After losing in Week 1 at home, the New England Patriots as a whole learned a lot about themselves as players, as coaches, and as a team that looks to be learning how to play together in this new and improved Patriots team.
Last week showed that the Patriots are still learning the ins and outs of playing in their new system together, on both sides of the ball. With a week of practice in the books, the Patriots travel down to face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, where they haven’t won since 2019.
The Patriots struggle playing against the Dolphins in general. Dating back to 2020, the Patriots have a 1-8 record against the Dolphins and it’s also worth mentioning that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has an undefeated 7-0 record against the Patriots, but he’s 0-2 against head coach Mike Vrabel.
Here are notes, takeaways, and concerns from the week as the Patriots prepare for the Dolphins and look to get their first win of the season.
Patriots Offense
The Patriots should be looking to have a more balanced offensive attack this week after they saw QB Drake Maye attempt 46 passes while only calling 13 rushing plays that went to running backs against the Las Vegas Raiders
In a press conference, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said that the running backs need to get the ball more, and he needs to do a better job of making sure that happens. He also doesn’t think he is giving Maye more than he can handle, which has been speculated this past week following the Week 1 loss.
The Patriots abandoned the running game in the second half of Week 1, mostly due to poor blocking up front, but they’ve acknowledged the importance of establishing the run-game this week and it should be more balanced in Week 2.
It’s worth noting that Maye made 30 completions in Week 1, but he only had two wide receivers make more than two receptions. The Patriots need to get more active in the passing game by incorporating motion concepts to give Maye and the offense additional pre-snap options.
Patriots Defense
The defense allowed nine passing plays of 20 or more yards in Week 1. They need to do a better job in pass coverage as they continue to navigate this new defensive scheme. It’s not going to get any easier this week in that regard with wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle up next.
The Patriots will be without cornerback Christian Gonzalez for the second consecutive game week, and it’s been eight weeks total since he was last on the field after receiving a hamstring injury at practice. Alex Austin will continue in his place after a great showing last week. The CB room in New England has already changed multiple times over the last few weeks.
This game will be the season debut for linebacker Anfernee Jennings, who was a healthy scratch last week. Vrabel said this week that he’s excited to see Jennings in real game action on the field.
To help prepare the defense for their upcoming task of containing the dual-threat wide receivers of Waddle and Hill, the Patriots used rookies Efton Chism and Kyle Williams to mimic them on the show-team this week at practice.
The Patriots will be without defensive coordinator Terrell Williams this week as he manages his own health and well-being. Linebackers coach Zak Kuhr will call the plays in his place, which is what he did throughout the offseason when Williams was away from the team.
Patriots Special Teams
Andy Borregales missed a field goal in Week 1 in Foxborough, but he’s returning to a place in Hard Rock Stadium where he had much success during college at the University of Miami. He’s looking to bounce back and show the Patriots he’s capable of being a reliable kicker.
Punter Bryce Barringer, on the other hand, also has a lot to prove moving forward after he made a punt late in the fourth quarter of Week 1 that went only 21 yards. The play went on to be questioned during the week as to why Vrabel opted to even punt in that situation.
Patriots Injury Report
- CB Christian Gonzalez (hamstring), OUT
- DE Keion White (illness), OUT
- LT Morgan Moses (foot), Questionable
- LB Marte Mapu (neck), Questionable
It’s worth mentioning that Vrabel said if Moses is unable to play, it would be rookie Marcus Bryant to be the first one in to replace him.