Pats Pulpit - Game Thread, Updates: Patriots vs. DolphinsPats Pulpit: A New England Patriots Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51321/pp-fav.png2012-12-02T23:36:30-05:00http://www.patspulpit.com/rss/stream/34820852012-12-02T23:36:30-05:002012-12-02T23:36:30-05:00Stevan Ridley Reaches 1,000 Yards on the Season
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FC59y9n1uat6yTlA9gDMdOVK9og=/232x0:3986x2503/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4311277/157360479.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Ehrmann</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>For the first time since 2010, the New England Patriots have a 1,000 yard rusher. Stevan Ridley's 71 yards against the Miami Dolphins was good enough to push the second-year back's rushing total of the 1,000 yard mark on the season.</p> <p>Heading into Week 13, <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> running back <span>Stevan Ridley</span> needed just 61 yards to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark on the season—and for the first time in his career.</p>
<p>Ridley not only accumulated those 61 rushing yards, but he finished with an impressive 71 yards on 19 carries while punching in the team's first touchdown on the day.</p>
<p>Following the game, Ridley spoke with the <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4735537/ridley-excited-to-reach-1000-yards">media</a> and was certainly excited to reach one of his preseason goals:</p>
<p>"I just knew that I was going to work hard, and God just keeps opening doors for me. I’m very thankful—a 1,000-yard back in my second year."</p>
<p>Ridley becomes New England's first 1,000 yard rusher since <span>BenJarvus Green-Ellis</span> did so back in 2010, as he finished with 1,008 rushing yards. New England's franchise record for most rushing yards in a season is held by <span>Corey Dillon</span>, as he recorded 1,635 yards in 2004.</p>
<p>Ridley is 625 yards away from Dillon's record with four games remaining on the year—so it's unlikely that the second-year back out of LSU will set the record, as he'll need an average of 156.3 yards per-game.</p>
<p>Franchise record or not, it's definitely promising of what we've seen Ridley do thus far in 2012. Ridley has not only made New England's offense far more balanced than it's been in a while, but he's turned New England's ground-attack into one of the NFL's finest, as the Patriots have the most rushing scores in the league with 19.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.3em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; width: 488px; overflow-x: auto; max-width: 100%; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Any questions about this article? Ask me on Twitter!</b></p>
<p _idv_element_hash="160917024" style="margin-bottom: 1.3em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; width: 488px; overflow-x: auto; max-width: 100%; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/TonySantorsa" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold; outline: 0px; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" alt="Follow <span class=" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"></a></p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/2/3720666/new-england-patriots-running-back-stevan-ridley-reaches-1000-yards-onTony Santorsa2012-12-02T18:00:37-05:002012-12-02T18:00:37-05:00Patriots vs. Dolphins: By the Numbers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/O8z3DQPA7mBAGtHjt6fO6VdMYgg=/0x500:3028x2519/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4291999/157357640.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Ehrmann</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Taking a look at a few numbers that stood out from the Patriots' 23-13 win over the Miami Dolphins.</p> <h5><i>Taking a look at a few numbers that stood out from the Patriots' 23-13 win over the Miami Dolphins:</i></h5>
<h3>23%</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>7:18</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>44.8%</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>31-21</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>1-1</h3>
<p>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. </p>
<h3>4</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>8-10</h3>
<p>Number of carries and yards for the Patriots in the first half. Meanwhile, the Patriots threw the football 26 times in the opening half.</p>
<h3>24-98</h3>
<p>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.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/2/3719004/patriots-vs-dolphins-by-the-numbersGreg Knopping2012-12-02T17:42:18-05:002012-12-02T17:42:18-05:00Julian Edelman Injury: Seen in Crutches, Boot
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HuTiVbmx5YLNz1j2sD_UAQuO83k=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828033/large_patspulpit.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Heading into today, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> were faced with a shortage of depth at wide receiver. Now, they could be completely depleted. <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4735524/edelman-seen-with-crutches-boot" target="_blank">Field Yates of ESPN Boston reports</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was using crutches and wearing a walking boot when he briefly emerged from the locker room after suffering a foot injury in the team's AFC East-clinching victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>.</p>
