1. Slippery Long Snap Leads To Easy Seven - Its really hard to say how the game would have played out if Miami is able to get a good punt off after a disappointing series. The Patriots Defense was psyched that they could force a 3-and-out, but the botched punt was a nice bonus. Brady and the offense had trouble against Miami, but it certainly helped to get an early start. I've got to credit the offense for overcoming an early holding penalty. Capitalizing with a TD was huge because Miami's defense came very close to forcing a FG (which would have been a big morale boost for Miami). This is one of those plays where you have to credit all three phases for putting together some complimentary football. Offense, Defense, and Special Teams had a hand in this one.
2. Low Block Call On INT - The Patriots looked to be in control of the game until Brady misfired on a ball to Aaron Hernandez. The ball was badly under-thrown into tight coverage, and it just seemed like Brady assumed Hernandez would beat his man. Hernandez couldn't do much to stop the INT, but considering how close Reshad Jones was to Hernandez at the time of the INT, Hernandez needs to make the tackle at least. Jones turned the corner and raced for a TD while my face hit my palms. Luckily, there were calls for cheap shots on both teams, and Miami suffered the consequence of settling for a FG. This just shouldn't happen. I can live with INTs by Brady, but this team can't suffer to give away defensive TDs. Thank the offsetting penalty rule for bailing us out here.
3. Roughing The Kicker Call Extends TD Drive This could have been the most important play in the game because it gave new life to a struggling offense. Brady and company actually went 3-and-out on their first drive of the second quarter, but they got bailed out by an over-aggressive Miami punt-block team. New England was looking haggard on offense, and Nate Ebner had even false started on the first punt attempt. Zoltan Mesko got absolutely drilled on the play, but luckily he was not hurt. After the penalty, Brady led the team 56 yards for a TD, making the score 14-3. Miami's mistakes had resulted in 14 New England points, and penalties had cost them 4 points by wiping out the pick-6. Still, you've got to credit The Patriots for actually capitalizing on these miscues by Miami.
4. Trevor Scott's Sack/Fumble On Tannehill - Obviously any turnover is huge in a divisional game, but this play was especially significant because it came from a fill-in player off the bench. No one really expected Scott to get two sacks and force a fumble in place of Chandler Jones. Neither of the sacks were outrageous, but the fact is that there was production. The Patriots pass rush has not been consistent this year, but I was happy to see flashes because I had low expectations for the reserves behind Jones. On this play, Scott actually launches his helmet into Tannehill's arm to jar it free just before the throw. Vince Wilfork muscled Richie Incognito away from him long enough to fall on it. Once again, The Patriots capitalized on the miscue, but this time with a FG.
5. Mayo Sacks Tannehill On 3rd & 4 - Early in the 4th quarter, Miami still had a chance with the score at 20-10. Miami was driving, and they marched into the red zone looking for a TD. Tannehill faced a 3rd and 4 from the 7 yard line, and he dropped back to pass. Jerod Mayo made a savvy play to delay on a blitz until the RB Daniel Thomas had committed to the help the outside blocking. Mayo pretty much got a free run at Tannehill, and he dropped him for a sack. The FG made it 20-13, and New England took the next possession and ended the game with great blocking. By forcing a FG with a big sack by Mayo, New England was able to kick a FG to maintain a 2 score lead. This was a big defensive stop that has been given much credit because everyone wants to talk about the 16 play drive to seal the deal.
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