From the Sporting News…

You figured the Patriots would have trouble scoring 38 points in games without Tom Brady, but you also did not think New England’s defense would give up 38 points in any game, especially at home.

The Patriots’ conservative game plan with Cassel works only if the defense is doing its part, tackling well and coming away with key sacks and takeaways.

For the first time in a long while, a Bill Belichick defense looked dazed and confused. The Dolphins had an efficient, balanced attack, incorporating some trickery. The result was 461 total yards for Miami, with no giveaways and no sacks allowed.

The Patriots missed tackles. They lost the physical battle up front, getting worn down by the power of Brown and Williams. Their secondary was off-balance all game. And most atypical of a Belichick defense, the Patriots were outschemed, totally out of whack when Brown was lining up at quarterback and running off direct snaps.

Matt Cassel was indeed decent. This is a poorly kept secret. The Pat’s defense has been pushed around since late last year.