Patriots

there and we win the rest of our games, we give ourselves a chance,” Patriots running back James White said. “And then whatever else happens, it’s not really in our control.”

One more loss ensures that for the first time since 2000 — the year the Patriots drafted Brady — they won’t finish above .500.

TAKEAWAY STREAKS

Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, and Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard is making a strong bid to succeed him.

Howard leads the NFL with nine interceptions, the most in a season since 2012, and is tied for first in the league with 17 passes defended. Teams continue to throw his way: Howard has an interception in each of the past five games.

“You would think people would learn,” teammate

Christian Wilkins said.

Miami’s defense is much improved since Week 1, when it allowed 217 yards rushing in a loss at New England. The Dolphins rank second in the NFL in points allowed, and are tied for the league lead with 25 takeaways. Their streak of at least one takeaway in 19 consecutive games is the longest in the NFL.

“They’ve been very opportunistic,” Belichick said. “They’ve forced offenses into some bad plays and

capitalized on them.”

DEFENDING McDANIELS

Whatever struggles the Patriots have had on offense this season, Cam Newton maintains they aren’t the fault of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

Asked during his weekly radio appearance if playcalling in the red zone had any effect on the offense going 0 for 4 in last week’s loss to the Rams, the quarterback rose to his coach’s defense.