MIAMI GARDENS, Florida (ViaTheSource) — The Miami Dolphins defeated the New England Patriots by a score of 20 to 7, the Dolphins fourth straight win against the Patriots.
There was a good mix of positive takeaways on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball for Miami.
The defense came out strong in the game. There were some early concerns as New England’s running game looked to be having zero issues moving the ball downfield. New England was able to drive deep into Miami territory. While at the Miami 22-yard-line, Mac Jones took a shot into the end zone to familiar face DeVante Parker.
Xavien Howard made an acrobatic deflection, putting enough loft on the ball for Jevon Holland to sneak underneath for a pick and give Miami a much-needed shift in momentum.
The defense would shut down New England’s next driving forcing a punt, but it was on the ensuing drive where we saw the first Dolphins touchdown of the season. Brandon Jones flew in untouched, off the edge and laid a blindside hit on Jones. Jones lost the ball and Melvin Ingram was able to scoop it up one-handed with ease for the touchdown.
Miami was in full control.
Offensively, the Dolphins featured a heavy dose of their flashy new weapon Tyreek Hill. Hill was the most targeted receiver of the game with 12 targets, which was also 6th in the NFL this week. His 8 catches also led the game.
Hill nearly eclipsed the century mark in his first game as a Dolphin, recording 94 yards with a long of 26 yards. Plays like his 18-yard gain, which if any other receiver made that catch in the flats, it’s a gain of about 5 yards. Hill’s speed jumped out as he turned it into a massive gain.
Hill’s high volume was great, but reached a point where fans were wanting Tagovailoa to utilize other weapons who were not being targeted at all. Then with :18 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Tagovailoa found Waddle on a 4th down slant for a touchdown.
Waddle was able to break it big, recording the 5th-fastest ball carrier speed of the week as he scampered into the endzone for a 42-yard touchdown.
The Dolphins entered halftime up 17-0. Hard to ask for much more than that.
Now, as one can tell by the final score, the Dolphins offense didn’t capitalize on the lead by adding more.
The Dolphins running game did not get going, as Chase Edmonds finished with 12 carries for 25 yards. Raheem Mostert looked just as inefficient, amassing only 16 yards on five carries.
The Dolphins seemed aware of their issues running the ball, electing to let Tagovailoa keep passing in short-yardage situations even with the lead. It’s hard to say Tagovailoa took advantage of this. He had an ill-advised throw on the run that was nearly intercepted. He threw a jump ball to Tyreek Hill, that thankfully, Hill made an outstanding play on.
Chase Edmonds took off for a great run after the catch on a play that should have been dead.
None of that is to say Tagovailoa played poorly, but this wasn’t his best game. He appeared to hold onto the ball for far too long, and did not look as composed in the pocket as we’ve seen from him in the past. There will likely be better games, but this isn’t one where anyone should be ready to crown him after.
As seen by the final score, the Dolphins defense kept the momentum flowing.
Undrafted rookie free agent Kader Kohou had an amazing game. He had a massive pass deflection, as well as a vicious hit on Nelson Agholor that knocked the ball loose, which was recovered by Miami.
Xavien Howard absolutely shut down DeVante Parker, who would finish with only one catch for 9 yards. Aside from a penalty in the end zone, it was a clean game from Howard.
Captain Jevon Holland was once again all over the field, and his energy was felt throughout.
Takeaways:
It’s not too early to worry about Mike Gesicki. Now, I know this is bold to say after one game, but this week’s scheme didn’t seem to fit what Gesicki brings to the table. I’m sure there will be games that he’s more involved, and I mentioned in the preview that historically he struggles against New England — but with this offense that favors him being used as a blocker, and there already being a handful of intimidating receiving options, I don’t find it realistic that Gesicki breaks out this season. Fantasy wise, I would be very, very worried.
The Dolphins defense looked amazing. There were looming questions as to whether Brian Flores’ departure would mean the defense would take a significant step backwards– but that was clearly not the case in this one. We saw the Dolphins in their typical fashion have these massive turnovers that shifted the swing of the game, something the team relied on heavily the past few years. The difference is, there was as at least a little offense now to back it up. Now, the Patriots on paper present one of the least intimidating challenges, so this isn’t likely an every week scenario, but at least after this one, it’s enough to say the defense is average or above average.
The offensive line struggles may continue this year. While Tua did have some time to throw, which is not a common thing we’ve seen, Dolphins tackle Austin Jackson left the game after limping. Coach McDaniel said after the game that he could’ve gone back in if needed, but its a situation they’re still monitoring. Greg Little entered the game in place of him, and promptly did his best Austin Jackson 2020 impersonation. Little then suffered an injury forcing Robert Jones to enter. Little would re-enter the game but regardless, the music chairs going on with an already below average group in Week 1 showed a glimpse of how quickly things could unravel at this unit.
The Dolphins running game needs to improve. The Pats were one of the worst teams in football against the run. Even in situations that seemed like obvious run plays, the Dolphins seemed reluctant to keep it on the ground. In a game when the team is sitting on a lead and needs to chew clock, there needs to be some threat of the run, but it was non-existent in this one.