Witness the kid in Laurence Maroney.

As part of the NFL’s summer program to get kids to exercise at least 60-minutes a day, they could enter a sweepstakes to bring a pro athlete to their school.

Twelve-year old Tyler Hutchinson won the contest, and was a celebrity for a day.

Learn more about Play 60. Seriously, get your kids off the video games and send them out in the yard. Maybe do toss the football around. You, too. Put the Blackberry down and get winded. It’s good for you.

That old connection of which Patriots fans grew so fond in 2007 returned on Sunday to propel New England to a 27-17 win over the Miami Dolphins.

Tom Brady hooked up with Randy Moss on two key plays — both resulting in a touchdown by the end of each respective drive.

Midway through the first quarter, Moss streaked down the right sideline. Brady lofted a pass toward Moss, who plucked the ball out of the air with his right hand. Defensive back Vontae Davis, who was stride-for-stride with Moss, brought him down at the 1 yard line.

Laurence Maroney then rushed the ball in with ease, giving the Patriots a 7-3 lead at the time.

On the opening drive of the second half, Miami methodically worked the ball downfield, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown pass by Ronnie Brown out of the Wildcat formation. The score put the Dolphins up 17-16, with momentum building in their favor after New England settled for three second-quarter field goals.

Brady and Moss slowed that momentum on the ensuing drive.

Facing 3rd & 1 from their own 29 yard line, Brady hit Moss on a short crossing pattern. With Davis right on his heels, Moss stiff armed the Miami rookie and broke away by running with high knees to avoid getting tripped up. He sprinted 71 yards down the sideline for a touchdown, and caught the two-point conversion to put New England up 24-17.

“You get eleven guys working together, then anything’s possible,” Moss said in a short press conference following the 27-17 win. “That’s what we try to do here is execute on offense. Everybody did everything right on that play, and you see the results.”

Moss finished the game with six receptions for 147 yards and the lone touchdown. It was Brady who surpassed Drew Bledsoe for the most 300-yard passing games in franchise history with 27. He finished the day 25-of-37 for 332 yards, one touchdown and an interception.

The win gives the Patriots a (6-2) record, as well as the all important division win against Miami. Remember, it was just last year that New England was kept out of the playoffs due to an in-division tiebreaker.

“It’s a big division win,” head coach Bill Belichick said. “Miami’s (3-0) in the division coming into this game, so that was a huge win for us.”

Grinding out a tough win like this comes at the right time for this club, which faces Indianapolis, the New York Jets and high-scoring New Orleans in each of the next three weeks.

“This is an important time of year. November comes around and your team pretty much is what it is,” Brady said. “We’ve got a pretty tough stretch here in November, so it was good to get off to a great start.”

Brady said that, at this point in the season, what you see on the field is what the Patriots offense and defense will be. We will find out in the coming weeks if that is enough to beat the best teams in football.

Patriots lead 16-10 coming out the break. But Miami is picking up momentum.

It’s quite disadvantageous to settle for field goals, as it has kept Miami right in this game. This Patriots offense needs to start going for the jugular.  At least the defense has learned to close down the option, setting the edge and forcing Pat White to keep it for a minimal loss.

But stopping the Wildcat is too tough on three straight goal line plays, with Ronnie Brown passing to a tight end for a tricky touchdown.  It all goes back to New England blowing scoring chances in the first half.  Patriots 16 Miami 17

Told you so.  The only way New England will win is by scoring touchdowns.  Randy Moss does so on a quick crossing pattern, face washing Vontae Davis to gain separation and running the rest of the way for a YAC-heavy 71-yard touchdown reception.  He adds the two-point conversion catch for good measure.  Patriots 24 Dolphins 17

You go to the bathroom for two minutes, and the Patriots get an interception called back because Pat Chung hits Chad Henne in the helmet — with his helmet.  Rookies.

With 1:09 remaining, Stephen Gostkowski ices the game with another field goal.  Patriots 27 Miami 17

Statistics:

• Tom Brady: 25-of-37 passing, 332 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Randy Moss: 6 rec, 147 yards, 1 TD

Anyone enjoy the Bye Week? Me neither.

I missed a few plays, like Tom Brady’s interception on the first drive picked by Vontae Davis, and a fumble return for a touchdown by Adalius Thomas that was called back. I had a feeling the Patriots would start slow off the Bye Week, despite everyone saying how it could only help them.

