Patriots Week 18 Report Card In 38-10 Over The Dolphins
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Posted Under: 2025 Patriots Season
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The Patriots finished off their 2025 regular season by beating Miami 38-10 in Gillette Stadium, and sweeping the season series from the Dolphins for the first time since 2016.
The team rushed for 243 yards, with Rhamondre Stevenson leading the way with 131 yards on just seven carries, with three total TDs. After a slow start, the defense shut down Miami in the second half. And in the end, they cruised to another big victory.
But they also won their 14th game of the season, the sixth time in the team’s history to win 14 games, while locking up the #2 seed in the AFC. Although both New England and Denver finished with identical 14-3 records, the Broncos won the tiebreaker and earned the top spot in the AFC, thereby earning the bye week in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Patriots will host the LA Chargers on Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
So, as we always do, let’s break it down by position
Drake Maye didn’t blow anyone away with his stat line; the running game was clicking, where they didn’t need him to be slinging it all over the field. However, he continued his MVP-worthy campaign, making some great plays with his arm and his feet against Miami.
Maye finished 14-18 for 191 yards and a touchdown with a passer rating of 129.4, while also gaining 41 yards on five runs. Maye was pulled in the fourth quarter due to the Patriots being up by four touchdowns, and Josh Dobbs mopped up, but did complete three of four passes for 23 yards.
Rhamondre Stevenson continued his excellent play down the stretch with several big runs and a combined three scores to go along with his 155 combined yards. Stevenson had 104 yards after contact on the day.
He and TreVeyon Henderson combined for 184 yards on 19 carries.
The running game has gotten untracked the past few games, and although Miami’s defense isn’t a top unit, they have been much better down the stretch against the run. This bodes well for the Patriots as they enter the playoffs.
D’Ernest Johnson got in a few carries on offense in mop-up duty and returned two kickoffs.
Stefon Diggs led the way for the wide receivers on a day when the running game was featured. Diggs finished with three catches for 43 yards; his 34-yard catch in the third quarter put Diggs over 1,000 yards for the season, for the seventh time in his career. That catch kicked in a $500,000 bonus.
Efton Chism had a 35-yard catch on a flea-flicker, while Demario Douglas chipped in with 29 yards receiving, and Kayshon Boutte added 24 more.
Hunter Henry led all receivers in the game with five catches for 56 yards. His two-yard catch in the fourth quarter was his 60th of the year and generated a $250,000 bonus. He provided solid run blocking and enters the playoffs on a hot streak.
Austin Hooper and Jack Westover each had a catch but were also solid in the running game.
The offensive line didn’t allow a sack for the first time all season. The running game churned out 245 yards before kneel-downs, while the offense gained 457 yards and scored 38 points.
It was a big day for the offense in general and the offensive line in particular. Getting Will Campbell back and healthy for the playoffs was a nice boost for the unit.
There was a period of inconsistent play early in the game, but overall, they held Miami’s running game (albeit without De’Von Achane) to just 63 yards on the ground. Getting Milton Williams back was huge, and he and Christian Barmore had a few disruptions in the backfield.
They were shorthanded without Harold Landry and Khyiris Tonga, and hopefully will get them both back for Sunday’s playoff game. But in Landry’s stead, Anfernee Jennings had another solid game with two TFLs and two QB hits.
Barmore, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Christian Ponder each had sacks.
Jack Gibbens, filling in for Robert Spillane for the fourth straight game, played particularly well. He had five tackles and two passes defensed.
Jahlani Tavai and Christian Elliss each had eight tackles, as the Patriots shut down Miami’s running game, holding Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon to a combined 22 carries for just 32 yards.
The Patriots’ secondary held Miami to just 117 net yards passing. Rookie Quinn Ewers went 16-23 for 137 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Zach Wilson came on late and went 0-2 passing.
The Patriots played a lot of zone coverage on the day and allowed one touchdown due to a miscommunication and breakdown in coverage. The coverage was much better in the second half after an uneven first half.
Christian Gonzalez was his typical shut-down self in man coverage, with Miami going 0-3 when targeting him. Miami was going after Carlton Davis a bit, with more success.
Jaylinn Hawkins had a nice interception, although Craig Woodson had a rough afternoon and was caught for the Miami touchdown.
The Patriots’ STs, other than a blocked field goal attempt, had a very solid day. Andy Borregales boomed a career-long 59-yard field goal.
The coverage units were solid. Bryce Barringer had a good day, averaging 51.7 yards per punt while putting all three inside the 20-yard line.
Mike Vrabel and the coaching staff had the team ready to go, and they jumped out to a 14-0 lead. Then the team went into a lull before keeping the pressure on the Dolphins and then slowly pulling away.
We’re on to the Chargers and the Wild Card playoff game at Gillette Stadium.
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