Halftime: Patriots shutting out Dolphins 19-0

The New England Patriots are shutting out the Dolphins at halftime of Thursday Night Football in week eight, leading the Miami Dolphins 19-0.

New England's offense got off to a hot start with a quick touchdown on the opening drive. The Patriots established the run with LeGarrette Blount and quick throws by Tom Brady. Brady went 4/4 on the drive, the last of which was a 47 yard catch and run by Rob Gronkowski to give the Patriots the quick 7-0 lead.

That touchdown was the Patriots only offensive score until less than a minute to go in the half. Had it not been for a string of penalties on offense and a missed defensive pass interference call in the second quarter, the Patriots lead could have been a whole lot more.

Defensively, the Patriots have been suffocating. The front seven has dominated. Chandler Jones has two sacks and Rob Ninkovich has been everywhere. Malcolm Brown, Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower, and Patrick Chung have all been making plays as well. Logan Ryan highlighted the Patriots' secondary play with a key interception in the second quarter.

On offense, Dion Lewis is pacing the Patriots with six receptions for 93 yards. The offensive line got off to a good start protecting Brady, but the pressure from the Dolphins' front was more effective in the second quarter.

The Dolphins will get the ball to begin the second half.