What I didn’t miss, was Randy Moss‘ one-handed grab — over Davis — that put the ball at the one yard line. Looks like his back is feeling better after the Bye. Laurence Maroney waltzes into the end zone on the next snap. He showed nice patience on this drive with the few handoffs he was given. Patriots 7 Miami 3

You can spend two weeks preparing for the Wildcat, but it doesn’t do you much good when Chad Henne is dropping back to pass on every play. Although, Pat Chung and Brandon Meriweather coming on the blitz is a good defense against such an attack. Chung gets the sack, proving himself a solid addition to this defense as a first-year player.

Aside from the one drive where Henne completed a few consecutive passes, this New England defense is looking stought. Tight coverage, good pass rush and staying home against the run. Well coached, one would think.

Brady is working the play fake like nobody’s business, marching down the field as the Dolphins are loading up against the run. Strange tactic. Still, Moss can’t catch them all. New England settles for a field goal Patriots 10 Miami 3

Oh there you are, Wildcat, as Pat White gains 33 yards for the Phins. A few plays later, he runs the option, pitching it to Ricky Williams, who bursts through the spacious Patriots defense for a touchdown. Looks like White never left West Virginia. Patriots 10 Dolphins 10

It’s always the holding penalty that sets a team from barnstorming into the end zone.  This is no exception.  A nice Kevin Faulk screen pass is called back by holding, and the Patriots are forced to settle for another field goal.  Patriots 13 Dolphins 10

Well this is a new one, the Patriots are flagged for offsides on the kickoff — one that was buried out of the end zone by Stephen Gostkowski, keeping it out of Ted Ginn’s hands.  Wonder if it is the player standing in for Eric Alexander, who is out for this game.  Like it even matters, though, because Gostkowki repeats it from 5 yards behind the normal kickoff spot.

The new guys are good at getting pressure on the quarterback, meaning Tully Banta-Cain and Derrick Burgess.  Just set those two on the either end and let ‘em rip.  Simple, but effective.

Two minute drive time from his own 10, and you just know Brady will pick them apart — mainly with the help of Wes Welker.  And Aiken, the pass interference-drawing machine.  After a drop by BenJarvus Green-Ellis in the end zone, a sack and quick play, the Pats are left with 1 second on the play clock.  You guessed it — 34-yard field goal.  Patriots 16 Miami 10

Statistics:

• Tom Brady: 18-of-29 passing, 224 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
• Wes Welker: 6 receptions, 73 yards
• Dolphins: 13 rushes, 76 yards

Starting with the ball and a 21-7 lead, New England’s offense looks to recapture some of that 59-0 magic displayed in the snow against Tennessee.

3RD QUARTER:

It’s almost as if he heard the criticisms. Tight end Ben Watson streaks down field for a 35-yard touchdown reception. With tight coverage on Randy Moss throughout the game, Tom Brady needs another target other than Wes Welker. Watson provides that intermediate-to-long-range option. Patriots 28 Bucs 7

A surprising player against the run is recently extended Tully Banta-Cain. His career has been built on the pass rush, but his run blitzes up the gut this game have been essential in putting the Bucs into 2nd & long positions.

It would appear these Patriots receivers are struggling to get open, as Brady has been forced to by time with his feet, and even scramble in an effort to pick up first downs.  Tampa Bay, unlike Tennessee a week prior, is still showing fight in the third quarter.

Still a concern for New England’s defense is the poor tackling at the second level.  If a receiver gains separation from coverage, linebackers and safeties tend to overpursue, allowing a series of cutback moves by the ball carrier to take maximum effect.

A rookie making his presence known each week, defensive lineman Myron Pryor continues to find ways to get to the quarterback.  It doesn’t always lead to sacks, but twice he has brought Josh Johnson to the ground when in his throwing motion.

4TH QUARTER:

Performing much better than Joey Galloway did, third receiver Sam Aiken shows he can be explosive after the catch on short dump off passes and screen plays.  It adds to his value as special teams captain.

It’s never a positive sign, to see a stud defensive end like Ty Warren carted off to the locker room.  Mike Wright can easily line up at the end position, but it limits the defense’s flexibility to shift between the base 3-4 and base 4-3.  This will be something to monitor, if this potential injury lasts through the upcoming Bye Week.

