Boston Globe/Bedard: Patriots Dolphins Report Card

Great stuff here from Bedard, Frenz and I mentioned this article a total of three times today on the podcast. And I’m not just quote/posting it because he’s so positive about the defense. Well, maybe a little.

Sorry, but the Patriots defense was good. And, for at least one night, it was improved.

Consider: The Patriots, despite sending an extra rusher on only 10 of 53 dropbacks, generated 20 quarterback pressures (sacks, hurries, and knockdowns combined).

That matched the 2010 season high set against Green Bay and first-time starting quarterback Matt Flynn.

And the 14 percent third-down conversion rate was no fluke. No matter what the Dolphins did on fourth downs in desperation garbage time.