The Patriots went into Week 17 with nothing to play for, and the Dolphins were looking to try and retain a bit of respect and pride on the season by going out with a win.
After the first two drives it became pretty clear that the Dolphins didn't come to play, and the Patriots rolled over them for a blowout win. This game could easily have been a shutout but for a late circus-catch touchdown from Davone Bess deep in garbage time.
New England kept its starters in the game for a good period of time, ending the season on a high point.
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Dolphins: Three performances of note
We made the point last game that Pat McQuistan was clearly out of his depth at right tackle. So of course, the Dolphins actually started him at the position this week. As you might expect, it didn't go well for McQuistan, and his -3.4 PFF grade represents his struggles in pass protection. He surrendered a sack, a hit and a pressure and realistically did about as you would expect. It just goes to show the problems that the Dolphins have had on their O-line this season after having a strong unit last season.
Paul Soliai (-1.9) had a fine day marred by a series of penalties. Soliai's three penalties cost the Dolphins and undermined an otherwise impressive day from the big nose tackle. Soliai registered a hit as a pass-rusher, and all five of his tackles were defensive stops. Soliai has been enjoying an impressive season in a contract year, and Dolphins fans will be hoping they can tie him down as a long-term answer at nose tackle. Then they'll be hoping that he wasn't just playing for the money.
Tyler Thigpen (+2.6) can be a frustrating player to watch. Every time you see him, he'll likely make a couple of plays that make you want to see him get an extended run as the starter, but he's also capable of truly awful and unacceptable plays. He made a couple of both types of play in this game, and got lucky to avoid an interception on a ball heaved up with a prayer to avoid pressure. But he seems to have the poise and spark that Chad Henne (-1.4) hasn't shown.
Patriots: Three performances of note
Rob Gronkowski (+2.6) is already one of the more complete tight ends in the league. With fellow rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez missing through injury, Gronkowski has begun to shine for the Patriots. He caught six of the 10 passes thrown in his direction in this game, topping 100 yards on the day, and had an impressive day as a blocker. Gronkowski, despite being a rookie, is one of the keys to the Patriots' success at the moment.
Benjarvus Green-Ellis (-2.1) didn't earn a very good overall grade, but he graded positively for his rushing performance of 20 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown. He crept over 1,000 yards for the season, the first Patriots HB to do so since Corey Dillon in 2004. The Lawfirm's negative grade came from his pass protection, in which he surrendered a hit and a pressure from his five snaps pass protecting.
We could pick out any one of half a dozen defenders that had impressive games, but instead we're going to point to Logan Mankins' (+3.4) performance at guard. Mankins surprised a lot of people with a Pro Bowl nomination despite missing half the season, but in just eight games he has risen to third in our OG rankings. Mankins was again dominant, especially as a run-blocker, where he was instrumental in helping Green-Ellis earn his yardage on the day. He's been used an example of “what's wrong with the Pro Bowl,” but in fact he was quite deserving.
Rookie report
Mickey Shuler (-0.9) didn't have a great game for the Dolphins at tight end, dropping the only pass to come in his direction. … Koa Misi (-1.7) failed to generate any pressure from his nine pass rushes. … Guard John Jerry (+1.0) surrendered a single pressure in the game. … Reshad Jones (+0.2) played 19 snaps.
For the Patriots, Devin McCourty (+0.8) had an impressive game, allowing a single reception as well as gaining an interception. … Jermaine Cunningham (-0.2) only saw six snaps. … Wide receiver Taylor Price (+0.6) played 23 snaps on offense and made a couple of nice plays.
Random note
The Patriots finish the year more than 10 clear of the next best term in terms of turnover differential and more than double the third-place team.
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