The New England Patriots hate going to Miami.
I called last week’s loss a mixed bag. This game was an absolute hellscape.
Time to get this over with.
The Weekly Drake-down
I use HuddleUK as a weekly opportunity to wax lyrical about how much the future of Drake Maye excites me. However, this was probably the hardest game to get a read on the rookie.
The titillating touchdown toss to Austin Hooper will garner all the attention. However, I was really impressed with the way he went through his progressions and – when afforded the time to do so – was able to steer what looked like a sustainable NFL offense.
However, Maye was never really put in a position to succeed by his offensive line, which – despite trending in the right direction – was a car crash in this game.
The number of penalties, seeing Chop Robinson double his season sack total in this game, and still 12 weeks into the season watching the interior of the line being unable to pass off stunts and twists.
This highlights my largest concern with this offense, the talent level is so poor. There is very little that looks like a sustainable NFL offense. If you were making a list of the Patriots’ issues, Maye is likely the bottom of that list.
What about everything else?
Oh no! We suck again! I wrote in my two previous articles that I was concerned about Rhamondre Stevenson and the defense was unable to defend against motion.
These were only exacerbated by Stevenson’s 1.6 yards per carry performance this week, and Miami feasting against our linebackers and safeties.
Kyle Dugger had possibly his worst game as a Patriot, allowing two touchdowns in man coverage; taking a bad angle on Jaylen Waddle’s touchdown; and dropping an end zone interception.
Jahlani Tavai and Marcius Jones were both picked on by Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins offense. They were targeted eight times each allowing six and five receptions, respectively.
However, Christian Gonzalez shadowed Tyreek Hill on 18 routes and Waddle on seven routes, only allowing one to each receiver. Beyond Gonzalez, however, there is little room for optimism on defense.
Hopefully, going into a winnable game in Week 13 against Indianapolis Colts, the Pats can show some signs of life!
