Although the Dolphins hung around for longer than the Jets last week, the Patriots ended the regular season with back-to-back division wins by a combined 60 points over their last two games.

Admittedly, some of the game strategy stuff doesn't hold as much weight when the opponent is finishing out the string in a season where the Jets and Dolphins will have the No. 2 and No. 11 overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, respectively. However, one thing we did want to see was New England use these final two weeks to fine-tune some areas of the team that needed improvement before the tournament begins vs. the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night.

This year's Patriots and the team we're going to harken back to are in two totally different places, but in my first year covering the team in 2018, New England clobbered the Bills (24-12) and Jets (38-3) in the final two weeks of the season. They then rode that spark into the playoffs, where they rattled off three consecutive wins en route to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick's sixth Lombardi Trophy. The 2018 Patriots rushed for 404 yards in their final two regular-season games, using that formula as a "regular" base offense with RB Sony Michel and FB James Develin to set a tone in two of their three playoff wins. In 2025, New England might've also unlocked a run game down the stretch that could pay huge dividends in January, where the conditions and play style often lend themselves to a physical brand of football.

"Well, you'd better be able to [run the football] in the tournament, and you'd better be able to take care of the football. You'd better be able to create some turnovers, and you have to have efficient quarterback play. That's no secret," said head coach Mike Vrabel. "We kind of felt like we got into a little flow with him and TreVeyon and Rhamondre and kind of figuring out where that balance was, and I think that they did a great job. We need them both."

Over their last four games, the Patriots lead the NFL in expected points added per rush (+0.18), yards per carry (6.1), and explosive run rate (16.9%). In their first 14 games, the Pats were 30th in rush EPA and 28th in explosive run rate, showing clear signs of improvement in their rushing attack since Week 15. Now, some will point to the fact that they played the 19th (Dolphins), 25th (Jets), and 31st-ranked (Bills) rush defenses by EPA in that span (Ravens are sixth). But the 2018 squad got its run game rolling before the postseason against lesser competition – it does happen.

First, we'll have to credit the blockers up front for averaging 2.8 yards before contact, best in the NFL, in the last four weeks. The Pats are generating movement on the line of scrimmage out of their "rhino" packages, where OT Thayer Munford is an eligible receiver (jumbo tight end). Above, New England uses split-flow action with TE Austin Hooper blocking across the formation to get the Dolphins linebackers out of position, opening a cutback lane for RB Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson gains over nine yards before contact, then makes the deep safety miss to turn this run into a 56-yard gain on the Patriots opening drive (3 runs, 70 yards, touchdown).​

Along with their jumbo two-back formation, the Patriots are also using an eligible lineman to run a jumbo 12-personnel grouping (2 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB, 6 OL). In this clip, the Pats run a lead play with Munford as the lead-blocker in the backfield and WR Efton Chism III inserting through the C-Gap to dig out the strong safety.The run gains seven yards on first down.

​A few plays later, the Pats put the same personnel on the field. This time, Chism fakes like he's going up to block the safety playing in the same spot as the example above. Instead, Chism releases upfield as RB TreVeyon Henderson flips the ball back to QB Drake Maye and it's a beautifully executed flea-flicker for a 35-yard gain on a drive that ended in another touchdown.

In the second half, New England went back to the well one more time with their jumbo two-back formation. The Patriots ran two-back power, where the backside guard (RG Mike Onwenu) pulled around the down blocks as FB Jack Westover led through the hole, leading to 26 yards before contact as Stevenson rumbled to a 35-yard touchdown to put the game away.

On Sunday, QB Drake Maye averaged 15.7 yards per pass attempt between five play-actions and the flea-flicker, using play-fakes off the successful run-actions. Maye was excellent once again in my charting, producing nine 'plus' plays to only two minus throws/decisions, which both came on the same three-and-out drive in the second quarter. With the Patriots finding new ways to run the ball productively, their offense feels playoff-ready, adding big plays on the ground to the league's most explosive passing attack.​

Here is a review of the Patriots defense and quick-hit film notes from Sunday's win over the Dolphins.

Defense Review: Patriots Defense Shows Blueprint for Postseason Success vs. Dolphins

The Patriots defense got off to another slow start against an offense that usually starts fast in their opening script, and as much as we tried to warn you, it didn't seem to matter, per most people's reactions.

Miami drove the field on its first two possessions of the game, turning the ball over on downs on its opening possession and then producing a 10-play touchdown drive on its second possession. Early on, Miami's window dressing, screen game, and motions were giving the Patriots problems, but as head coach Mike Vrabel said on Monday, that's what the Dolphins offense does to opponents.

​"It's hard to recreate the speed of what that operation is. It is hard, and they do a great job, they do a fantastic job. They get to the line quick. They shift. They motion. They try to gain an extra hat through motion. The receivers do a nice job of cracking and some of the technical things that we were talking about with the run game. So, they do a good job of that, and then obviously some of the boots and the keepers off of it. And I think we settled down." Vrabel said.

