, especially in critical situations.”
Roller coaster day for special teams
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 06: Brenden Schooler #41 of the New England Patriots reacts during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
The special teams unit wasn’t immune to the Patriots’ penalty problem. They were called for three penalties, including two that were very costly.
After holding the Dolphins to a three-and-out on the second drive of the game, the Patriots had too many men on the field for the punt return and gifted Miami an extra first down (Christian Gonzalez bailed them out with his interception two plays later). There was also a delay of game prior to a punt that was not taken in an intentional manner.
That, plus Joey Slye’s missed field goal, made it a frustrating day for the Patriots’ special teams unit, but it wasn’t all bad for the group either. There was Schooler’s blocked punt, as well as some strong coverage plays from Christian Elliss.
After a very strong performance in Week 4, the Patriots’ special teams unit definitely took a step back against Miami. There was some good, but they ultimately hurt the Patriots’ margin of error to win the game.
