NFL News & Analysis

NE-MIA grades: Dynamic offense lifts Pats to win

at Gillette Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Here are the biggest takeaways and highest-graded players from the New England Patriots' 31-24 Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

New England Patriots

Quarterback grade: Jimmy Garoppolo, 84.0; Jacoby Brissett, 74.4

Garoppolo dynamic prior to shoulder injury 

Jimmy Garoppolo was the best player on the field before leaving the game late in the first half. Garoppolo pitched the ball all over the field and was especially impressive facing the blitz where he was 14-19 for 197 yards and two TDs. Jacoby Brissett came in for relief and used his legs well to hold off a late surge from the Dolphins.

Top offensive grades:

TE Martellus Bennett, 83.9
OT Nate Solder, 80.8
OG Joe Thuney, 75.3
WR Chris Hogan, 73.5
WR Danny Amendola, 70.3

Bennett’s impact on the Patriots’ offense is immediately apparent

Martellus Bennett was an outlet for Garoppolo, hauling in five catches for 114 yards and a touchdown on the day. Joe Thuney paved the way for LeGarrette Blount's 100 yard day posting the team's highest run block grade. 

Top defensive grades:

S Duron Harmon, 83.5
S Devin McCourty, 81.2
ED Chris Long, 81.0
LB Jonathan Freeny 78.4
DI Malcolm Brown, 75.0

Chris Long continues to provide pressure

Chris Long has generated serious pass rush pressure for the Patriots in both games this year. Against the Dolphins, Long had three hits, one hurry and one batted pass on 32 pass rush snaps. Duron Harmon was only thrown at once but ended up with one pass defensed and one interception against the Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins

Quarterback grade: Ryan Tannehill, 85.9

Tannehill sharp with short passes

Tannehill earned the highest game grade of any Dolphin. He was effective and accurate on short passes, completing 30 of 32 passes that were targeted short of 10 yards. However, he wasn’t’ effective throwing deep and only completed two of eight passes targeted beyond 20 yards.

Top offensive grades:

WR DeVante Parker, 77.5
OT Branden Albert, 76.9
TE Jordan Cameron, 76.9
WR Jarvis Landry, 76.7
OG Laremy Tunsil, 72.8

Young receivers heavily targeted in comeback attempt

The Dolphins threw the ball quite a bit trying to climb back into the game and Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker were both heavily targeted. Landry caught 9 of 10 targets and had 59 yards after the catch. Parker caught 8 of 13 targets against four different coverage defenders.

Top defensive grades:

DI Ndamukong Suh, 79.6
LB Koa Misi, 78.4
ED Mario Williams, 74.6
ED Jason Jones, 72.5
ED Terrence Fede, 72.1

Suh continues to shine inside

Ndomukong Suh was one of the lone bright spots for the Dolphins defense, especially his work against the run, as he posted 10 solo tackles. While the front seven struggled to grasp Garoppolo, Mario Williams recorded six quarterback pressures.

PFF Game-Ball Winner: Jimmy Garrapolo, New England Patriots. 84.0

Get access to grades for every player, complete with positional rankings, in our Player Grades tool.

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2023 Fantasy Draft Kit, with League Sync, Live Draft Assistant, PFF Grades & Data Platform that powers all 32 Pro Teams

$31 Draft Kit Fee + $8.99/mo
OR
$89.88/yr + FREE Draft Kit