<p>Edelman left the game in the fourth quarter and was announced as questionable to return due to a foot injury, although it is not clear how severe the injury is. Entering the game, Edelman was questionable to play due to a concussion suffered against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> on Thanksgiving.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is obviously still a situation that is developing, and we'll continue to monitor it. For now, however, it's hard to really put a positive spin on this news. </p>
<p>If Edelman were to miss extended time, it would leave just <span>Brandon Lloyd</span> and <span>Wes Welker</span> as the only two "true" receivers on the roster. The Patriots do have options if Edelman is out. <span>Deion Branch</span>, who was likely cut because of a hamstring, could return to the roster if healthy. The team could also opt to sign <span>Donte Stallworth</span>, whom the team cut at the end of the preseason, but had in for a workout last week.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/2/3719164/julian-edelman-injury-update-seen-in-crutches-walking-bootGreg Knopping2012-12-02T16:57:07-05:002012-12-02T16:57:07-05:00AFC East Champs! Patriots Finish Dolphins 23-13
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5nEaHYebt95rtMP17PF9D7jIufE=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4290603/20121202_jrc_su8_003.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Patriots turned in a strong defensive performance, and finished things strong as they clinched their fourth straight division title.</p> <p>It wasn't pretty, but it gone the job done. With a 23-16 victory over the division rival <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> are AFC East Champions once again.</p>
<p>At many times, the Patriots' offense was hard to watch today. Patriots receivers struggled to get open throughout much of the game. Julian Edelman and <span>Brandon Lloyd</span> combined for just two catches all game. Lloyd, who would figure to be one of the offense's key targets with <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> out, was targeted just once.</p>
<p>Quarterback <span>Tom Brady</span> struggled at times. His deep ball was erratic - to say the least. And he made some questionable decisions, such as a forced first half throw intended for <span>Aaron Hernandez</span> intercepted by Dolphins' safety <span>Reshad Jones</span>. The Patriots also struggled to protect Brady, who was sacked four times and felt the pressure at many other.</p>
<p>Yet through all of this, the Patriots were able to hang on and get the victory and secure the AFC East crown. At times, it felt like one of those early season games that the Patriots would manage to blow down the stretch - but these aren't your same Patriots.</p>
<p>The Patriots' biggest issue in the first half was their awful run to pass ratio - 8 to 26. They really turned that around in the second half, showing a great ability to adjust. After four carries for four yards in the first half, Ridley carried 15 times for 67 yards in the second half.</p>
<p>Furthermore, the Patriots arguably had their drive of the season to seal the victory. Nursing a seven point lead, the Patriots' offense march 77 yards on 16 plays, taking more than seven minutes off the clock. They capped off the drive with a <span>Stephen Gostkowski</span> field goal which gave the Patriots a virtually insurmountable 10 point lead with just over a minute to go.</p>
<p>Of course, the main reason the Patriots won this game was because of the way the team played on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots flat out brought it today on defense, playing what was arguably their best 60 minutes of football this year. As the second half began, and each Patriots' drive stalled, the defense held strong and allowed the team to maintain their narrow lead. In total, the unit racked up three sacks and held the Dolphins to 3.7 yards per carry, 277 total yards, and allowed <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> to complete just 13 of his 29 passes. Not to mention they also allowed the Dolphins to convert just three of 13 third down tries.</p>
<p>Overall, it was far from a pretty game for the Patriots, and they Dolphins really gave them a run for their money. But when all was said and done, the Patriots managed to win an ugly game - their second this year after escaping against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> at the start of this win streak. And with the win, the Patriots clinch their fourth straight AFC East title. Now it's all about playoff positioning. More on that later.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/2/3718904/afc-east-champs-patriots-finish-strong-beat-dolphins-23-16Greg Knopping2012-12-02T16:23:24-05:002012-12-02T16:23:24-05:00What We Learned From New England's Win in Miami
