Week 8 Patriots vs Dolphins Instant Analysis and Observations: 36-7 Final Score and 10 Things We Learned

Tom Brady has ascended to Valhalla

26/38 for 356, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Brady has been in total control this entire season and his performance against the Dolphins was a work of art.

The Patriots offense has too many weapons

Defenses can't key in on Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, or Dion Lewis. Brandon LaFell is getting back into the offense. Danny Amendola had a quiet day, but he is extremely trustworthy.

The offensive line is in dire straits

Tre Jackson left the game with an apparent knee injury, forcing Ryan Wendell to step into the line-up. Luckily, Wendell was the starting right guard last season so the transition was seamless. Still, the Patriots have placed Nate Solder on the injured reserve, and Marcus Cannon and Shaq Mason were inactive with injuries. Bryan Stork can return this week, but New England needs to heal up their line quickly.

LeGarrette Blount is a great closer

Defenses want nothing to do with him and Blount picked up a fair chunk of his 72 yards and 17 carries while draining the clock. It's comforting when Blount smells blood because he always falls forward and finds a way to move the chains to extend the drive.

The run defense is one of the best in the league

Sure, their overall rank isn't that great, but one week after stopping the Jets, the Patriots held the Dolphins to 15 yards on 13 carries. That's obscene. Every single defensive player is having an impact in the rushing game, whether it's Akiem Hicks or Patrick Chung, Chandler Jones or Dont'a Hightower. This is a total team effort.

Chandler Jones has found his consistency

One of the biggest knocks on Jones was that he struggled to string together positive performances. Well, he's been playing with his hair on fire since Jabaal Sheard went down with an injury. Jones now leads the league with 8.5 sacks, which is the type of production that everyone expected out of Jones. He's finally putting everything together.

The third down defense greatly improved

After two poor performances against the Colts and the Jets, the Patriots limited the Dolphins to just two conversions on 11 attempts. That's phenomenal and a testament to the Patriots adjustments. It didn't look like the Patriots were doing too much differently from their typical plan, but Jones was beating his blocks more regularly and the pressure was getting to quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

The Dolphins had just eleven plays on the Patriots side of the field

Their first play on the Patriots side of the field was their missed 63-yard field goal attempt before the half. They had two plays on the Patriots side on their first drive out of the half that resulted in a touchdown. They had eight plays in garbage time that resulted in a turnover on downs. The Patriots defense was absolutely lights out all game.

Stephen Gostkowski should win the Ballon d'Or

Gostkowski connected on two field goals, including a key 52 yarder while the offense was still struggling. He also made all four of his extra point attempts to remain perfect on the season. He's earned every penny on his contract and he's well on his way to winning another All Pro nod.

Bill Belichick still owns the AFC East

The Patriots are now 7-0 for the second time in franchise history (2007) and they now have a victory in the pocket against each of their divisional foes. New England is still in the driver's seat of the division and every other team is coached by someone in their first year. Can we call this year yet?