Patriots vs. Dolphins: By the Numbers

Taking a look at a few numbers that stood out from the Patriots' 23-13 win over the Miami Dolphins:

23%

The Dolphins' third down efficiency. The defense found ways to get off the field today, which was critical given the offense's struggles for three and a half quarters.

7:18

The time the Patriots took off the clock with their final offensive drive of the game, which resulted in a game sealing field goal. The offense has struggled to close out close games this year, so in a game where the unit struggled throughout the day, it was nice to see them rally and earn the win.

44.8%

Ryan Tannehill's completion percentage on the day. Sure, Tannehill missed some throws he probably should have had, but don't discredit the Patriots' pass defense for their strong play. The other key: a strong pass rush that included two sacks from Trevor Scott in his first start of the year.

31-21

The number of targets and receptions combined for Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez. Both of these players had strong games, with Welker pulling in 12 catches for 103 yards and a touchdown on his 18 targets.

1-1

The number of targets and receptions for Brandon Lloyd. While it was nice to see Welker and Hernandez have such big games, you've got to think that the Patriots would like to see Brady spread the ball around a bit more. Lloyd is a special talent who can make plays that no other player on the roster can, yet the team has gone away from him more and more in recent weeks. I'm sure an effort will be made to get him more involved going forward.

4

Times Tom Brady was sacked in this game. Sebastian Vollmer in his return, struggled blocking Cameron Wake. And when Dan Connolly went down with a first half injury, his replacement Nick McDonald also struggled (even briefly being replaced by Marcus Cannon). After allowing just two sacks in the previous five games, the unit has to be disappointed they struggled like they did today.

8-10

Number of carries and yards for the Patriots in the first half. Meanwhile, the Patriots threw the football 26 times in the opening half.

24-98

Number of carries and yards for the Patriots in the second half. A complete reversal of their lack of commitment to the run in the first half, and one of the primary reasons they were able to hang on for the win. Brady threw the ball just 14 times in the second half.