Takeaways: New England Patriots Top Dolphins to Clinch AFC East

Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Fueled by stifling defensive play, the New England Patriots locked up their sixth straight AFC East title, downing the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Thanks to an impressive 41-13 drumming, the Patriots improved to 11-3 on the year and still remain in the driver’s seat to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

New England’s defense once again bailed out its offense following a slow start. As a group, they were able to generate steady pressure on Ryan Tannehill, forcing him into several bad passes and a pair of interceptions. Chandler Jones‘ return to the field certainly provided a nice boost to a group that had already been flying high.

Rob Gronkowski helped spark an offensive onslaught in the second half after a rough go of it at the start. The big man became the first Patriots tight end to reach 1,000 yards in at least two seasons. Gronk added a touchdown amid a 24-point third quarter.

Special teams came up big once again by tallying a first quarter touchdown. Stephen Gostkowski became the team’s all-time leading score in the tilt as well.

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Here are the five most major takeaways from the win:

1. Chandler Jones, Dont’a Hightower returns

Jones looked just as effective as he did prior to suffering the hip injury that had sidelined him since Oct. 16. He tallied 1.5 sacks in the game and amassed seven tackles off the edge. Hightower was stout in the middle. He notched eight tackles, a half sack and two quarterback hits.

2. Gronk’s MVP worthy season keeps rolling along

After being held without a catch in the first half, Gronkowski finished the game with three catches for 96 yards and a score. He’s now scored in nine of the Patriots 14 games this season. Gronkowski upped his touchdown total to 10 on a 27-yard strike from Tom Brady.

3. Smothering coverage yields a pair of Tannehill interceptions

Darrelle Revis once again locked down his half of the field and Brandon Browner was more than respectable. Duron Harmon and Patrick Chung were each able to get their hands on the football to force big turnovers. Chung also added a team-high 10 tackles. The airtight coverage also allowed New England’s pass rushers to run free. They sacked Tannehill four times.

4. Specialty units remain hot

Last week Brandon Bolden was able to block a San Diego punt. This week Jamie Collins blocked a field goal, which resulted in a 62-yard Kyle Arrington touchdown return. Gostkowski was two-for-two on field goal attempts and five-for-five on extra point attempts. He moved past Adam Vinatieri to claim the top spot on the Patriots all-time scoring list.

5. Tom Brady shows spring in his legs

At this point in his career, there’s not much Brady hasn’t shown the football world, but his 17-yard run for a first down on Sunday was a thing of beauty. It helped the Patriots convert on a third-and-11, shifting the game’s momentum. They cashed in on the next play for a score. Brady appeared to be much faster than ever before on the play.

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