The New England Patriots got back in the win column on Sunday by beating the Miami Dolphins 24-19. They have now improved to 5-3 on the season.
Here’s who caught our attention, for better or worse, while watching the Week 8 contest live.
QB Drake Maye: After a slow start in paint conditions as he lost several top linemen and pass receivers, Maye flipped the switch in the second half completing 9 of 10 passes for 146 yards and three total touchdowns. That success came when Maye pushed the ball further downfield, highlighted by a 43-yard touchdown to Kyle Williams at the deep post in a 989 concept. One of Maye’s scores also came with his legs, as he kept a speed option himself after faking linebacker Willie Gay Jr.
Overall, Maye generated +0.42 EPA per play (90th percentile) while elevating a slumping unit into the elite quarterback he is.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson: Short of several capable players, Stevenson took on a significant role offensively with 22 total touches. He completed all 19 of his 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 by recovering an onside kick and converting a first down on three consecutive touches.
TD Cory Durden: The Patriots defensive line had a strong performance as a whole on Sunday, led by Cory Durden. The defensive tackle lived in the backfield for much of the afternoon and finished with 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits and two run stops.
Zone Defense: The Patriots entered the week as one of the league’s worst zone defenses in football. Those struggles continued early Sunday as Malik Willis completed 8 of 10 passes for 93 yards against the zone in the first half as the Patriots played 70% of their snaps with their eyes on the mobile quarterback. Willis found most of his success on explosive routes against out-of-coverage corners, a game plan the Patriots strayed from somewhat in the second half as they increased their man coverage rate.
KAndy Borregales: Back in Miami, Borregales kicked his first field goal from 34 yards over the right upright before driving a 40-yard field goal wide right – his third miss of less than 50 yards this season. New England’s kickoff coverage also continued to be shaky as it allowed returns of 36 and 43 yards, with Borregales’ tackle saving a potential touchdown.
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