From this perspective, this game unfolded as expected, minus the fact that you would've liked to have seen them shut down a shorthanded Dolphins offense a bit faster, with Miami down star playmakers De'Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle. Still, after their first two drives, the Dolphins had just 58 yards of total offense on 32 plays, with the Patriots defense holding them to -0.83 EPA per play and a 21.9% success rate.

On film, there were a few plays that had me saying, "More of that in the playoffs, please." For example, Miami motions into a four-receiver side to Ewers' right with only one receiver on the backside matched up vs. CB Christian Gonzalez. The Dolphins run a screen to the four-receiver side, which is matched 4-on-4, so Ewers works the backside man coverage matchup. Gonzalez smothers the slant route by Dolphins WR Tahj Washington, forcing Ewers to hold the ball, and the rush gets home when rookie EDGE Elijah Ponder closes the pocket for a sack on 3rd-and-8 – that's the Patriots trusting their Pro Bowl corner on an island.

The other promising passing down came at the end of the first half. This time, New England appears to rotate into cover six (quarter-quarter-half). Ewers opens to the cover two side, where CB Carlton Davis III is taking away the out in the flat, causing Ewers to go through his progressions. In the pass rush, the O-Line slid toward standout DT Milton Williams, leaving DT Christian Barmore 1-on-1 with Dolphins LG Jonah Savaiinaea. Barmore wins that matchup and gets Ewers on the ground for a sack that stalls Miami's drive.

New England's defense has flashes of good all-around execution where they appear to be playoff-ready. However, as has been the case all season, the Patriots defense continues to search for the right formula to start games better. As much as that's frustrating, you'd much rather them be shaky early and then shut it down as the game wears on, rather than letting go of the rope late when games are decided in the second half.

Ultimately, the playoffs will be the true test of whether the Patriots defense is more the unit from Miami's first two drives or the one from the last eight possessions.

Quick-Hit Film Notes From Patriots-Dolphins

​Offense​

- LT Will Campbell was rock-solid in his return and didn't appear to have any physical limitations. Campbell had three 'plus' run blocks and a terrific stunt pickup on third down. The rookie allowed just two total pressures, mostly going against Dolphins EDGE Bradley Chubb. One of his pressures allowed was on Campbell's very first pass set in over a month, where Chubb's power knocked Campbell back (we'll give him some grace). His other pressure allowed came on the "leak" screen to Stevenson, which was an unorthodox blocking scheme off the bootleg. Campbell's second-level climb on the power-lead concept is what sprung Stevenson on his 35-yard TD. Overall, Campbell looked like his usual self vs. the Dolphins.

- RB Rhamondre Stevenson had standout runs of 56, 35 (TD), and 20 yards, gaining 22.8 yards after contact to turn a tackle for loss into a 3rd-and-1 explosive – elite stuff. He also beat Dolphins LB Tyrel Dodson on a sluggo on a 15-yard TD catch, had a standout block in blitz pickup on a 16-yard completion to TE Hunter Henry, and did all the little things correctly, like working back to the ball on his 7-yard screen and churning out some dirty yards by making early penetrators miss in the backfield. This was as complete a performance by a Pats running back in my time covering the team: three explosive runs, 97 yards after contact, 15-yard receiving touchdown, multiple 'plus' blitz pickups – outstanding.

​- WR Stefon Diggs eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the seventh time in his career with a 34-yard catch in the third quarter, which came on a backside crosser that intersected with the double posts on the frontside, a Patriots staple this season. Diggs was called for a false start and turned into traffic when Maye put the ball on his right hip to get Diggs to turn inside, but a 1,000-yard season coming off an ACL is impressive. One other note: the Dolphins were doubling Diggs quite a bit on third down in this game, either with a deep safety or with zone-droppers falling into short zones to take away the inside option routes. Diggs has been getting extra attention for weeks now, so expect that to continue in the postseason.

- RB TreVeyon Henderson didn't have any home runs in this game, but he continues to get better at navigating tight quarters. Henderson had "dirty" runs of seven, six, and six yards that caught the eye, jump-cutting into open entry points and pushing the pile. He also picked up 13 yards on a draw (netted 28 yards due to facemask penalty) and had two goal-line rush touchdowns. Henderson tried to bounce one run outside that netted only two yards, which might get him a minus for some, but he has to take a few chances to get into the open field. Overall, his pacing and vision inside the tackles are improving.