No harm in building one’s confidence heading into the Bye Week, as Laurence Maroney gets the call inside the 10, scoring his first touchdown in Merry Ol’ England.  Patriots 35 Bucs 7

An up and down day for Brady leads to some PT for Brian Hoyer.  One wonders how important it was for Brady to put on a show similar to that of last week’s 59-0 drubbing.  He has been compared to David Beckham on a global level.  Not that he had a terrible day, but it was anything but a dominant performance.

Statistics of Importance:

• Tom Brady: 23-of-32 passing, 308 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
• Laurence Maroney: 13 rushes, 43 yards, 1 TD
• Wes Welker: 10 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD
• Patriots Defense: 3 sacks; Pat Chung (1), Derrick Burgess (1), Mike Wright (1)
• Patriots Defense: 3 INT; Brandon Meriweather (2), Darius Butler (1)

A look at the first half of New England’s game “at” Tampa Bay, via Wembley Stadium in London.

PREGAME:

It’s nice to see that Patriots with some bounce in their legs, showing excitement for this game. The opposite of the team’s stoic appearance prior to losing Super Bowl XLII.  After last week’s 59-0 drubbing of the Tennessee Titans, it appears this team is having fun again.

Is Curtis Martin in the house?  One-time megastar Toni Braxton opens the game by singing the Star Spangled Banner.  Some lady of whom I’ve never heard sings God Save the Queen.

1ST QUARTER:

Brandon Meriweather gets in touch with the British fans early, celebrating his pick-six by slapping hands with those fans sitting in the front row behind the end zone. Meriweather broke quickly on a short curl route, catching Josh Johnson’s pass attempt in stride and running it back 39-yards untouched to put the Patriots on the board early. Patriot 7 Bucs 0

He makes his presence felt early, hitting Johnson as he throws. Talking about Adalius Thomas, the much-talked-about healthy scratch from Week 6. Not to lessen his accomplishment, but it appears most every pass rushing is getting through.

The 15 step drop doesn’t help, as Johnson manages to evade the pass rush, but his pass is a little high and nabbed yet again by Meriweather. New England’s offense finally makes its way on the field.

Where’s the snow machine, one might be asking.  New England’s drive stalls, as Tom Brady passes to Wes Welker, who cut off his route about two yards short.  The Patriots went with five wide.

One way to get the offense moving is a reverse to rookie Brandon Tate, playing in his first NFL game, and a crossing pattern to Randy Moss that nets big gains.  Tate gives the Patriots versatility among the receiving corps.  But it’s Welker who scores on his pattented bubble screen from 14 yards out.  Sebastian Vollmer gets out there and springs Welker with a big block.  Patriots 14 Bucs 0

2ND QUARTER

Is Tom Brady’s Red Area interception a concern?  Likely not for Patriots fans, since the Bucs haven’t gotten anything going on offense.  On the move, he throws into double coverage looking for Moss.  No. 81 puts little effort into preventing the pick.  It would have taken a perfect pass to get it into Moss’ hands, and it was underthrown.

Leave it to Brady, coming back on the following drive, evading pressure and hitting Sam Aiken on a short crossing pattern — all while moving his feet, just like he was on that interception.  Aiken takes it to the house untouched for a 54-yard touchdown.  He follows it up by sprinting down the field on kick coverage. And you wonder why the Patriots signed him to an extension this past week.  Patriots 21 Bucs 0

It’s a risk to go deep to a rookie receiver playing in his first game, but one Brady is willing to take.  Unfortunately for him, Tate doesn’t adjust to a slightly underthrown ball, leaving an uncontested Aqib Talib to come down with an interception.  That’s two picks for Brady, but he’s clearly taking more chances with a 21-point cushion.

Burned on back-to-back plays, Darius Butler watches Antonio Bryant catch a 33-yard touchdown pass on a fly route down the right sideline.  Bill Belichick may not be all that pleasant inside the locker room at halftime.  The Patriots have seemingly let up with a 21-point cushion, now reduced to 14 points.  This score led to by a blocked punt.  Patriots 21 Bucs 7

Statistics of Importance:

• Tom Brady: 11-of-16 passing, 151 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• Laurence Maroney: 4 rushes, 9 yards
• Patriots Defense: 3 INT; Brandon Meriweather (2), Darius Butler (1)
• Patriots Defense: 1 sack; Pat Chung (5 yards)

Could stand to see the offense put together a few more solid drives. The defense helped to put the Patriots out to an early lead, but the offense struggled in the second quarter.

