Cover32: Grade Day: Were any of the New England Patriots better than average? | New England Patriots

Grade Day: Were any of the New England Patriots better than average? | New England Patriots

The 33-20 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday was a tale of two halves.

First, give credit to Miami defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle and the players on the field for the Dolphins. To say that the Patriots lost because they played poorly is a disrespect to the Dolphins defense and coaching staff. The Dolphins were playing with three backup linebackers, and both Dion Jordan, the third overall pick last year, and starting safety Reshad Jones were suspended for the game as well. What that defense did was nothing short of spectacular.

Also, give credit to Miami offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. Not because he incorporated a hurry-up offense and kick started quarterback Ryan Tannehill, but because he stuck with the game plan to run the ball against New England’s 3-4 defense despite being down 10 points at halftime. Miami running back Knowshon Moreno rushed for 68 third quarter yards and 91 overall in the second half of the game. Lamar Miller and Moreno ended up with a combined 35 rushes for 193 yards against the Patriots on Sunday.

All that said, here’s how the Patriots graded out this weekend...