The New England Patriots got back in the win column on Sunday as they topped the Miami Dolphins 24-19. They have now improved to 5-3 on the season.
Here is who caught our eye for better or worse upon live-viewing the Week 8 contest.
Winners
QB Drake Maye: After a slow start in the paint conditions while down multiple lineman and top pass catchers, Maye flipped the switch in the second half completing 9-of-10 passes for 146 yards and three total touchdowns. That success came with Maye pushing the ball downfield
more, highlighted by a 43-yard touchdown to Kyle Williams on the deep post in a 989 concept. One of Maye’s scores also came with his legs as he kept it himself on a speed option after faking out linebacker Willie Gay Jr.
Overall, Maye generated +0.42 EPA per play (90th percentile) as he elevated a banged up unit like the elite quarterback he is.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson: Down several skill position players, Stevenson took on a big role offensively with 22 total touches. He took his 19 carries for a game-high 82 yards as the Patriots added some successful wrinkles to get their rushing attack going. Stevenson then iced the game in the fourth quarter recovering an onside kick and converting a first-down on three straight touches.
DT Cory Durden: The Patriots defensive line had a strong performance as a whole on Sunday, which was led by Cory Durden. The defensive tackle lived in the backfield for much of the afternoon and ended with 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits and a pair of run stops.
Losers
Zone defense: The Patriots entered the week as one of the league’s worst zone coverage defenses in football. Those struggles continued early on Sunday as Malik Willis completed 8-of-10 passes for 93 yards vs. zone in the first-half as the Patriots played 70% of their snaps with eyes on the mobile quarterback. Willis found most of his success on out-breaking routes against off-coverage corners, a game plan the Patriots somewhat got away from in the second-half as they increased their man coverage rate.
K Andy Borregales: Back in Miami, Borregales squeaked his first 34-yard field goal in over the right upright before pushing a 40-yard field goal wide right — his third miss from under 50 yards this season. New England’s kickoff coverage also continued to be shaky as they allowed a 36- and 43-yard returns, which Borregales’ tackle saved a potential touchdown.
Honorable mentions
- With TreVeyon Henderson (illness) out, Corey Kiner served as RB2 and broke two runs of 10-plus yards, including a 20-yard gain after an impressive jump cut.
- It was a solid showing for New England’s limited wide receiver room. Both Kyle Williams and DeMario Douglas found the end zone while Efton Chism paced the group with five catches. Chism’s fumble was the lone blemish.
- Morgan Moses had some troubles upon live view with the speedy Chop Robinson off the edge while Ben Brown replaced Walter Rouse in the second-half at left guard. Overall, the pressure rate against Maye went down in the second-half.
- Beyond Durden, Gabe Jacas also tallied 1.5 sacks while Christian Barmore, Elijah Ponder, Jaylen Reed, and Christian Elliss all had 0.5 sacks.
- The Patriots run defense did a strong job slowing down Ollie Gordon (19 carries, 69 yards) as a whole. Christian Elliss led the charge with four stops.
- Charles Woods played two snaps and gave up a late 35-yard touchdown as he was beaten off a double move.
- Kevin Byard recorded his first interception of the season.
- In the positives on special teams, Mitch Wishnowsky continues to punt well (two i20s) and Marcus Jones had a 26-yard punt return.
