Miami Dolphins (5-6) – New England Patriots (3-9): 34-15
The Dolphins won their third victory in a row with a head and shoulders dominated game. With a four-score lead at halftime, they never really shook, despite a late rebellion from the Patriots. In attack, Tua put in a remarkable performance, helped by Jaylen Waddle and Jonnu Smith on the big nights. In defense, Miami constantly put pressure (4 sacks) and contained New England's attempts. A complete overall performance.
For the Patriots it was a long evening. Apart from half of the fourth quarter, the game had a strong taste of impotence and errors. With 10 penalties and 2 turnovers the team destroyed itself several times, and no individual managed to survive. A largely deserved defeat.
The Dolphins unfold
The beginning of the meeting begins slowly. The two teams exchange punts, and New England stands out with its errors. Although Drake Maye (QB, 22/37, 221 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and Antonio Gibson (44 yards) created some great actions, the Patriots shot themselves in the feet because of series penalties and a missed field goal .
It was Miami that ended up finding the solution by setting its pace and involving its playmakers. Tua Tagovailoa (QB, 29/40, 317 yards, 4 TD) alerts Jaylen Waddle (WR, 144 yards, 1 TD) then Tyreek Hill (WR, 49 yards), and Jonnu Smith (TE, 87 yards, 1 TD) is finished for the first points of the match. On the following series, they integrated De'Von Achane (RB, 56 yards, 2 TD) into their recipe with the same success to create the break. The Floridians immediately set the table again to take off and offer the double to Achane. Just before halftime they had to settle for a kick (24-0).
The Patriots raise their heads in the last quarter
Returning to the field, New England continued to complicate its task by chaining penalties, which quickly cut off the Patriots' momentum. And to make matters worse, Maye gets the leather ripped off his hands on a sack. It didn't take much for Tua to find Waddle in the center of the defense for his fourth touchdown.
The Patriots woke up at the start of the last quarter. Drake Maye finds Austin Hooper (59 yards, 1 TD) behind the defense for a 38-yard touchdown. The second coup comes when Christian Gonzalez (CB) recovers a fumble 63 yards to put New England two scores apart.
However, the hopes of the men of Massachusetts were undermined when Maye, under pressure, was intercepted. The Dolphins take advantage of the opportunity to add 3 points which seriously complicate the equation. However, it will be enough. The Patriots fail to progress, and the Dolphins just have to kneel down to win. Easy.