A look across the pond at those active and inactive players for New England.

Patriots Inactive Players:

• RB Sammy Morris (knee)
• RB Fred Taylor (ankle)
• WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
• LT Matt Light (knee)
• DB Terrence Wheatley
• OL Rich Ohrnberger
• OL Kendall Simmons
• DL Ron Brace

Analysis:
– Look who’s back. It’s Adalius Thomas. Wonder if he’ll start. If so, could he be on a short leash?
– One surprise on that list is that Terrence Wheatley is out and Darius Butler is in. The latter had been on the injury list all week with a bad ankle. Funeral services for his friend and former teammate Jasper Howard will be held Monday in Miami. Can’t be easy to play with that in the back of one’s mind.
– The grass in England is always suspect, which means Laurence Maroney needs to be on top of his game. Otherwise, we may see more of BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The loose footing helped Maroney last week in the snow, forcing him to be patient and slowing the defense at the line of scrimmage. It may be tougher to play on loose grass than on field turf covered in a thin layer of snow, though.
– Kendall Simmons got his first taste of action last week, but returns to the inactive list. Sebastian Vollmer impressed last week, and Simmons is seemingly not needed as a contingency plan again in Week 7. Fresh off the PUP list, Mark LeVoir will play that role.
– With Julian Edelman out with a reported broken arm, rookie third-round pick Brandon Tate will suit up. It remains to be seen how much action he gets in the offense, but he could play a role in the return game.

I like Laurence Maroney.  I know you have issues with his running and who doesn’t?  But I’m telling you, there’s no better soundbite in the Patriots locker room.   When asked about sprinkling his personality around on the trip to London to play against Tampa Bay.  “Man they may not be able to understand me.  What they speak?  English?  British? (reporters’ laughter) People might be hounding me and I’m not able to conversate.   So I say nothing, or cheerio.  Bye!” (Laurence and reporters laughing) 

So Laurence butchers the Queen’s English, but he reminds us that playing sports and covering it should be so serious.  Seriously, he’s trip, a breath of fresh air in a locker room that’s as serious as a Corporate America Board Meeting.  

When Sunday’s game is over it’s a given the British press will be all over Tom Brady because he’s Tom Brady.  But for my pound’s worth, I’ll tell any British reporter worth his weight in tea to wander over to Laurence Maroney’s locker.  I don’t know what he’ll give you, but I’m sure it’ll be interesting.

St. Thomas doubted what he heard from the Apostles.  Adalius Thomas has no doubt about what he heard, because he’s living it.   He was told his services were not needed for Sunday’s whitewash against Tennessee.  That’s as tough as it gets in pro sports.

Now for the first time, he spoke to reporters about the Sunday snub and he clearly wasn’t happy.   “Ask Bill.   Ask Bill.   Ask Bill,”  he kept saying over and over outside his crowded locker when asked about what went down and how he felt about it.

There’s no doubt in my mind Adalius isn’t happy.  When asked if he was happy he said, “I’m fine.”

I don’t buy it.  Clearly his tone and body language said otherwise.  What does it matter?  It matters a lot, because I think what happens this weekend determines Thomas’s season.  It’s up to him.  If he plays and plays well, he’s back in good graces.  But if he’s de-activated again, I have little doubt Thomas is largely done in New England.

What you saw on Sunday from the Patriots was no snow job.  That’s the offense so many of the “experts” thought we would see this year with Tom Brady coming back from injury.  Wait a minute, nobody expected a 59-spot at the expense of the Titans, this is an engorgement of what we were promised by the “experts”.

“It’s nice that we got things going without spluttering as the game went along,” said running back Kevin Faulk.

I’m not sure spluttering is a word, but Faulk’s point is well taken.  The Pats offense sputtered plenty in the previous five games.  In two second halfs, namely the Jets and Broncos games they didn’t move, or score at all.

The Tennessee game is one of those games that I for one think takes them to that next level.   They were 3-2 coming into the Tennessee game, and just as easily could have been 2-3 were it not for some last minute heroics against the Bills in the opener.  Now we see the team for what it can be.  Better late than never.

The team leaves Thursday for London in preparation for Sunday’s game against the winless Tampa Bay.  I can’t see anything but another decisive win.  A win in Jolly Old, followed by a bye week to rest and heal.  It doesn’t get much better.  While the rest of the league says Oh No! Pats fans can scream  Cheerio!