Against Dolphins diminished and far too shy, the Patriots did just enough to afford a 16th finals next week in Buffalo.
New England Patriots (8-8) – Miami Dolphins (8-8): 23 – 21
On a four-game losing streak, the Dolphins saw their path to the playoffs turn into a tortuous and winding path, with the need to win at least one of the last two games of their season. All without their titular quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, again absent for concussion, the second diagnosed this season.
First stage, this Sunday, in Foxborough, with Teddy Bridgewater at the helm, against the Patriots in the obligation to win to qualify for the playoffs. Well helped by an unwelcome holding from rookie cornerback Kader Kohou, it was they who lit the first fuse on their inaugural series. Ten games and more than four minutes of sober, but formidably effective mastery concluded by the Tyquan Thornton’s second career touchdown (3 receptions, 60 yards, 1 TD) (7-0).
Mac Jones to Tyquan Thornton gives the @Patriots the lead!
📺: #MIAvsNE on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/b9AODMuLy1 pic.twitter.com/Qmrpdo5EZc— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2023
Run-out attacks
And then, Mike McDaniel decided to go for it…by playing a 4 & 1 on his team’s own 34 yards. A choice for the less daring which will be the starting point of an even longer drive straddling the first two quarters. At the end, it’s Tyreek Hill (4 receptions, 55 yards, 1 run, 2 yards, 1 TD), as often this season for the Dolphins, who shows all his agility to allow his team to equalize (7-7).
Next, curtain. Almost nothing to report except a missed field goal from Jason Sanders in the 2nd quarter. A series of punts until the Dolphins and Jaylen Waddle (3 receptions, 52 yards), showing the tip of his nose on a nice reception from 23 yards, did not decide to chain a few positive games. Raheem Mostert (9 races, 29 yards, 8 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD), on two consecutive races, also recalled his success in the first half of the season, going to register his second receiving touchdown of the season, his fifth overall (7-14).
Bridgewater injured, Thompson unlucky
The attack operating in slow motion, advancing just enough for Nick Folk to reduce the gap on a field goal (10-14), the Patriots relied on their defensive squad. Again. Kyle Dugger (5 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 INT, 1 TD) intercepting Teddy Bridgewater (12/19, 161 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and finishing his race in the end zone, for New England’s seventh defensive touchdown this season (16-14). Bad news never comes alone, Bridgewater, touched by hand on the action, even gives way to Skylar Thompson (12/21, 104 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT).
The Dolphins’ third QB doubly unlucky on his first streak. First with an 11 yard run on 3 & 9 canceled due to a penalty from Tyreek Hill. Then, with an interception by Marcus Jones on a poorly controlled ball from Hill, on the next play. Errors on which Mac Jones (20/33, 203 yards, 2 TDs) and his fellow attackers did not capitalize. But it was only a postponement, with a drive smoothly led until a reception by Jakobi Meyers (6 receptions, 48 yards, 1 TD) in the in-goal of the Dolphins (23-14).
The Patriots’ only second offensive series ending with a touchdown. It was enough, despite a late touchdown from Mike Gesicki (2 receptions, 18 yards, 1 TD) (23-21), with an overall solid defense and a limited Miami attack without Tua Tagovailoa. New England remains alive and can hope for a qualification in the playoffs in the event of an exploit in Buffalo. For the Dolphins, defeated for the fifth week in a row, everything will be played at home against the Jets.
