DOLPHINS OFFENSE V. PATRIOTS DEFENSE
Butler started at LCB for the Patriots; In the nickel, Wilhite predominantly played over the slot
Chung was a nickel safety, replacing starter McGowan
Dolphins utilized unbalanced OL as a significant part of their offense, including long yardage situations when they threw out of it
Seau played some snaps at ILB for the Patriots, in place of Guyton
Patriots played primarily 3-4 in this game
Henne excellent arm strength, He snapped the ball with good velocity – He threw the ball well to the outside, with consistent accuracy
Camarillo 29 yds on 3rd + 4 came out of an unbalanced OL, Patriots “man free” coverage with press across the board, Camarillo beat Butler on a fade route – Great throw by Henne
Patriots matched up to the Dolphins “22” personnel package with 3 safeties, Chung was the third safety
Bess 13 yd TD on 3rd + 5 came out of 4 WR personnel versus Patriots “cover zero” blitz; Great poise by Henne handling a low snap and knowing immediately where to go with the football
Henne very impressive overall from a poise and comfort standpoint; Did not play fast from either a mental or physical standpoint, Was consistently decisive with his reads and throws
Wilfork again played both NT and DE in the base 3-4 front
Henne interception was a bad read, He clearly did not account for FS Meriweather – What was interesting was the Patriots had S Chung in man coverage against Bess in the slot, Patriots clearly feel Chung is a multi-dimensional safety
Patriots continued to show no ability to generate any consistent pass rush, That was very evident in the 2 minute situation at the end of the first half
Henne a tough pocket mentality, Stands tall and firm, Showed no inclination to leave the pocket too early
Great 2 minute drive by Henne at the end of the first half: 11 plays, 83 yards
Hartline 7 yd TD great example of Henne pocket poise, willingness to make a stick throw into a tight window and accuracy – Big time quarterbacking by Henne
Henne overthrew a wide open Polite on a wheel route on the final drive; Other than the interception, which was a bad read and bad decision, it was his only inaccurate throw of the game
Henne 4th + 6 completion to Camarillo on game winning drive was the same play they converted on game winning drive to beat the Jets in week 5 on Monday night, It was designed movement and a sideline comeback to Camarillo
Patriots defense has issues on the front end and the back end: No consistent pass rush, and they are clearly looking for effective personnel combinations and consistency in the secondary
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