Two Studs, Three Duds From Patriots’ Unsightly Loss To Dolphins

After four straight competitive contests, the Patriots were outmatched Sunday afternoon.

New England didn’t stand a chance against division rival Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins took a vise grip on the Week 12 game with their electrifying offense and never allowed the Patriots to get in it.

Here were New England’s best and worst from South Beach:

STUDS
Unlikely scorers
New England’s two touchdowns were scored by players you wouldn’t expect. The Patriots first found the end zone on a fourth-and-15 early in the third quarter when Drake Maye found Austin Hooper on a 38-yard heave. Three possessions later, Christian Gonzalez scooped up a fumble and raced it 63 yards to pay dirt.

Patriots’ run defense
This wasn’t totally earned, as Miami seemingly wasn’t too concerned about running the football given how much success it had through the air. Still, New England limited its division rival to 65 rushing yards with no touchdowns.

DUDS
Patriots’ discipline
You rarely will beat the opponent if you beat yourself, and the Patriots repeatedly shot themselves in the foot Sunday. New England was hit with 10 penalties for 75 yards, while Miami only was tabbed with three penalties for 18 yards. It was a glaring lack of control for the Patriots and yet another indictment of the struggling coaching staff.

New England’s pass defense
The visitors’ altered method of preparation didn’t produce positive results. Tua Tagovailoa and company did whatever they wanted all afternoon through the air and torched the Patriots for four passing touchdowns. Three Miami pass-catchers logged five-plus receptions and Jaylen Waddle-Jonnu Smith duo combined for 231 receiving yards.

Patriots offensive line
New England’s big boys up front were responsible for a good chunk of those penalties, including a handful of inexcusable pre-snap infractions. But the line also did a terrible job of protecting Drake Maye and creating lanes for running backs. Improving the O-line must be a priority for New England this offseason.