We’ll have a much better idea by Sunday afternoon if the Patriots’ struggles in Week 1 were an aberration or if fans need to be prepared for another long season.
The Patriots take on the Dolphins on the road in Week 2, and yes, the Patriots have historically struggled down in Miami. The Patriots have not beaten the Dolphins in Miami since 2019, when Tom Brady was still the starting quarterback. But they even struggled with Brady at the helm, losing 10 of their last 12 matchups in Miami, dating back to 2013.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has never lost to the Patriots in his six-year career. But the Dolphins also lost in embarrassing fashion, 33-8 to the Colts in Week 1.
The Patriots and Dolphins both have a chance to get right in Week 2. We’ll see who can emerge victorious in the Miami heat.
Here are 10 assorted thoughts before the Patriots’ Week 2 matchup against the Dolphins:
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye obviously had some impressive moments during his rookie season, but he’s still only won once as a full-game starter. Maye had the opportunity to put the Patriots on his shoulders in Week 1 against the Raiders but let the game get away from him in the 20-13 defeat. It would be nice to see Maye put forth a full, impressive performance against a Dolphins team that struggled mightily against Daniel Jones and the Colts. Maye looked hesitive in the pocket. Jones, meanwhile, went 22-of-29 for 272 yards with a touchdown against Miami, so there’s the opportunity for a bounce back.
It was surprising to see Maye look so tentative as a runner against the Raiders. The Patriots will need Maye to make plays with his legs to unlock the full potential of their offense. Patriots OC Josh McDaniels said this week that he actually believed Maye showed progress in protecting himself better against the Raiders. Maye believes he can protect himself and do a better job of getting upfield on scrambles and designed runs.
Speaking of unlocking the full potential of the offense, rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson needs more playing time. Of 71 total offensive snaps, Henderson was on the field for just 25 in Sunday’s loss to the Raiders. It was clear this summer that the Patriots’ offense was more explosive with Henderson on the field. He’s the Patriots’ best big-play threat. He had 11 touches for just 51 yards, but starter Rhamondre Stevenson averaged just 3 yards per touch and 2.1 yards per carry. Stevenson is worth playing, but the rookie needs to see the field more.
The Patriots have six wide receivers on their 53-man roster in Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism. On Sunday, Boutte played 58 total snaps despite missing time with an injury. Douglas played the second-most snaps with 45, followed by Diggs with 40, Hollins with 38 and Williams with 7. Chism was inactive. It will be interesting to see if the Patriots settle into three primary receivers or if they continue to mix and match pieces. Boutte was the most productive and effective pass-catcher with 103 yards. Diggs made the most of his snaps with 57 yards. Douglas caught two passes for -2 yards with a touchdown. Williams (13 yards) and Hollins (3 yards) each caught one pass. The Patriots also like to go into 21 personnel with two running backs and 12 personnel with two tight ends. So, that does limit the ability for wide receivers to get a full share of snaps.
Chism was one of the Patriots’ most consistent players this summer, but he’s wearing a scout team jersey in practice this week. If Douglas continues to struggle, the Patriots could eventually mix in more snaps for Chism.
Rookie left tackle Will Campbell had a solid start to Sunday’s game but was flagged twice for false starts and allowed key pressures as the game extended into the fourth quarter. The Dolphins did not play well in Week 1, but pass rushers Jaelan Phillips, Matthew Judon and Bradley Chubb could all give Campbell problems. Pressures are understandable, but Campbell has to do a better job of limiting pre-snap penalties.
Gonzalez will remain out in Week 2, which spreads the Patriots thin at cornerback. Expect Carlton Davis III and Alex Austin to start and Marcus Jones to work from the slot. Practice squad cornerback Corey Ballentine is an experienced veteran who can contribute on special teams, outside and in the slot. It’s not an ideal matchup to be down Gonzalez with speedy wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the other side of the field.
The Patriots can’t afford any coverage breakdowns from safeties Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins against Hill and Waddle. Woodson was solid in his NFL debut against the Raiders, but Hawkins allowed a touchdown and was flagged for unnecessary roughness.
Pass rush was one of the bright spots for the Patriots in Week 1, but defensive coordinator Terrell Williams also went blitz-heavy. Williams is on a health-related leave from the team and not expected to be back by Sunday, leaving head coach Mike Vrabel and inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr to run the defense. The Patriots took too many risks in Week 1. Let’s see if they scale them back given Hill, Waddle and running back De’Von Achane’s potential for big plays. Kuhr will call plays in Williams’ absence. Defensive end Keion White is out with an illness, leading to more playing time for veteran Anfernee Jennings and rookie Elijah Ponder.
Punter Bryce Baringer and rookie kicker Andres Borregales are on watch. Baringer had some rough punts in Week 1, and Borregales missed a 40-yard field goal. It would be way too early to move on from either player this soon, but the Patriots aren’t good enough to afford special teams mistakes.