New England Patriots team grades vs Miami Dolphins Week 12

The Dolphins were without starting quarterback Jay Cutler this week. Cutler sustained a concussion in last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was not cleared from concussion protocol quickly enough to suit up against the Patriots. Cutler should consider himself lucky.

Backup quarterback Matt Moore did not have a fun day. The Patriots pass rush lived in the Dolphins backfield and battered Moore throughout the afternoon.

Moore completed 23-of-34 pass attempts for 215 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The passing yards, in actuality, were lower because Moore absorbed nine quarterback hits and seven sacks for 61 yards lost. Elandon Roberts and Trey Flowers both registered two sacks, while Jonathan Jones, Kyle Van Noy and Eric Lee all registered one.

Stephon Gilmore and Duron Harmon recorded the two Patriots interceptions in the game. The Patriots did a good job limiting the big plays in the Dolphins passing game as their longest play was only 28 yards.

Jarvis Landry had a strong game working in the slot and underneath, catching eight passes for 70 yards. He was the only player that was able to really get anything going. DeVante Parker, who has had some big games previously against the Patriots, was shut down this time around. Parker was held to only one catch for five yards.

New England’s pass defense has bounced back after getting torched by Emmanuel Sanders two weeks ago when they came out of the bye week.