This game was a blowout when Garoppolo was in there, and rookie Jacoby Brissett did enough to get the W. The defensive game plan stymied Miami the entire first half, but was slow to adjust in the second half, giving up three consecutive long drives for touchdowns. Fortunately the defense got it together in time to save the game with a late interception that sealed the win. And between you and me, the Pats would have lost if they hadn't won the turnover battle 4-1.
Quarterback Garoppolo made excellent decisions and showed surprisingly good pocket presence. On one play, he stepped up to avoid outside pressure, and realizing the timing of the play was now off, he threw to receiver Chris Hogan's back shoulder to avoid leading him into the safety. That saved Hogan from a big hit on a ball that might have been intercepted if he hadn't adjusted so well. Jimmy G. ended up 18 of 27 (66.7%) for 234 yards, 3 touchdowns, no INTs, and a 130.8 QB rating. Here's hoping the injury isn't serious.
In relief of Garoppolo, rookie Brissett was understandably lost. His two best plays were a run for a first down and a quick throw to tight end Martellus Bennett for what appeared to be a game-clinching first down. Though given their inexperience, it's pretty amazing the Patriots field two quarterbacks with 100+ QB ratings and zero interceptions in two games.
As for the running game it's time to tip your cap to LeGarrette Blount. He's fourth in the NFL in rushing yards with 193 (Sunday he had 123 on 29 carries). Against the Dolphins, he ran through, over, around, and even hurdled a would-be tackler. (Trivia question: Name the last Patriots player to finish in the top 5 in rushing yards for a season. Bonus question: Name the last Patriots player to lead the NFL in rushing yards for a season. Answers below.) He is great in blitz pickup, and the running game has been key to protecting young quarterbacks during Tom Brady's suspension.
The receivers saw Mr. Reliable Julian Edelman with 7 catches for 76 yards, Danny Amendola with 2 tough touchdowns on 4 catches (50 yards), and tight end Martellus Bennett with 5 catches for a 114 yards (22.8 yards per catch), and a touchdown of his own. Add Chris Hogan's 4 catches for 59 yards, and you can see how tough it is to defend this group. Wait until Gronkowski comes back, it'll be even tougher.
The offensive line played better this week, crushing the Dolphins right defensive side with punishing runs and wham blocks from the tight ends and receivers. And Nate Solder returned and showed why he was considered the best Pats O-lineman. He had some big blocks, as did rookie guard Joe Thuney and center David Andrews.
Miami exploited holes in the mid-range zones in the Patriots defense. They really missed linebacker Dont'a Hightower, as fill-ins Shea McClellin and Barkevious Mingo weren't quite ready for prime time. Mingo had a few good plays, especially those where he ran down ball-carries from behind. But they definitely could have gotten more hits on receivers and covered much better in intermediate zones.
Unlike last week, it was not a good sign that the top three tacklers were in the secondary. Cornerbacks Malcom Butler and Logan Ryan led the team in tackles (with 8 and 7, respectively). Ryan also had a forced fumble, and two safeties, Duron Harmon and Devin McCourty, had an interception each.
Overall the secondary looked great in the first half and had trouble in the second half. Corner Leonard Coleman isn't a great third-corner, and the team's tackling was terrible, allowing Miami to make short gains into long ones.
Chris Long stood out among the defensive linemen for the second straight week. He had 2 tackles, 1 for a loss, got 2 QB hits, recovered a fumble, and even knocked down a pass. The D-line stuffed the run all day (quarterback Ryan Tannehill was the Dolphins top rusher, with just 35 yards). But the team could use some more pressure on the quarterback.
Look for the Patriots to rotate their defensive linemen in future games. This would keep them fresh and allow for a better pass rush. It will also be a lot easier when Rob Ninkovich returns in the week 5 game against Cleveland.
Special teams were fine until crunch time. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski simply can't miss a 39-yard kick that would have iced the game with 1:08 to play. No excuses; it just can't happen. Someone in that three-man operation screwed up, and they have to get back to basics so this doesn't happen again this year. And note that punter Ryan Allen is quietly fifth in the NFL with just eight total return yards this season.
Despite how well Garoppolo played, the coaching was a tale of two halves. The offense and defense were hitting on all cylinders in the first half, repelling the Dolphins at every turn and scoring at will. But Miami made excellent halftime adjustments and scored touchdowns on three straight possessions to make the game close. Meanwhile, the offense bogged down with Garoppolo on the side line, but you'd expect that with a rookie taking over.
So where does that leave us? 2-0 is good, but the concern is about Garoppolo's injured right shoulder. No official details yet, but with a game on Thursday, I wouldn't expect to see Jimmy G. out there. Of course, the team just has to make it to game five without imploding; they can probably do that.
Statistical Oddity of the Week: Jimmy Garoppolo is the first quarterback the Patriots drafted to win his first two starts for the team this century. (Bonus trivia question: name the quarterback last quarterback to do it before Garoppolo. Answer below).
Non-Garoppolo/Non-Brissett MVP of the Week: It's Martellus Bennett yet again, a beast run blocking and led the team in receiving yards.
Weekly Water-cooler Wisdom: "Split the next two games, 3-1 when Brady returns, I'll take my chances with that."
- Scott
PS. 2-0!
PPS. Trivia Answers
#1: Corey Dillon was third in the NFL in rushing yards in 2004, with 1,635 (a team record).
#2: Jim Nance led the NFL in rushing yards in 1967, with 1,216 yards. This topped both the AFL and NFL, so it led the entire leaguew even though it was pre-merger.
PPPS. Bonus Trivia Answer
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#3: Scott Zolak won his first two starts with the Patriots in 1992.
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