Patriots' Reserves, Not Stars, Won the Game in Miami

The New England Patriots beat the Miami Dolphins, 24-19, on November 1 at Hard Rock Stadium, and the result should settle an argument that lingered over the franchise all summer: depth is a real asset, not a line item.

New England played without wide receivers A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins and running back TreVeyon Henderson, then lost tight end Hunter Henry to a foot injury in the first half, the Boston Globe reported. In a rainstorm, the offense still functioned, because three receivers no taller than 5 feet 11 inches did the work. DeMario Douglas turned three targets into three catches for 76 yards, including a fourth-quarter scoring catch. Kyle Williams caught one pass, a third-quarter touchdown. Efton Chism lost an early fumble, then led the team with five receptions for 37 yards. Together they produced 156 of quarterback Drake Maye's 199 passing yards.

The defense followed the pattern. Cory Durden recorded 1 1/2 sacks, four tackles and three quarterback hits; safety Jaylen Reed added a half sack. Corey Kiner carried seven times for 38 yards to drain the clock.

Coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels moved personnel around and got production from players few counted on in September. Guard Matt Pryor explained it more bluntly: "A hungry dog runs faster." Paying for that hunger is the cheapest competitive edge in football.

This story was first reported by The Boston Globe.