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DntPhHg_L4e-9QMoFF3hwxmhcGQ=/0x477:3906x3081/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4302009/20121202_pjc_bm1_119.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With New England's 23-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots are now 9-3 on the season and have won the AFC East. Let's take a look at what we learned following the team's huge victory in Miami. </p> <p>Following New England's 23-16 victory over the Dolphins in Miami, the Patriots have won the 2012 AFC East divisional crown—which clinches at least one home playoff game for the Patriots.</p>
<p>New England's win wasn't all that pretty, but there are definitely a lot of positives that we can take away from this game—as well of some negatives, of course.</p>
<p>In that spirit, let's take a look at what we learned following New England's 23-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins.</p>
<p><b>1. I have zero faith in Stephen Gostkowski</b></p>
<p>How pathetic is it that whenever Stephen Gostkowski goes out to kick a field goal, I have to hold my breath? I really don't have any faith in this guy anymore.</p>
<p>Gostkowski now has missed six field goals on the season as he missed a 49-yarder Sunday afternoon.</p>
<p>If a playoff game comes down to a field goal attempt out of Gostkowski, I really don't think he'll make it—he's just missing that "clutch gene."</p>
<p><b>2. Wes Welker now shares something in-common with Jerry Rice</b></p>
<p>After Wes Welker's 12 reception, 103 yard performance against the Dolphins, Welker is now tied with Jerry Rice with 17 career games with 10 or more receptions—which is the most in NFL history.</p>
<p>Welker also has 16 career games with 10 or more receptions as well 100-plus receiving yards, which is also most in NFL history.</p>
<p>I think it's safe to say that Welker is the NFL's most lethal possession wide receiver.</p>
<p><b>3. New England's offensive line was a bit shaky</b></p>
<p>With Logan Mankins missing yet another game and Dan Connolly leaving the game with a back injury, New England's offensive struggled as Tom Brady was sacked four times.</p>
<p>As Brady was under pressure for most of the game, this something that needs to be fixed if the Patriots want to have any success playing against elite defenses in the playoffs.</p>
<p><b>4. Stevan Ridley is incher closer to being an elite NFL running back</b></p>
<p>Stevan Ridley now has 1,010 rushing yards on the season, as he's New England's second 1,000-yard rushing in the last three seasons.</p>
<p>Ridley played very well against the NFL's seventh ranked run-defense, as he racked up 71 yards on 19 carries as well as punching in a touchdown.</p>
<p>Ridley was at his best in the fourth quarter on New England's final scoring drive, as he rushed for an incredible 46 yards.</p>
<p>Having Ridley in New England's offense not only makes it balanced, but it makes it incredibly dangerous and very difficult to stop.</p>
<p><b>5. The New England Patriots are 2012 AFC East Champions</b></p>
<p>With the victory, the Patriots now improve to 9-3 on the season and are 2012 AFC East Champions.</p>
<p>The Patriots not only clinch a playoff spot, but they also clinch at least one home playoff game.</p>
<p>As for the race for the top seed in the AFC, the Houston Texans are now 11-1 and are two games ahead of the Patriots.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.3em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; width: 488px; overflow-x: auto; max-width: 100%; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Any questions about this article? Ask me on Twitter!</b></p>
<p _idv_element_hash="160917024" style="margin-bottom: 1.3em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; width: 488px; overflow-x: auto; max-width: 100%; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/TonySantorsa" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold; outline: 0px; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" alt="Follow <span class=" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"></a></p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/2/3718782/patriots-vs-dolphins-what-we-learned-from-new-englands-23-16-victoryTony Santorsa2012-12-02T14:40:15-05:002012-12-02T14:40:15-05:00Patriots Struggle, Lead Dolphins 17-10 at Half
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RGkHk-olI8ALHQzM_pJsXRzxNUI=/0x79:4000x2746/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4282731/20121202_gav_su8_128.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Patriots struggled in the first half, but managed to maintain a 17-10 lead after 30 minutes.</p> <p>It hasn't exactly been a picture-perfect first half for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>. They've struggled consistently - especially on offense. Yet after 30 minutes, they lead the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> 17-10 in a game that could clinch them the AFC East division. Quick thoughts:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 8.999999046325684px;">Tom Brady has struggled in this one, missing on several throws, and forcing a throw to <span>Aaron Hernandez</span> that was intercepted by <span>Reshad Jones</span>. The pass-run ratio has been awful, with Brady throwing 26 times, and <span>Stevan Ridley</span> carrying the ball four times for four yards. Ouch.