Against the three-receiver package with Charles Clay at tight end, the Patriots played a 4-2-5 nickel with Jamie Collins alongside Dont’a Hightower at linebacker, which added more speed at the linebacker level. The Patriots also used a 4-1-6 dime against that grouping, usually on third down. Against the Dolphins’ more traditional two-receiver package when Clay was in the game as a tight end, the Patriots stayed in a 4-2-5 nickel but had Brandon Spikes alongside Hightower at linebacker for a bit more power in the front six. The only time the Patriots went to their base defense was against the Dolphins’ two-receiver package that didn’t include Clay.