The O struggled, for sure. The D barely had a chance? I dunno. They could have played better. A large part of the reason they were dominated on TOP is because they couldn't get off the field when Miami had the ball. The Dolphins started the game with a six-minute FG drive and followed that up with a 4 1/2 minute FG drive.
I'm sure you know why I highlighted that the drives ended in field goals, so I won't even mention the fact that the Dolphins didn't score touchdowns...except that one time I just mentioned it.
The 6-minute drive sucked, but I think context matters. First, the Dolphins had a great first 20-25 plays lined up for the game, and they only got 6 points out of their best plays. Second, the 4 1/2 minute drive started at the Dolphins 44 because of a Patriots interception. It was great field position, and they still only conceded the FG. I think those two drives highlight both your point and my point, if thats possible...
My issue with people like you who love the defense so much you want to marry it is that you make excuses for them in games like last night when they don't dominate TOP, turn the ball over, etc., but don't recognize when those advantages cut the other way. Against the Chargers, for instance, they dominated TOP, never gave LA good field position, and held the game to few drives; are you downgrading that defensive performance? (FWIW, EPA actually ranks the defensive performance against the Chargers a little worse than last night's, so I'm not just making this up)
How dare you insult the great institute of marriage...
Let me be clear about my position on the defense. I don't love the defense. I don't even
like the defense. I think it lacks across all three levels. The line can't pressure or clog lanes consistently. The linebackers are slow both physically and diagnosing plays. Their corners seem to have reverted to the Patriots of 5 years ago where they can't make plays nor are they willing to turn their heads to even try. It feels like nearly every player on the defense has regressed.
With all that said, the defense is good enough, in conjunction with a top 3 offense, to win a Superbowl. They've adopted enough of BB's key mantras - keep your man in front of you, don't give up the big play, make solid tackles, do your job, trust the man next to you - since the beginning of the season, that they have the ability to perform at a league average level throughout the course of a game.
Can they be exploited? Yes. They are low on talent across the board. But history has shown us time and again that this type of defense is not the reason the Patriots will bow out of the playoffs. If the Patriots get bounced in the playoffs, it'll be because a team gets pressure with a 4 man rush and can clog the short passing lanes on Brady.
TL;DR, I don't think the Patriots defense needs to do more than what traditional BB defenses do, especially this year where there are no juggernaut offenses. Force teams to convert a lot of 3rd downs, make them execute, and don't give up the big play. Because I have low expectations of what they need to do, I don't hate them despite how frustrating they are to watch.