New England Patriots: Studs and duds vs. Dolphins in Week 17

Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images
Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images
Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images /

Stud: Sony Michel

Sony Michel once again led the running game and rushing attack for the Patriots in the contest, leading the team in yards on the ground in the divisional showdown. The running back finished the contest with a total of 74 yards on the ground with a total of 18 carries in the game. He also managed to add one rushing touchdown throughout the matchup.

More from NFL Spin Zone

Going into the postseason, Michel is going to need to continue and be a dominant force on the ground and in the rushing attack for New England as it prepares to make another deep run in the playoffs.

Dud: Passing defense

In the game, New England’s defense, which has been pretty solid for a majority of the regular season schedule, struggled to some extent against Miami’s passing game in Week 17.

The Dolphins were able to tally a total of 326 yards passing through the air, although the Patriots were ultimately able to hold them to just one touchdown in the passing attack in the matchup.

New England did do a nice job against the Miami running game, but the fact that it allowed a struggling Dolphins team to air things out as much as it did is something that certainly stood out as a dud for the Patriots.