New England Patriots: Four Takeaways From 41-13 Win Over The Miami Dolphins

Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray (35) carries the ball against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome Back, Jonas Gray

The absence of Jonas Gray in New England’s offense over the last couple of weeks has been extremely puzzling. Gray is explosive through the hole, he is a big back, and most importantly, he doesn’t mess around. Unlike Shane Vereen, he isn’t going to dance in an attempt to break off a big one. Gray is consistent, and sometimes that is exactly what you need.

I love LeGarrette Blount, and ultimately, I still think he is going to receive the bulk of the carries in January, but sometimes a change is needed. Yesterday, Blount’s running style wasn’t getting it done, so Josh McDaniels turned to Gray, who’s explosive burst was a much needed spark for New England. Gray carried the ball 11 times for 62 yards against Miami, all of which came in the second half. The Patriots needed to get a ground game going against a defensive front as dominant as the Dolphins’, and Gray gave them that presence on the ground in the second half.

Tom Brady has a multitude of weapons to play with in the passing game, but in January, you need a ground game as well. You can’t let opposing defenses tee off at Brady, because as Patriots fans know all too well, that is the number one way you stop a Brady-led offense in the playoffs.

Going forward, I think we will see a steady diet of both Blount and Gray, which will give defenses in the AFC migraines all January long.