- TE Hunter Henry wasn't perfect with an iffy illegal pick/OPI call against him, and he fell off his block on Kyle Williams' end around, which had a lot of room if Henry had sustained his block. That said, he also had catches of 29 and 16 yards, shielding the catch point on his 16-yard catch on the corner/sail route with the deep zone defender driving at the ball. Henry has been mostly a 'plus' in the run game recently, with a nice climb on a 13-yard run. TE Austin Hooper also had three 'plus' run blocks.​

- WR Kayshon Boute led all Patriots receivers with 33 snaps and caught two of his four targets for 24 yards. Boutte's out in the 30-second drill before halftime was crisp execution as Miami was taking away the deep ball and deep dig patterns. The Dolphins appeared to have a decent feel for where Boutte's sweet spots were, so New England will need to come with some changeups in the postseason if teams keep doubling Diggs.

- WR Efton Chism III dug out the strong safety for some solid run blocking, which set up his 35-yard catch on a flea-flicker, where he sold the fake really well. Chism is doing the dirty work necessary to carve out a role in New England's run formations without WR Mack Hollins.​

- The Patriots tried to get WR DeMario Douglas going with a few vertical shots, one up the seam as the middle-read in the dagger concept (seam-dig) and the other on a motion wheel, which was there if Maye didn't leave the pocket (one of Maye's two minus plays). Douglas's speed and separation ability are different elements that they'll need in the postseason.

- WR Kyle Williams ran only nine routes and wasn't targeted. There was more there if Henry had held his block on Williams' 5-yard end around, but with the Dolphins majoring in zone coverage (87%) and Chism playing more on early downs, there wasn't as much opportunity for Williams this week.

- RG Mike Onwenu continued a run of outstanding play with five 'plus' blocks in the run game and a great pass set to pick up a second-level blitzer. The Pats have gotten Onwenu in a good groove by featuring him on base blocks (fold/down blocks) and occasional pulls at the point of attack, unlocking his play strength in the run game. He's entering the playoffs on a heater.

- RT Morgan Moses was called for a hold that contributed to a stalled drive and allowed two hurries, but he got enough of the rusher to let Maye step through the pocket. Moses also had three 'plus' blocks in the run game and has really been impressive on his second-level climbs lately. The right side of the Pats O-Line is looking rock-solid for the postseason run.

- C Garrett Bradbury had two uncharacteristic missed blocks on a backside reach (Sieler TFL) and allowed a hurry on a swim move. Bradbury also had some great blocks, especially when he created the crease inside for Stevenson on his 56-yard run. Bradbury also showed impressive anchor on a stunt to pick up the looper and was the lead blocker as a puller on Stevenson's wildcat TD. Bradbury's athleticism at the pivot pops off the tape, making him a fun watch every week.

- LG Ben Brown was steadier this week. Brown had five 'plus' blocks in the run game, including pancaking his man on a great down block on Stevenson's 35-yard TD run. However, Brown probably should've taken the inside linebacker on the fourth-down stuff, leaving the outside corner for Henderson rather than the linebacker. The Pats were still one short in the blocking scheme, but the execution wasn't great either.

- OT3 Thayer Munford had some struggles in this game with a missed block on the fourth down stuff and on a 3rd-and-1 rush that Stevenson saved. Munford has been a bit shaky the last few weeks, and you wonder if Brown will take over that role if/when rookie LG Jared Wilson clears concussion protocol, or if NT Khyiris Tonga will get some of those reps when healthy.

- QB Pressures (Maye pressure rate - 26.1%): Campbell (hit, hurry), Moses (2), Bradbury (1), Brown (1), Stevenson (1), Onwenu (0).

Defense/Special Teams

- DT Milton Williams played 28 snaps (50%) in his return from a five-game absence. Williams logged a six-yard run TFL when he was unblocked to the ball and had a hurry while working a T/T stunt with Barmore on a third-down sack. As mentioned previously, Williams' impact was felt throughout this game, drawing slides/double teams in the pass rush and beating blocks to disrupt Miami's run game. Besides some rustiness in his screen reads, Williams moved well on film and didn't seem to lose much explosiveness due to his injured ankle – all is well here.

- CB Christian Gonzalez played at a Pro Bowl-level in this game with blanket coverage on an island twice as the backside corner. First, he defended a deep ball intended for WR Tahj Washington, where Gonzalez became the intended receiver while the ball was in flight and likely would've had an interception if he didn't get tangled up with Washington. Then, he smothered a backside slant by Washington that resulted in a sack by rookie Elijah Ponder. Gonzalez also held up the runner on LB Jack Gibbens' forced fumble, pursued the ball for a coverage stop in screen support, and logged a hurry on a corner blitz. They'll need this Gonzo moving forward.

- CB Carlton Davis III wasn't at his best, allowing a 19-yard completion to Washington (deep stop route), an 8-yard slant to Theo Wease to move the chains on third down, and was called for a 27-yard DPI while covering Washington on a vertical route. Davis did force an incompletion with tight coverage on an in-breaker to TE Greg Dulcich and took away Ewers' first read in the flat on Barmore's sack, but the Dolphins' shiftier receivers gave him some trouble.

