New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots turned things around with a victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
It’s never easy, though, is it?
The Patriots dominated the majority of the game, but watched double-digit penalties, a near-disaster on special teams and poor situational awareness slow them down and turn it into a slugfest. The Dolphins just happened to be worse, which is one of the many takeaways coming out of the victory:
Maye just played the best game of his career — the type of “get-on-my-back” performance that everyone has been waiting to see — finishing 19-of-23 passing with 263 total yards and three total touchdowns, all while limiting his turnovers to zero.
The Patriots have piled things onto his plate this offseason, but this game served as an example of how good he can be.
Maye’s poise and creativity stood out during the touchdown drives, where he bought time with his legs and made some incredible throws — including the longest of his entire career to running back Rhamondre Stevenson — in what served as his first comeback victory.
The Dolphins continue to be one of the fastest teams in the NFL, but we’re rolling into a third consecutive season where this defense has faced significant issues keeping up with speedy opponents.
It’s a major issue.
Tyreek Hill recorded his first explosive catch (in terms of air yards) since 2023, while Devon Achane did whatever he wanted in the passing game and had eight receptions for 92 yards out of the backfield — with the defense feeling like they need to be perfect in order to give themselves a chance.
Maye still doesn’t seem to have an obvious go-to receiver.
Hunter Henry and Kayshon Boutte, two players who have thrived playing alongside the second-year quarterback, finished with just two total receptions in this one — including a beautiful touchdown in the first quarter.
Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins both had instances of miscommunication with their signal-caller that led to stalled drives. Austin Hooper had three catches, though his playing time has diminished early this season.
It’ll take time for everyone to get on the same page, as it does every season, but you’d like to see a pair of veterans help out the young quarterback.
Zak Kuhr was put in the unenviable position of replacing Terrell Williams on Sunday.
Williams, dealing with what seems to be another significant health scare, left the team early in the week and could be kept away for an extended period of time. Kuhr, the inside linebackers coach, stepped into play-calling duties and struggled to help his unit generate pressure during a significant portion of the football game.
New England ended up getting some big stops, and settled into the game as it progressed, but you have to wonder how things will look when the defense is matched up against a more confident (and competent)...
