New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots’ 33-27 victory in Week 2 vs. the Miami Dolphins wasn’t pretty, but a win’s a win.
With defensive coordinator Terrell Williams sidelined as he takes some time to recover from an unspecified health issue, the defense was led by inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr on Sunday.
The results weren’t great.
In fact, the Patriots defense “accomplished” something that they hadn’t done in four years.
“Pats won yesterday despite missing 12 tackles. That’s their highest miss-tackle rate since week 4 in 2021 (per Next Gen Stats),” Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi posted on Bluesky.
Considering that Dolphins returner Malik Washington made multiple New England players miss during his 74-yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, the dozen missed tackles aren’t a shock.
Fortunately for the Patriots, running back Antonio Gibson immediately responded with a 90-yard kickoff return for a score to put the visitors back on top.
Still, with Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on deck in Week 3 and reigning MVP Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on tap in Week 5, the New England defense will need to be better this fall.
