New England Patriots team grades vs Miami Dolphins Week 12

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FOXBORO, MA – NOVEMBER 26: Rex Burkhead #34 of the New England Patriots reacts with Tom Brady #12 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

A+. . . . RUSHING OFFENSE GRADE

The 28 pass attempts for Brady was a season low. It was only the second time that he attempted fewer than 34 pass attempts all season. Probably the biggest reason for such a low amount of passes was how great the Patriots running game was against the Dolphins.

Miami came into the game with a respectable run defense. They ranked 14th in the NFL, surrendering 109.9 yards per game on the ground. That number will be rising after what the Patriots did.

New England totaled 196 yards on 38 carries. That equals out to 5.2 yards per carry. Dion Lewis once again led the way, recording a season-high 15 carries. He turned those touches into 112 yards, as he averaged 7.5 yards per rush. Rex Burkhead didn’t find as much success with his 13 carries, rushing for 50 yards.

The Patriots were committed to the run against the Dolphins and it paid off. Chunk yardage was continuously picked up by Lewis, who has taken control of the Patriots backfield and ran away with it.

For a third consecutive week, Mike Gillislee was a healthy scratch as the Patriots running back pecking order seems to be set. His skill set could be of use later on in the season, but for now, he does not have a role in this offense.

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