MIAMI – A look at snaps played by Patriots defenders in the team’s 23-16 win over the Dolphins, while analyzing what it might mean (small margin for error):

CB Alfonzo Dennard – 63 of 63

S Steve Gregory – 63 of 63

LB Jerod Mayo – 63 of 63

S Devin McCourty – 63 of 63

CB Aqib Talib – 63 of 63

DE Rob Ninkovich – 57 of 63

DL Vince Wilfork – 51 of 63

DE Trevor Scott – 50 of 63

LB Brandon Spikes – 45 of 63

CB Kyle Arrington – 36 of 63

LB Dont’a Hightower – 35 of 63

DL Brandon Deaderick – 34 of 63

DL Kyle Love – 26 of 63

DE Justin Francis – 18 of 63

DT Jake Bequette – 12 of 63

S Patrick Chung – 8 of 64

DL Ron Brace – 3 of 63

LB Tracy White – 2 of 63

S Tavon Wilson – 2 of 63

(Penalties included.)

ANALYSIS: Patrick Chung’s fall down the depth chart stands out. His eight snaps came on the final three drives of the game, as rookie Tavon Wilson was playing in the dime package over him earlier in the game. The Patriots appear to have settled on a Devin McCourty/Steve Gregory safety pairing. Also, there is more stability at cornerback, with Aqib Talib and Alfonzo Dennard going wire to wire, with Kyle Arrington coming on in the nickel. … DE Trevor Scott’s first start of the season produced a season-high 50 snaps. His previous high was 32, versus the Colts. … Rookie DE Jake Bequette’s 12 snaps came as an interior rusher in sub packages. … For the second straight week, DL Brandon Deaderick started over Kyle Love and played more snaps next to Vince Wilfork. … In the nickel package, LBs Brandon Spikes and Dont’a Hightower split reps.