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 8.999999046325684px;">The bright spot on offense has been receiver <span>Wes Welker</span>, who has recorded 10 receptions for 89 yard touchdowns and a bubble screen that went for a touchdown. Tight end Aaron Hernandez is second with three catches for 41 yards, but also has two drops. Receiver Brandon Lloyd meanwhile, has yet to be targeted on <span>Tom Brady's</span> 26 pass attempts.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 8.999999046325684px;">On the injury front, right guard <span>Dan Connolly</span> went down, eventually going to the locker room. He was replaced by <span>Nick McDonald</span>, who allowed a sack to <span>Paul Soliai</span> (and looking pretty dreadful in the process).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 8.999999046325684px;">Defensively, things have been a little up and down. The unit started the game by forcing two three and outs, and also forced a second quarter strip sack of <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> (<span>Trevor Scott</span> with the sack/fumble, <span>Vince Wilfork</span> with the recovery). However, they let up a long touchdown drive to end the first half, and have struggled to slow down <span>Reggie Bush</span>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 8.999999046325684px;">You can't help but wonder what the score of this game would be had a couple of breaks not gone the Patriots' way - such as the muffed punt by Dolphins punter <span>Brandon Fields</span> on the opening drive, and the late hit on <span>Zoltan Mesko</span> that extended an eventual Patriots scoring drive.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 8.999999046325684px;">The Patriots get the ball to start the second half, so they will have the chance to turn things around on offense.</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/2/3718440/patriots-struggle-still-lead-dolphins-17-10-at-halfGreg Knopping2012-12-02T12:47:29-05:002012-12-02T12:47:29-05:00Game Thread: Patriots vs. Dolphins
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pU3hDpuCq4UooszaalzoSqaqGJ0=/0x13:600x413/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4276909/gyi0061930187.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Marc Serota</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Use this thread to discuss the Patriots vs. Dolphins week 13 game!</p> <p><span style="line-height: 8.999999046325684px;">Feel free to use this thread to discuss the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> vs. <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> week 13 NFL match-up!</span></p>
<p>For Dolphins coverage, visit <a href="http://www.thephinsider.com/">the Phinsider</a>.</p>
<p>Looking for <a href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nfl/new-england-patriots-tickets?pubid=1011122">New England Patriots tickets</a>?</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/2/3718032/game-thread-patriots-vs-dolphinsGreg Knopping2012-12-02T11:38:55-05:002012-12-02T11:38:55-05:00Patriots Inactives: Vollmer In, Shiancoe Out
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ph9dFzUEblGEsCMNeg_C92nAprA=/860x609:3466x2346/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4272109/156665841.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Rogash</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The New England Patriots announced their week thirteen inactives, which included one minor suprise: tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> have announced their inactives for their week 13 match-up at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>:</p>
<p><b>DE <span>Chandler Jones</span></b></p>
<p><b>TE <span>Rob Gronkowski</span></b></p>
<p><b>OL <span>Logan Mankins</span></b></p>
<p><b>OL <span>Mitch Petrus</span></b></p>
<p><b>TE <span>Visanthe Shiancoe</span></b></p>
<p><b>FB <span>James Develin</span></b></p>
<p><b>DB <span>Derrick Martin</span></b></p>
<p><i style="font-weight: bold;">Thoughts: </i>The only minor surprise on this list is tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. His de-activation reflects how he has been passed on the depth chart by <span>Daniel Fells</span> and <span>Michael Hoomanawanui</span> on the depth chart, despite initially appearing to be ahead when Rob Gronkowski went down.</p>
<p>As for Gronkowski, he was already declared out, along with Chandler Jones and Logan Mankins. The good news for Patriots fans: <span>Sebastian Vollmer</span> returns at right tackle after missing last week's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>. Another notable player active: <span>Jake Bequette</span>. The third round pick has been inactive for most of the season as a healthy scratch as he continues to develop, but with Jones sidelined due to his ankle injury and <span>Jermaine Cunningham</span> suspended, perhaps he could get some reps to prove himself.</p>
<p>Final notables: CB/ST Marquice Cole gets the nod over Derrick Martin. Last week, Martin seemingly got the nod over Cole. Also, rookie free agent tackle Marcus Zusevics, battling illness, is active and could make his pro debut.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/2/3717780/patriots-inactives-vs-dolphins-shiancoe-outGreg Knopping