On the eve of training camp, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said he breaks things into three buckets.
“We talk about the good, the bad, and the s— that gets you beat,” Vrabel said.
With that in mind, we’re breaking down what might’ve landed in each of those buckets when Vrabel and the Patriots watched film following their 33-27 win over the Dolphins on Sunday.
The good
Maye to Stevenson on 55-yard completion
Patriots insider Tom E. Curran called it the “best play of Drake Maye’s career.” Having watched Miami score 20 of the previous 23 points, Maye and the Patriots faced a third-and-3 from the New England 25 yard line. A failed third-down attempt, given the Jared Wilson holding penalty two plays prior, felt likely. But Maye then looked like a star QB making a play when his team needed it. He slipped an edge rusher, stepped up in the pocket and delivered a perfectly-placed ball to running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who beat Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks down the sideline. Maye kept two hands tight on the football when navigating the chaos, an underrated sign of growth itself.
Patriots insider Phil Perry and analyst Ted Johnson unpacked the play on The Breakdown.
Ted Johnson and Phil Perry break down Drake Maye’s huge 55-yard pass to Rhamondre Stevenson on third down in the second half vs. the Dolphins.
Gibson’s 90-yard kickoff return TD
Antonio Gibson might’ve only played 10 offensive snaps, but the backup running back still made his mark in a big way. It could serve as teaching tape for special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer. Gibson immediately answered a Miami special teams touchdown as he took the ensuing kickoff back 90 yards. With Jack Westover and other special teamers helping Gibson blocking along the sideline, the touchdown put New England in the lead midway through the fourth quarter.
Williams’ walk-off sack
The Dolphins had 10 offensive plays of 13 yards or more against the Patriots. So while Miami needed to convert a fourth-and-12 from the New England 28 yard line to keep the game alive, New England fans everywhere surely waited with baited breath. That was until high-priced defensive tackle Milton Williams (two sacks) bullied his way around Dolphins right guard Kion Smith, shook off a punch from center Aaron Brewer and wrapped up Tua Tagovailoa for a game-sealing sack with 48 ticks left.
Mapu’s fourth-quarter interception
With the Dolphins facing fourth-and-9 from midfield and trailing by a field goal with just over two minutes remaining, Patriots linebacker Marte Mapu intercepted quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for a pivotal pick. Tagovailoa seemingly lost track of Mapu in the middle of the field and threw a pass intended for Malik Washington. Mapu’s 20-yard return set New England up at the Miami 38 yard line. It was arguably the most important defensive stand of the day.
Maye’s chain-moving scramble
On third-and-6 from the Miami 45 yard line in the first quarter, Maye surveyed the field and saw an opening so he picked up a first down with his legs. The 13-yard gain reset the chains and ultimately set the Patriots up at the Miami 32 yard line. New England scored a touchdown five plays later as Maye hit Kayshon Boutte for a 16-yard score. Maye scored a touchdown on a six-yard scramble in the second half, as well. They were smart situational plays for the dual-threat QB.
The bad
Washington’s punt return touchdown
Both special teams captain Brenden Schooler and fellow gunner Charles Woods were in position to make a play on Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington. Neither Patriots special teamer, though, could wrap up and make the tackle with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. It allowed Washington to spin out of trouble at the Miami 39 yard line and take it to the house after beating a diving Bryce Baringer near midfield.
Moses’ ill-timed penalty
For the second time in as many weeks, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel decided to keep the offense out on the field during a crunch-time drive. And for the second time in as many weeks, Vrabel had to then pull the offense off the field following a pre-snap penalty by the offensive line. It was veteran right tackle Morgan Moses this time around, a false start prompting Vrabel to send Andy Borregales onto the field for a 53-yard field goal. Borregales made the kick, which gave New England a six-point lead. Vrabel, though, was clearly hoping the Patriots would convert and proceed to put the game away.
The s— that gets you beat
The Patriots didn’t turn the ball over, ran the ball better and didn’t allow as many explosive plays as they did against the Raiders in Week 1. With that, this list is shorter than last week. However, there were still a few things that could prove costly in future weeks.
Missed extra points
Vrabel said his confidence never wavered in Borregales, who missed the extra point after each of New England’s two first-quarter touchdowns. Whether the veteran head coach was being truthful or saying what he should say in public, it’s safe to say Patriots fans didn’t feel the same. New England might not be as fortunate if it happens again.
Missed tackles
The Patriots missed 12 tackles in the win, and those helped the Dolphins turn short passes into bigger gains. That was evidenced on De’Von Achane’s first-half touchdown right before the half. A missed tackle by Mapu with 1:15 left in the game nearly allowed Achane to score a game-winning touchdown, too. Fortunately for Mapu and the Patriots, Achane stepped out of bounds. Nevertheless, it’s something the Patriots surely will have to clean up.
