Bill Belichick made it clear in his tone during his Wednesday press conference that he wanted his team to avoid any letdown or trap heading into the home opener against Miami following the previous week's Sunday night upset in Arizona.
Well, message received. Jimmy Garoppolo led New England to an impressive eight-play, 75-yard opening touchdown drive capped by a 15-yard touchdown throw to Danny Amendola for the quick 7-0 lead.
The Patriots defense would get into the fun forcing a punt on the Dolphins opening possession giving Garoppolo another chance that the fill-in young passer turned into a 75-yard drive to a 20-yard touchdown pass to Martellus Bennett.
Barely halfway through the first quarter in Foxborough and Garoppolo was well on his way to the potential blowout victory, building early-season momentum rather than falling victim to any sort of trap game that Belichick may have feared for his young quarterback or team.
But an even bigger fear came to fruition late in the second quarter when Garoppolo suffered a shoulder injury as he was driven to the turf following a completion to Malcolm Mitchell. Garoppolo went to one knee on the way back to the New England bench, left the field and immediately went to the Gillette Stadium locker room. He was announced as questionable for return, but he did not as he was officially rule out at the conclusion of halftime. Early reports from the Boston Herald indicated that Garoppolo could miss at least six weeks, put his return beyond that of Tom Brady's.
What was on the way to a blowout turned into New England holding on for a 31-24 win, Duron Harmon icing it with an interception in the end zone on a fourth-down Dolphins play as time ran out.
For the second straight week the Patriots held on for the victory and improved to 2-0 atop the AFC East.
Strangely, when Garoppolo went down with a 24-0 lead, it was the defense rather than the offense that seemed to suffer. The lead actually swelled to 31-3 before Ryan Tannehill suddenly found plenty of room to throw, finishing with 389 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
In Garoppolo's stead, rookie third-round pick Jacoby Brissett came in and was able to hold on for the victory. The Patriots seemed to tailor the offense to the young passer and some of his teammates on offense did step up. LeGarrette Blount picked up the pace on the ground. Bennett continued to block and added five passes for 114 yards.
And though the defense gave up 400-plus yards and too-many points, the unit did have four turnovers on the day, including the final pick to close it out.
"It's always good to win at home, good to win in the division. In the end we made enough plays to win, just barely. But we'll take it," Belichick said afterwards.
It took a team effort to hold on after the impressive fast start, which came via a total team effort as well.
"Today I think we got a lot of good performances from a lot of different people," Belichick added.
And though he was thrown to the fire, Brissett did enough in his role.
"Jacoby has been working for this for a long time. He did a good job for us," Belichick concluded.
The bottom line is that the Patriots are halfway through Brady's four-game suspension with two wins. They are down another quarterback and have a short week as the 2-0 Texans come to town. There's a lot to take care of in a short period of time.
"Give Miami credit they fought hard and came back. Good to get this one and we'll move on," Belichick said.
Before moving on to the short week, here are some of the highs and lows from the big Week 2 win in Foxborough:
View the best images from the Patriots Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, September 18, 2016.
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo takes the field to warm up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) slaps hands with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) as he takes the field to warm up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, left, speaks to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft before an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots fans hold up masks of quarterback Tom Brady before an NFL football game between the Patriots and the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. Brady is suspended for the first four games of the season. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, greets Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz on the sideline before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) rushes for a touchdown against Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) scores a touchdown ahead of a the tackle attempt from Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola, left, celebrates his touchdown with Julian Edelman, right, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola, left, celebrates his touchdown with Julian Edelman, right, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola, left, celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) calls signals at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrates his second touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) and defensive end Terrence Fede (78) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrates his second touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) hits Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) after he threw a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins (91) dives for a tackle against Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) scores his second touchdown as he is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Bobby McCain (28) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) flips a pass to Martellus Bennett (88) while in the grasp of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Miami Dolphins linebacker Koa Misi (55) dives to tackle attempt on New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) talks to New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) passes over Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) and linebacker Jelani Jenkins (53) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
General view of Gillette Stadium before an NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) lands on his head after being tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) and safety Patrick Chung (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots fans cheer during the first half of an NFL football game between the Patriots and the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins (91) runs from Miami Dolphins' Jay Ajayi (23) after he intercepted a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, center, alongside head coach Bill Belichick, right, congratulates quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) after LeGarrette Blount's touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) rushes after catching a pass as Miami Dolphins defensive back Isa Abdul-Quddus (24) closes in during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) pitches the ball in front of Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas (31) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Miami Dolphins tight end Jordan Cameron, left, catches a touchdown pass in front of New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung (23) and Jamie Collins during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) scrambles away from Miami Dolphins defensive end Mario Williams (94) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) tries to elude Miami Dolphins defensive back Byron Maxwell (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, right, talks with quarterback Jacoby Brissett during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive back Duron Harmon (30) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker, left, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 31-24. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake, left, gives his jersey to former Alabama teammate and New England Patriots cornerback Cyrus Jones (24) at midfield after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) and wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) speak at midfield after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake, left, speaks to former Alabama teammate and New England Patriots cornerback Cyrus Jones (24) at midfield as Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) walks past after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jelani Jenkins (53) and New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) speak at midfield after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Miami Dolphins defensive end Julius Warmsley (73) and New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) speak at midfield after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
End Zone Militia members congratulate New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard (93) and Miami Dolphins tight end Jordan Cameron (84) speak at midfield after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
BUY
Josh McDaniels – New England's offensive coordinator had a great game plan that led to a couple extremely impressive early touchdown drives. He used similar formations for passes and runs. He mixed up his personnel and seemed to have plays to take advantage of the mobility of his quarterback. McDaniels has had to deal with a tough situation all offseason at quarterback but has handled it well. He continued to do so after the Garoppolo injury, giving Brissett some screens and plays on the move to ease the young passer into the mix. McDaniels' coaching resume is growing more impressive by the week, and the win.
