MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- The New England Patriots started the same combination on the offensive line for the 11th straight game in Sunday’s 35-14 victory over the Miami Dolphins, which highlights one of the major differences between 2016 and last season.

Continuity.

Last year, the Patriots utilized a NFL-high 39 different offensive line combinations, in part because of a rotation, but also due to a run of injuries. This year, it’s been just nine combos.

“They’ve done an incredible job. I can’t say enough good things about what they have accomplished as individuals, as players, and collectively as a unit,” quarterback Tom Brady said of the group.

“Marcus [Cannon] and Nate [Solder], how great they’ve played, and on a consistent basis. Shaq [Mason] and Joe [Thuney], what they’ve accomplished, and then Dave [Andrews], he’s kind of the ringleader, he just brings such great energy and enthusiasm and he’s had a great season.

“Dante [Scarnecchia] is just the best coach, the best offensive line coach in the NFL. He does a great job with all of them. Ted [Karras] got some action. Flems [Cameron Fleming] did a good job when he got in there. ‘L.A.’ [LaAdrian Waddle], he’s been ready to go, just hadn’t gotten the opportunity.

“It’s been great to see all of them contribute. The run game’s been great. We’re throwing the ball well, protection’s been great. They’ve had a great season.”

Tom Brady gives plenty of credit to his offensive line for the Patriots' success. Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Using the offensive line and Brady going through the depth chart to touch on each blocker as the springboard, here is this week’s snap-count analysis:

Total offensive snaps: 67

Total defensive snaps: 59

OFFENSIVE LINE

LT Nate Solder – 67

LG Joe Thuney – 67

C David Andrews – 67

RG Shaq Mason – 64

RT Marcus Cannon – 64

OT/TE Cameron Fleming – 7

RG Ted Karras – 3

The Dolphins didn’t sack Brady, and in-game statisticians recorded just one hit against him. Dolphins defenders talked after the game about Brady releasing the football so quickly. Karras came on for the final drive at right guard, while Fleming replaced Cannon at right tackle on that series. Fleming played four other snaps during the game as a tight end and was flagged for a false start on one of them.

RUNNING BACK

Dion Lewis – 27

LeGarrette Blount – 22

James White – 21

Lewis played 21, 23, 20 and 17 snaps in his first games back from the PUP list (Nov. 20-Dec. 12). The last three weeks have been 28, 27 and 27, which reflects how he’s become a larger part of the attack heading into the playoffs, as he’s effectively knocked off some rust.

FULLBACK

James Develin – 17

After playing 43 and 41 snaps in each other last two weeks, Develin wasn’t utilized as much as the Patriots spent more of the game in their standard three-receiver package.

WIDE RECEIVER

Chris Hogan – 64

Julian Edelman – 60

Michael Floyd – 49

Matthew Slater – 2

Floyd had been with the team 18 days, which makes his performance that much more impressive. One of the only noticeable hiccups appeared to be an alignment problem that led Brady to take an early timeout.

TIGHT END

Martellus Bennett – 52

Matt Lengel – 18

Bennett (2-yard TD catch in the first quarter) and Brady have found their red-zone mojo in each of the last two weeks.

QUARTERBACK

Tom Brady – 64

Jimmy Garoppolo – 3

Brady hasn’t had a full practice over the last two weeks because of a thigh injury, but it doesn’t shown. The coaching staff also appreciates Garoppolo’s ability to run practice efficiently to help keep everyone sharp, which is an underrated behind-the-scenes storyline.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Alan Branch – 39

Malcom Brown – 37

Vincent Valentine – 20

Brown didn’t start for the second straight week, but his level of play seemed to rise, and he essentially settled into more of a top role as the game progressed (he played just 16 snaps last week). It seemed like a good day for the big guys up front, as Jay Ajayi was held in check (59 yards, 16 carries, 3.7 avg.)

DEFENSIVE END

Chris Long – 35

Trey Flowers – 29

Rob Ninkovich – 28

Jabaal Sheard – 26

Barkevious Mingo – 8

Geneo Grissom – 3

Flowers continues to impress, as his work on the opening drive (two tackles, strong interior rush on third down to force an incompletion on a three-man rush) stood out. Mingo came on late when the outcome wasn’t in doubt and rushed off the left edge.

SAFETY

Patrick Chung --59

Devin McCourty – 56

Duron Harmon – 15

Because the Dolphins primarily ran three-receiver packages, the Patriots weren’t in their “Big Nickel” with three safeties often. Thus, most of Harmon’s playing time came in the dime package (six defensive backs). McCourty has made some big-time plays coming down the homestretch (e.g. hit on Demaryius Thomas, forced fumble on Damien Williams).

CORNERBACK

Logan Ryan – 59

Eric Rowe – 58

Malcolm Butler – 55

Justin Coleman – 4

Ryan’s ball skills showed up with his first-quarter interception, his second of the season. He's playing his best football of the season when it counts the most. The Dolphins got their offense on track late in the second quarter by upping the tempo, putting some stress on this group. Shorter crossing routes also appeared to be part of the Dolphins’ adjustment.

LINEBACKER

Dont’a Hightower – 41

Shea McClellin – 29

Elandon Roberts – 29

Kyle Van Noy -- 19

Roberts’ re-emergence stands out over the last two games, as he finished tied for the team lead with seven tackles and excels against the run. He started alongside Hightower, who was rotated out at times to preserve his health (knee) with the big picture in mind. How linebackers hold up in coverage could be something to watch in the playoffs, as the Dolphins had some opportunities in that area Sunday.