Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson took on a much bigger role in his second game as a Patriot and got himself a touchdown in the opening minutes of the third quarter to tie the game at 10. 

Jackson finished the game with 14 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown in his second game. 

Jackson had just 7 carries in his first game. 

Conservative 1st half

Tom Brady only threw five passes in the half of play as the Patriots ran the ball and ran the ball again. 

I personally thought they were going to come out throwing the ball in the first half and try to put the game away and then run the ball in the second half. 

But even on third and longs, the Patriots were running the ball. The Patriots statistically are one of the worst rushing teams in the league. 

Rob Gronkowski was not targeted in the first half and New England at one point went to a running back on 18 straight plays, two of which were passes. 

When the Patriots opened things up in the second half, Brady took some big hits as the offensive line struggled. 

Could be why New England was going so conservative in the first half. 

Defense

Devin McCourty returned to the Patriots defensive line up and the defense looked decent for most of the game, holding on until the offense could get something going. 

Miami ended up racking up 440 offensive yards and scoring 20 points. 

The Patriots defense was without Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower, both of whom are expected to return for the playoffs. 

Jabaal Sheard once again played well for the Patriots along with Rob Ninkovich. 

Offensive Line

Is there anyone happier about the upcoming bye week than the Patriots offensive line? 

Brady was hit hard a number of times and sacked once, losing 8 yards in the process. 

New England is expected to get Sebastian Vollmer back for the playoffs so that should help a little bit  but the O-line still has major questions going into the playoffs. 

Tom Brady Injury

Tom Brady was hurt in the second quarter when the Dolphins Ndamukong Suh landed on his ankle while making a tackle. 

Brady was examined on the sideline, had his ankle re-taped, and returned to the game on the Patriots next offensive possession. 

Brady played the rest of the game and looked fine in the second half when the Patriots started throwing the ball. 

A scary incident though. 

"I'm pretty sore, but I'll be alright," Brady said after the game. 

Brady was 12 fo 21 for 134 yards and no touchdowns in the game.