The New England Patriots have started the 2019 season in grand fashion. New England’s dominance on both sides of the ball has been well documented, whether it be by highlighting what the Patriots offense can become with the addition of Antonio Brown, or by showcasing how their defense is on pace to be an all-time great in the history of the NFL.
Here are three less-heralded lessons that were learned during New England’s 43-0 Week 2 dismantling of the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium:
1. Jake Bailey proving his worth
Patriots rookie punter Jake Bailey didn’t see a lot of time on the field Sunday since New England was busy putting points on the scoreboard. But when Bailey received opportunities to punt, he proved his worth and how Bill Belichick may have made the right decision after all by going with Bailey at punter instead of veteran Ryan Allen.
Bailey punted just three times compared to seven punts from Miami punter Matt Haack. Yet, the Patriots had the upperhand with all three of Bailey’s punts landing inside the 20, topped by a 53 yard punt that put the Dolphins at their own eight-yard line at the beginning of the second quarter.
Bailey’s punts also highlighted how gunner Matthew Slater is still a highly valuable component of New England’s special teams unit, as he helped pin Miami deep into their own territory on all three of the occasions.
2. Phillip Dorsett is becoming Mr. Dependable
It’s been quite some time since wide receiver Phillip Dorsett has dropped a targetted pass from quarterback Tom Brady. Although Dorsett had a relatively quiet day coming off a career-game in Week 1, with 95 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, he continued to catch all the passes thrown his way.
On a 3rd-and-17 at the 6:00 mark of the second quarter, Brady targetted Dorsett past the first down marker toward the sideline. It looked like the pass was going to get away from Dorsett, but thanks to an all-out effort and extension, Dorsett hauled the ball in to continue the drive. The catch proved to be key as the drive was topped off by Antonio Brown’s first touchdown reception as a New England Patriot.
It’s been nearly a year since Dorsett last dropped a regular-season pass. In fact, it was last year’s Week 4 win against the Dolphins, in which Dorsett caught 4-of-7 passes. Since then, Dorsett has caught an impressive 23 straight passes.
3. The lesser-known names on defense need recognition
Sure, Stephon Gilmore and Jamie Collins highlighted the most dominant New England defensive performance in recent memory, taking interception returns all the way to the house with a pair of pick-sixes in the second half.
Yet, the lesser-known names on defense are deserving of recognition.
With the Patriots leading 7-0 at the 8:20 mark of the second quarter, Dolphins starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw perhaps his best pass of the entire afternoon, looking to connect with Devante Parker that would have set Miami up in the red zone. However, New England cornerback J.C. Jackson had other ideas, leaping to knock the pass away. Two plays later, the Dolphins were forced to punt after Adam Butler deflected a Fitzpatrick pass.
The Patriots recorded seven sacks, with Butler, who outsnapped Michael Bennett, leading the charge with two. Rookie Chase Winovich also took part of the sack parade, tallying his first career solo sack to go along with a split sack with Collins.
