FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- At an initial glance, and without the benefit of film review, a look at which Patriots are "up" and which are at the opposite end of the spectrum from Sunday's game against the Dolphins:
Up
Jamie Collins/Kyle Arrington -- They teamed up for a blocked field goal in the first quarter (by Collins) that was returned 62 yards for a touchdown (by Arrington).
Rob Gronkowski -- The Patriots' offense was struggling entering the second half, with Gronkowski held without a catch at that point, before the MVP candidate exploded in the third quarter to help the Patriots take over the game (3 catches, 96 yards, TD).
Devin McCourty -- Safety had strong coverage in the end zone on tight end Charles Clay in the first quarter, forcing a field goal.
Tom Brady's feet -- With Tom Brady's passes getting tipped at the line of scrimmage more than the norm, it was Brady's feet that delivered arguably the biggest play of the game -- a 17-yard run on third-and-11 that helped set up a touchdown on the next play to cap off the opening drive of the third quarter, when the game seemed to turn.
Down
Malcolm Butler -- Rookie cornerback was given the matchup against receiver Mike Wallace and Wallace got the best of him.
Chris Jones -- Defensive end got sucked in early by play-action and opened up the edge for quarterback Ryan Tanehill on a 15-yard run. He didn't play much the rest of the way.
Ryan Wendell --Starting right guard was called for two penalties in the first half and was part of some spotty protection up front.
Situational football -- Three straight runs late in the second quarter, then giving up a punt return and touchdown, had the Patriots outsmarted and outexecuted in an aspect of the game they take pride in acing.
