Final Thoughts After The Patriots Loss To The Dolphins

Sep 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) hits New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

For now, the New England Patriots are in last place in the AFC east. This is the first time since 2000 that this has happened. Therefore, even though it’s only been one game, the loss to the Dolphins is cause for concern for the Patriots. The loss on Sunday showed that the Patriots have many problems to fix, and it has to happen quickly.

First, the Patriots need to work on their running game. The Patriots have two running backs that they like to use, and neither did a great job of running the ball on Sunday. According to NFL.com , Shane Vereen only rushed for 36 yards and one touchdown, while Stevan Ridley did even worse, only rushing for 21 yards. He tied Julian Edelman for yards, and Edelman is a wide receiver. The loss of LeGarrette Blount has obviously been a significant one. If the Patriots want to be able to pass the ball, then they are going to have to learn to run the ball, so the Patriots need to fix this problem quickly.

The next problem the Patriots need to fix is their defense. The Patriots’ defense was supposed to be one of their strongest pieces this season. Especially since they got Vince Wilfork back from injury, and acquired Darrelle Revis during the offseason. Hopefully, Sunday’s game was just a fluke, because the defense did not live up to its expectations. Not only did it give up thirty-three points to an offense run by Ryan Tannehill, but it also allowed Knowshon Moreno to run all game long. He tore apart the Patriots’ front seven for 134 yards and one touchdown. The Patriots could not stop Ryan Tannehill from throwing the ball either, since he was able to throw for two touchdowns. Despite all of these problems, the Patriots’ defense was still able to force three turnovers, the offense just wasn’t able to capitalize.

Finally, the Patriots desperately need to fix their pass protection. They need to fill the hole that was left gaping when they traded Logan Mankins. Tom Brady is not a mobile quarterback, so he needs time in the pocket to let the play develop before he can work his magic. He had no time on Sunday, where he was sacked four times: two of those times he fumbled the ball and the Dolphins recovered. The New England Patriots’ offense cannot function if Brady does not have enough time to throw the ball. Therefore, the most important thing the Patriots need to fix heading into their next game is protecting Tom Brady.