Dolphins Decimate Patriots For Third Straight Win

Miami Gardens, FL — In a less close game than the scoreboard may suggest, the Miami Dolphins took care of business against the inferior New England Patriots, winning by a score of 34-15 for their third straight win.

The second quarter of this game was football bliss. Miami’s offense was as close to perfect as you could get, amounting to a 24-0 lead into halftime. New England never gave up, but couldn’t recover from a deficit that large against a feisty Dolphins defense.

The No Man Zone For New England

Much like the Raiders game a week ago, the Miami offense had their way for the majority of the contest. The Patriots ran zone defense for the majority of the game, which meant deep shots to players like Tyreek Hill weren’t that possible.

Still, Tua Tagovailoa found something he liked in New England’s secondary and took advantage of that. Chunk plays to his top receivers were not just common, but consistent. The Patriots did a bad job adjusting, and Tua made them pay.

He ended up with 29 completions off of 40 attempts, 317 yards, and four passing touchdowns. The best part regarding Tua’s performance these past couple of weeks is how he’s managed to stay off the interception stat line.

Was able to ask QB Tua Tagovailoa about the importance of avoiding the interceptions these past couple of games.

Take a listen! 🐬#GoFins pic.twitter.com/gwWE0Tj8hT

— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) November 24, 2024

All things considered, Tua has been in his element these past two weeks at Hard Rock Stadium. Against both the Patriots and Raiders, he’s recorded 605 yards, seven touchdowns, and a 128.5 passer rating. But to most Dolphins fans, a 2-0 record is likely the best stat to hear.

Speaking of Waddle, he had one of his best games as a Dolphin. Just about every target to Waddle was a completion. Even if the pass was a bit too high or to the side, he made the adjustments to grab it. As a result, he finished with 144 receiving yards and a touchdown, stepping up amid a stacked wide receiver unit today.

Jonnu Smith had another reliable game. With 87 yards and a score from nine receptions, Smith has proven to be as excellent a third-receiver option as anyone can ask for. He’s making a case for being one of, if not the best, tight ends in the AFC.

Small But Big Things To Work On

If there’s one thing that could be considered disappointing, it would be Miami’s running game. De’Von Achane had an underwhelming game for his standards with 32 yards on the day. Even worse than that, Raheem Mostert continues to be underused and under-deliver.

With the way Miami’s offense focuses on Achane and Jaylen Wright, maybe this could be a sign that Mostert might be slowly taken out of their playbook, which may lead to a change of scenery.

Miami’s defense pitched a shutout through three quarters, which is impressive, to say the least. Drake Maye didn’t back down and cashed in a wild fourth-down play, ending the shutout.

Was able to ask DT Zach Sieler about what the defense learned about New England from their first meeting.

Take a listen! 🐬#GoFins pic.twitter.com/wuGehpc09I

— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) November 24, 2024

Skylar Thompson came into the game, botched the handoff to Wright which created a fumble recovery for a score, then was immediately pulled. Tua came in, gave Jason Sanders two opportunities which he delivered on, and that was that.

No funny business here. The Dolphins came into this game red-hot on offense and didn’t miss a beat. They were the better team and left no room for a comeback.

Miami, now with a record of 5-6, is going to have a tough challenge this week. With only four days of rest, they’ll have to head to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving night. Gobble gobble!