PFF’s Best and Worst Patriots Grades for Week 12 (at Miami)

The New England Patriots played competitive football for four consecutive weeks beginning in Week 8. Although the Patriots went 2-2 during the span, both losses were one-score games. That changed for the worse in Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins.

Joey Slye missed a 33-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter, which would have given the Patriots a 3-0 lead. It turned out to be the last time New England had possession with a chance to take the lead all game. Miami reeled off 31 unanswered points en route to a 34-15 final score.

The Patriots showed some fight in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late for the visitors. New England’s defense was no match for Miami’s passing attack. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 29 of 40 passes for 315 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. It was the first time in Patriots franchise history they allowed four passing touchdowns while intercepting no passes in consecutive games.

Also Read – Ten Takeaways From the Patriots 34-15 Loss in Miami

Pro Football Focus Grading System

Following each game, Patriots Football Now posts which New England players received the best and worst grades from Pro Football Focus for that week’s game.

The PFF scale goes from 0-to-100. A grade below 60.0 is indicative of being replaceable by a non-roster player. Pro Bowl grades are 85.0 and higher.

Here is a look at the New England Patriots who stood out, for better or worse, in Week 12 (note: players must play a minimum of 20 snaps to qualify, except for special teams).

HONOR ROLL

Eight New England Patriots received grades of 70.0 or better against Miami. This group consists of two offensive players, five defensive players, and one from special teams. Eight in not a bad total, though it was nearly doubled by the dishonorable roll for Week 12.

TE Austin Hooper (79.1)

Based on the production of their tight ends, New England might want to consider playing more double tight end sets. Hooper played 26 snaps on Sunday. He caught all four of his targets, picking up 59 yards and a touchdown. Hooper only blocked for six run plays but earned the team’s highest run-blocking grade in that small sample.

LB Christian Elliss (78.4)

Elliss received the highest grade on the New England Patriots defense. He recorded four tackles (three solo), a stop, and a quarterback pressure. Christian Ellis added a pass-breakup on a potential touchdown throw to De’Von Achane in the end zone.

LB Jahlani Tavai (75.1)

After radio hosts irritated Jahlani Tavai with a question about missed tackles on Friday, Tavai recorded zero on Sunday. He finished with eight tackles (three solo) in the game. In coverage, Tavai was targeted eight times, which resulted in six completions for 51 yards in a touchdown. However, he received a respectable 68.5 for his coverage grade.

Honorable Mention: DB Jonathan Jones (73.8), ST Jaylinn Hawkins (72.8), DE Keion White (72.7), WR DeMario Douglas (70.7), CB Christian Gonzalez (70.1).

DISHONORABLE ROLL

Once again, this list is far too long for the New England Patriots. It consists of 14 players, which did not include several special teams players who scored in the high 50s. A few names near the bottom of the Week 12 grades should come as no surprise to those who watched the game.

RT Demontrey Jacobs (22.6)

Jerod Mayo ended up taking Jacobs out for the fourth quarter of the game. He struggled with protection and penalties in the game. Jacobs allowed nine pressures in the game, including two sacks. Officials flagged Jacobs for two penalties. His run blocking earned his best grade, which was still only a 38.2.

S Kyle Dugger (33.4)

The Patriots captain received the lowest grade from PFF of his five-year NFL career. Dugger received “credit” for allowing two of Tagovailoa’s four touchdown passes. He made seven tackles (six solo) with two stops and no missed tackles. Dugger struggled mightily in coverage, however. He was targeted seven times, resulting in six completions for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Most concerning, Dugger allowed a total of 51 yards-after-catch in the game. He was also flagged for a penalty.

LB Sione Takitaki (42.6)

The Patriots linebackers were either boom or bust on Sunday. Elliss and Tavai landed on the honor roll, and Takitaki received the second-lowest grade on defense. He recorded two missed tackles and recorded just one assisted tackle in the game. The Dolphins targeted him in coverage three times, which resulted in two completions for 21 yards and a touchdown.

WR Kayshon Boutte (45.1)

Boutte played 60 offensive snaps on Sunday, the most among New England’s wide receivers. Maye targeted him four times but he made only one catch for six yards. Boutte picked up two penalties in the game as well, both for offensive pass interference. Anytime a wide receiver picks up more penalties than receptions, they are likely to land near the bottom of the grading chart.

PK Joey Slye (46.9)

This grade for Slye does not include his kickoffs. His 45-yard field goal attempt on New England’s second drive would have given the Patriots a 3-0 lead. Instead, his miss was the sign of bad things to come. He finished 0-for-1 on field goal attempts and 1-for-1 on extra points.

Others Who Struggled in Week 12: LT Vederian Lowe (51.7), ST Brenden Schooler (52.7), TE Hunter Henry (53.3), WR Ja’Lynn Polk (53.6), RB Antonio Gibson (54.0), DT Daniel Ekuale (55.3), C Ben Brown (56.4), S Jaylinn Hawkins (57.1), LB Anfernee Jennings (57.6).

Weekly Disclaimer

Grades issued by Pro Football Focus are their independent scoring of players’ performances. They do not represent the assessment of Patriots Football Now, as noted with some examples above. The reports are used to offer a different perspective on the performances of players in a given game.

The New England Patriots (3-9) host the Indianapolis Colts (5-7) in Week 13.