The New England Patriots' Week 8 victory over the Miami Dolphins highlighted that fumbles are the one thing that the team needs to fix more than anything else moving forward.
The Patriots committed seven penalties in the game, which also needs to be corrected, but nothing was more glaring than the three fumbles that the team recorded, even though two were recovered, despite securing the win. The fumbles created unnecessary potential opportunities for Miami to capitalize on and threatened to dampen an otherwise encouraging performance from the team.
The Patriots' three fumbles came from wide receiver Efton Chism III, quarterback Drake Maye and center Jared Wilson. Chism's fumble was the only one lost, while Maye recovered the other two cough-ups
made in the game. Although the Patriots escaped without additional turnovers, the repeated miscues remain concerning.
Maye now has six fumbles on the season, making him the team's biggest ball-security concern, especially given the fact that he also has eight interceptions on the year. Chism and Wilson each recorded their first fumble of the season against Miami, leaving Maye as the primary contributor who needs to fix the recurring problem.
Outside of the turnovers, New England's offense performed well. The Patriots rushed for 131 yards, while Maye threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing score. Even without A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins, the Patriots’ three primary receivers, Maye found ways to create explosive plays and generate touchdowns.
With sacks having not been the biggest problem against Miami, fumbles remain the biggest issue that New England must fix moving forward.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: One thing Patriots need to fix most following Week 8 win over Dolphins