Jimmy Garoppolo – The third-year quarterback was simply on fire early his first home start on the way to the big early lead. He was even that much more impressive than was the case in his first career start on the road. He was controlling the offense. In a quarter-plus of action Garoppolo completed 18 of 27 passes for 234 yards with three touchdowns for a 130.8 passer rating. Then he sent a hush over all of New England – and potential trade talk down the road – when he left the game with a right shoulder injury. Tough break for a young, impressive player finally getting his time to prove his worth, and doing so impressively.
*Danny Amendola – *Many wondered if the veteran receiver would even be on the roster to open the season after missing the entire summer on PUP. He certainly looked healthy early on against the Dolphins, notching a pair of touchdowns from Garoppolo covering 12 and 10 yards, respectively. Now, Amendola did have a lost fumble and was a little loose on the end of a punt return, but the veteran was still critical in the Patriots building an early lead. He finished with four catches on four targets for 50 yards and the two scores in a very efficient effort.
*Chris Long – *The veteran newcomer continues to show endless energy as he runs all over the field. He had a long tackle for a loss after a botched shot-gun snap, one of two QB hits on the day. He also recovered a fumble forced by Logan Ryan on the sideline. Long wasn't perfect chasing Tannehill, but he's been the most active edge (and sometimes inside) guy the Patriots have had threw the first two weeks.
LeGarrette Blount – The running back wasn't great early, despite an impressive passing game. But when the Patriots needed the big man most, he got the job done to run out the game with a third-stringer in the mix. Blount finished with 29 carries for 123 yards (4.2 avg.) and a touchdown. He did have a loose fumble out of bounds on the sideline but he also had a nice 26-yard run on which he hurdled a defender in characteristic fashion. Blount stepped up when needed.
SELL
Marcus Cannon – New England's offensive line remains a work in progress, but Cannon has been less-than-stellar as one of the eldest members of the group. He was hit with one holding call and had a sack he allowed to Cameron Wake in the first half wiped out by a penalty on Miami. Cannon is battling a knee injury already and simply hasn't been good enough the first two weeks as Dante Scarnecchia tries to piece it together up front. That said, Cannon and the rest of the line was a part of Blount's surge late to help run things out.
Cornerbacks – New England's secondary was subpar against Miami, especially in the second half and especially at the cornerback position. Staked with a nice big lead early the pass defense proceeded to watch Ryan Tannehill and the passing game heat up and come back. Nearing 400 yards allowed through the air just isn't good enough. The defense as a whole – the rush and the coverage should be expected to contribute more to the effort given the circumstances. Instead, it gave up too many plays and had to hold on like the rest of the team for dear life.
Stephen Gostkowski – The AFC Special Teams Player of the Week had a very solid game, right up until he missed a 39-yard field goal wide right. That's a kick that any kicker, especially the best in the game, should make. Gostkowski was good earlier from 34 yards. He had five touchbacks and another kick that was covered near the 10. But with the game on the line Gostkowski missed his chance to seal it and those who question his clutch-ness will likely pounce critically yet again.
Penalties –* *If there is one thing that all coaches hate it's piling up penalties. That's exactly what the Patriots did against Miami with seven penalties. Rookie Joe Thuney had a pair of holding calls. Cannon also had a couple holds. Logan Ryan had a pass interference. And Jonathan Freeny had his own flag on D. Two weeks in a row the Patriots have had too many penalties. So far it hasn't hurt them in two hold-on-for-your-life wins. But it has to be better.
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