After the Patriots gritted out a divisional win over the Dolphins, let’s take a look at who’s up, who’s down, and whom to watch ahead of Sunday’s game against the Packers . . .
Three up
Quarterback Drake Maye: As the injuries keep piling up across the offense, Maye continues to find a way to lift the unit. On Sunday, amid wet conditions, Maye’s second-half heroics featured a perfect deep touchdown throw to Kyle Williams and a fake pitch to Rhamondre Stevenson that allowed Maye to run untouched into the end zone. After an ugly first half, it looked as though a 10-point deficit might be insurmountable for the Patriots — even against the one-win, rebuilding Dolphins. But Maye once again showed his impressive ability to elevate those around him, proving anything is on the table with him at quarterback.
Linebacker Christian Elliss: Yes, Elliss was flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty that helped set up Miami’s touchdown at the end of the first half, but his intensity and physicality have been a net-positive this season. On Sunday, he finished with nine tackles, including two for loss, as he helped stop the run in addition to pressuring the quarterback at times. Elliss also intercepted a pass, but the play was called back because of an offside penalty. His aggressive style seems to reflect the defense’s identity. The 27-year-old Elliss is in the final season of his contract, so it will be worth monitoring whether the Patriots choose to extend him prior to free agency.
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Defensive tackle Cory Durden: Despite playing only 26 snaps (40 percent of the defense’s total), Durden was all over the stat sheet with 1½ sacks, three quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss on running back Ollie Gordon. The Dolphins had trouble containing Durden, as he consistently won his matchup at the line of scrimmage. The 27-year-old Durden, who is also set to hit free agency this coming offseason, was one of the four Patriots to receive game balls from coach Mike Vrabel.
Three down
Kicker Andy Borregales: In the second quarter, Borregales missed a 40-yard field goal attempt that would have tied the score at 6. He has missed three field goal attempts (all inside 50 yards) and one extra-point attempt this season. His conversion rate of 76.9 percent ranks 22nd in the NFL. In four of New England’s eight games this season, Borregales has missed a kick. Vrabel has stood by Borregales through his previous misses, but his consistency needs to improve.
Left guard Walter Rouse: After playing the entire game against the Bears in Week 7, Rouse again started at left guard in place of Alijah Vera-Tucker (hamstring). But his first-half struggles prompted Vrabel to bench him in favor of Ben Brown. Rouse, whom the Patriots acquired at the end of August via trade, got beat badly for a sack on third down. Although Vrabel wouldn’t commit to a starter moving forward, Brown certainly seems to be the better option.
Tight end Eli Raridon: Raridon has shown tremendous potential midway through his rookie season, but Sunday spotlighted some of his growing pains. Raridon was whistled twice for false starts in critical situations. He also was culpable in pass protection on the second-quarter fourth-down play that should have resulted in Maye getting crushed from his blindside, but Dolphins rookie cornerback Chris Johnson’s weak tackle attempt bailed him out.
Three to watch
Wide receiver Mack Hollins: Hollins, who has been sidelined with a calf injury, is eligible to return to practice this week off injured reserve. His presence would be welcomed, especially if A.J. Brown (knee/ankle) is unable to play for a second straight week. Hollins would immediately inject the group with some much-needed size, physicality, and toughness. He could also contribute as a blocker.
Related: Lamar Jackson’s injury may have ended the Ravens’ season, and his tenure in Baltimore
Tight end Hunter Henry: Henry left Sunday’s game in the second quarter with a foot injury. He was spotted on the sideline trying to test it in the second half, before returning to the locker room. Maye said after the game Henry was “walking around fine,” but Vrabel did not share an update on Monday.
Trade deadline: With the trade deadline (Nov. 10) less than a week away, the front office will likely be busy in the coming days. After the Bears swung a massive deal for star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, and the Seahawks landed guard Quenton Nelson, will the Patriots address one of their needs via a splashy deal? Or will they, as they did last year at this time, stand pat? As for Patriots who could be on the move, possibilities include defensive tackle Christian Barmore, cornerback Carlton Davis, and running back TreVeyon Henderson.