Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins: Game Analysis

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:11 p.m. ET

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Trey Flowers (98) celebrates Duron Harmon’s game-clinching interception for the New England Patriots in Week 2. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots held off the Miami Dolphins, but at a price. They lost QB Jimmy Garoppolo, and it looks as if Jacoby Brissett may be the starter until Tom Brady returns in Week 5.

But not all is lost. The Patriots are 2-0 and couldn’t be in a better position than they are now.

Here’s a quick review of some of the positives and negatives about Week 2’s matchup:

Positives

Next: Positives (Cont...)

The Patriots celebrate one of Danny Amendola’s touchdowns. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Positives (cont.)

Next: Negatives

Jimmy Garoppolo (10) gets tended to after suffering a shoulder injury. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Negatives

Next: Negatives (Cont...)

Ryan Tannehill (17) of the Miami Dolphins. Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Negatives

Next: Play Of The Game & Improvements

Sep 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) evades a tackle by Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Play of the Game

Huge gain by Martellus Bennett

What to Improve Going Forward

Penalties

Ball Security

Third Down Defense

Next: Final Quick Notes

Bill Belichick contemplates. Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Final Quick Notes

Losing Garoppolo hurts, but realistically its not a major injury. As stated before, Brady returns after week 4 and will remain the teams #1. It looks as if Jacoby Brissett will be the teams starter for the Thursday Night Game vs. the Texans, however, the Patriots won’t rule out a possible return of Garoppolo.

Worst case scenario, if Garoppolo isn’t able to able to play the next two weeks and the Patriots lose both games, they will be 2-2 and still in good shape for when Brady returns. However, it’s likely Josh McDaniels will have Brissett and the offense ready to compete on a short week, but they will need to lean on the defense now more than ever.

Ripple Effects After Week 2 Win

The Miami Dolphins could easily be 2-0 and at the top of the AFC East, however, they just are not a complete team and aren’t ready, especially with a weak defense. There are many holes starting from the defensive line to the secondary. There just may not be enough talent on that side of the ball to compete yet. Although, Adam Gase is doing some positive things with Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins offense.

The Patriots are now 4-0 at home vs. Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins since the 2012 season and the all-time series record is now 53-49 Miami.

Upcoming Schedule

9/22Houston Texans10/2Buffalo Bills10/9at Cleveland Browns10/16Cincinnati Bengals10/23at Pittsburgh Steelers

Next Week:

The New England Patriots (2-0) look to take on the Houston Texans (2-0) for the first time at home since the 2012 season.

With uncertainty at the QB position, the Patriots will have a short week to decide whether they will be able to play Garoppolo or Brissett. Regardless, it will be a tough challenge as the Texans defense looks to be a tough challenge.