FOXBOROUGH - After a thoroughly dominant two-game, 10-day road trip out west, the Patriots came back home on Thanksgiving Weekend for a brief visit with the Gillette Stadium faithful before they pack up for another three-week road slate.
With the exception of 8-2 Pittsburgh, the remaining teams on New England's schedule are all AFC East opponents, and none of them are playing great football at the moment.
Which begged the question of whether the Patriots would experience a post-Thanksgiving slumber in their lone November home game.
That didn't appear to be the case initially, as Tom Brady and the offense jumped out to a 14-0 1st-quarter lead, aided in part by a successful Nate Ebner fake punt that ended Ebner's afternoon (and perhaps his season).
It appeared the Patriots were going to pad that lead, and they later did, but they also made several costly mistakes. In fact, the only points the Dolphins could muster came directly off Patriots miscues. First, Miami safety Reshad Jones recovered a mistimed shotgun snap by center Ted Karras and rumbled into the end zone.
"It was 100-percent on me. I just snapped it early," Karras lamented.
Later, a Malcolm Butler pass interference penalty set up a Cody Parkey field goal. It looked as if Miami was poised to put at least three more points on the board just before halftime, following a rare Brady INT, but Stephon Gilmore came to the rescue by picking off Matt Moore in the end zone.
"They ran that route on us earlier in the first quarter," Gilmore explained to reporters, "and I knew they were going to come back to it. I know every time [WR DeVante] Parker is in the slot he runs the seam empty so I just beat him to the spot.
"Yeah, anytime you can take the ball away and get the ball back to our offense, it's always good. You keep doing that, you'll win a lot of games."
In the second half, Miami began imploding, having a player ejected for throwing a punch at WR Danny Amendola, losing a fumble, and seeing their best running back carted off the field with an injury. The Patriots pounced, adding a fourth touchdown.
Then they appeared to get greedy and bypassed a makeable 43-yard field goal attempt at the start of the 4th quarter that would have extended their lead to 31-10. Miami held on 4th down and proceeded to march on a scoring drive that trimmed the lead to 11. That would be as far, though, as Miami would come to mounting a comeback.
"It was a good effort. We came ready to play today," safety/co-captain Duron Harmon maintained. "Everything wasn't perfect and I'm pretty sure it won't be perfect tomorrow when we watch the film, but it felt good to go out there, turn the ball over and get some sacks because that's something we've been wanting to do all year."
"A lot of [players] understand their role and are figuring out the defense and the schemes," observed defensive end Trey Flowers. "A lot of guys are playing comfortable, making plays and they keep getting better. We work hard and it's important to continue to get better."
The Patriots played nearly flawless football on the road the past two weeks. That wasn't at all the case Sunday at home in Foxborough. The offensive line, which has been strong of late, run-blocked well (196 total rushing yards by New England), but didn't pass protect as effectively. Brady was hit hard several times after delivering the football.
The New England Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins in a regular season game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
New England Patriots quarterbacks Brian Hoyer (2) and Tom Brady (12) take the field to warm up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady charges onto the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady charges onto the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady warms up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady warms up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Members of the United States military line up off the field for part of the Salute to Service military appreciation campaign before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Members of the United States military line up off the field for part of the Salute to Service military appreciation campaign before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
A member of the United State Navy poses with New England Patriots mascot Pat Patriot as part of the Salute to Service military appreciation campaign before an NFL football game between the Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
A flyover of fighter jets are part of the Salute to Service military appreciation campaign before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes over the rush from Miami Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch (50) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch (50) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (13) run from Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (20) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) crosses the goal for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, center, celebrates his touchdown with tackle LaAdrian Waddle (68) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Rex Burkhead (34), Dion Lewis (33) y Brandon Bolden (38) Photo (AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs from Miami Dolphins defensive back T.J. McDonald (22) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, right, scores a touchdown with Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones on his back during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, right, spikes the ball to celebrate his touchdown against the Miami Dolphins with Danny Amendola, left, and Ted Karras, center, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, center, celebrates his touchdown against the Miami Dolphins with Danny Amendola, left, and Ted Karras, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks for a receiver under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch (50) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) runs from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, right, catches a touchdown pass at the goal line in front of Miami Dolphins linebacker Chase Allen (59) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, top, celebrates his touchdown catch with James Develin, bottom, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates his touchdown pass to running back Rex Burkhead during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game between the Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates his touchdown catch against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks runs after catching a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty, left, and linebacker Kyle Van Noy celebrates a defensive stop against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks runs after catching a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) gains yardage against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots linebacker Marquis Flowers, left, and defensive end Trey Flowers, right, sack Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore, center, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis, right, runs past Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (56) delivers a hit on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after he threw a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls signals in the huddle with a scraped left elbow during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks celebrates his touchdown catch against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks celebrates his touchdown catch against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks scores a touchdown catch against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones, center, celebrates with teammates after sacking Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates his touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks, right, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates his touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks, right, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speak at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speak at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase, left, and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speak at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady departs after speaking to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady waits to speak to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady waits to speak to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty wears red slippers while he speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski wears sneakers as he speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick arrives to speak to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Meanwhile, a number of Patriots left the game with various injuries, including substitute right tackle LaAdrian Waddle, who couldn't finish the 4th quarter.
Only two things appear capable of slowing down this Patriots juggernaut right now: themselves (i.e., mistakes) and injuries. Against Miami, they weren't at their best, but still managed to overcome their obstacles and secure yet another win.
"We're playing good ball, but still not our best," remarked wide receiver Brandin Cooks. "We have to continue to work."
"It wasn't pretty, but we came away with a win," concluded running back Rex Burkhead. "There are some things we have to clean up and improve if we want to get where we want to be. But it was a good win for us. Hopefully take this moving forward with some momentum."