- LB Jack Gibbens has become an asset for the Patriots defense with great fourth-down coverage to force an incompletion in the end zone, a forced fumble, a pair of run stuffs, and he nearly intercepted Ewers on a zone-dropper over the middle. The lone blemish for Gibbens was getting picked off in man coverage on a 13-yard screen, but his length and instincts make an impact in coverage almost every week. Gibbens has earned starter reps in the playoffs, hopefully alongside captain Robert Spillane.

- DT Christian Barmore was freed up some by Williams' return, registering a sack when he got a 1-on-1 matchup with the line sliding toward Williams in the rush. Barmore also logged a pressure on a screen drop-back, another QB hit, and a run stuff, but he did lose contain as the backside end on a bootleg scramble that gained nine yards.

- DT Cory Durden was back in a more complementary role playing alongside Barmore and Williams, and was unlocked a bit as a result. Durden beat Dolphins LG Jonah Savaiinaea for a third-and-1 stop and had another run stuff on the goal line, beating single blocks in both instances. When he's not getting double-teamed, Durden has good anticipation and the ability to slip blocks in the run game to make plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

- EDGE Anfernee Jennings logged two pressures on bootleg schemes and a 7-yard tackle for loss when he was left unblocked. However, he did lose an edge that resulted in a 6-yard run by the Dolphins thanks to some nifty ball handling by Ewers. Jennings has made some plays while in a larger role, filling in for injured captain Harold Landry III (knee).

- EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson had a nice edge set on a run stuff and racked up some pressures in the second half, including coming free as the inside looper on a stunt where he chased down Ewers for a sack. Chaisson lost an edge that resulted in a 9-yard run by the Dolphins.

- EDGE Elijah Ponder could be a sneaky important player for the Patriots in the playoffs, logging three total pressures, while working over the top to close the pocket on a sack in the second half. Ponder has been responsible for mirroring quarterbacks in the Pats pass-rush fronts, allowing their other rushers to pin their ears back on third down. He'll likely be tasked with keeping an eye on Chargers QB Justin Herbert in the third-down pass rush on Sunday night.

- LB Christian Elliss was in on two stuffed runs and limited the damage by retracing on a 14-yard jet sweep by Malik Washington. Washington had a lot of green and blockers in front, but Elliss chased him down from behind to save a bigger play. LB Jahlani Tavai had some struggles against the Dolphins boot schemes, allowing a 9-yard scramble and a 7-yard catch.

- Rookie S Craig Woodson made a terrific open-field tackle to save a big play on a 13-yard screen (3rd-and-17) and picked up the backside crosser on a bootleg concept that ended with an interception for S Jaylinn Hawkins. However, Woodson also allowed a 20-yard completion into his coverage on third down, was dug out by a wide receiver on a 6-yard run and appeared to be responsible for Ewers' lone touchdown pass. On the 20-yard reception, you'd like Woodson to recognize that Gibbens had the seam-splitter in Tampa-2 covered, which should've freed up the rookie safety to drive the deep dig in the dagger concept rather than stay back.

​- S Jaylinn Hawkins capitalized on an errant throw by Ewers on his interception and jumped a crossing route from his perch as the post-safety for nearly another interception. Hawkins now has interceptions in back-to-back games and has been around the ball quite a bit this season.

​- CB Marcus Jones didn't have much thrown his way on Sunday, but he beat Dolphins LG Jonah Savaiinaea with an impressive rush on his blitz for a sack and cleaned up a run stuff.

​- On the blocked field goal, the Dolphins put the maximum six rushers to the left of the long-snapper to overload the left side of the protection, with DT Zach Sieler splitting OL Brenden Jaimes and OT Vederian Lowe. Lowe appears to take the inside and Jaimes takes the outside, leaving Sieler unblocked. The Dolphins had the same rush on K Andy Borregales' 59-yard field goal before halftime, which Lowe and Jaimes blocked well.

​- QB Pressures (Ewers - 41.4% pressure rate): Ponder (sack, hit, hurry), Barmore (sack, hit, hurry), Chaisson (sack, hit, hurry), Jones (sack), Jennings (2 hits, hurry), Taylor (hit, hurry), Gregory (hurry), Williams (hurry). Run stops: Gibbens (2), Jennings (2), Durden (2), one each (Pettus, Barmore, Elliss, Chaisson, Williams, Jones, Tavai).

​- Coverage: Davis III (4/3/34 yards/DPI/PBU), Woodson (4/2/27 yards/TD), Mapu (1/1/20 yards), Woods (1/1/16 yards), Gibbens (2/1/13 yards/2 PBUs), Elliss (2/2/10 yards), Tavai (3/3/9 yards), Hawkins (3/2/8 yards/INT), Gonzalez (2/0/0), Jennings (1/0/0). ​

DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer