It was a showcase of ant and boot as the New England Patriots stomped all over the Miami Dolphins 43-0. The first time the Patriots shut out the Dolphins ever in Miami.
Here are the winners and losers of today’s matchup.
Honorable mentions: Chase Winovich and Phillip Dorsett II.
Winner: Adam Butler
The Vanderbilt alum went Super Saiyan in the second game of the regular season recording a sack early in the game.
If that was not enough on a crucial third down, Butler deflected a Fitzpatrick pass ending a Miami drive.
He recorded yet another sack at the end of the third quarter.
Deatrich Wise Jr. was ruled inactive and part of the reason this might have been the case.
Look for Butler to get more time on the line with his athleticism.
Loser: Stephen Gostkowski
Gostkowski continues to have problems with inconsistency.
With the chance to go up by two scores, Gostkowski missed what used to be a routine kick wide right.
To put the cherry on top of the diarrhea shake, Gostkowski missed the extra point at the end of the second half and one more with time winding down in the game.
He is making it hard to trust him when he trots on the field for field goals.
Loser: Josh Gordon
Gordon was dealing with the Dolphin’s best cornerback Xavien Howard in most cases. Nevertheless, Gordon was not creating any separation and had by far his worst game as a Patriot.
Loser: Offensive Line
The Patriots are losing offensive linemen left and right and it is starting to effect Brady’s protection.
Brady found himself on the turf whether it be a sack or quarterback hits. The Dolphins are not a good team and if the Patriots meet a squad with a decent pass rush, the 42-year old might be kissing the turf quite a bit this season.
Winners: Stephon Gilmore and Jamie Collins
Gilmore recorded his first pick-six of his career and suffocated every receiver he was covering.
Gilmore also assisted on a Devin McCourty interception with a reaching deflection.
In addition, linebacker Jamie Collins made a one-handed grab for pick-six of his own as well as a second interception in garbage time.
Two winners as they both accounted for most of the second half points.
Winner: Antonio Brown
Amid all the buzz and media coverage, Brown emerged as the offense’s best weapon on the day.
Brown at the end of the first half, recorded four catches for 56 yards and his first score as a Patriot.
In addition, the former Oakland Raider and Pittsburgh Steeler fielded an end around showcasing his speed.
Barring anything happening from a legal standpoint, the Brown, Patriots marriage just might work.
