This was a frustrating one. Miami led 13-3 at halftime and had a chance to build on last week’s win over the Jets. Instead, the offense stalled, New England found explosive plays, and the Dolphins lost 24-19.
The late touchdown gave Miami a chance, but it doesn't erase the stretch that let the Patriots take control. These are my four takeaways.
1. Jonah’s struggles showed up again
Jonah looked like the player who struggled last year. After seeing some encouraging things from the offensive line, this was disappointing.
Miami allowed five sacks. Those are not all on Jonah, but his performance was a concern, especially with Proctor already unavailable. This offense needs the guys who are out there to be dependable.
The running game did not give Miami much help, either. The Dolphins finished with 74 rushing yards at 3.2 yards per carry. Between protection issues and a lack of consistent production on the ground, the offense struggled to find a rhythm after halftime.
2. Gordon needs to keep his composure
Gordon’s untimely penalty was frustrating enough. Throwing a fit afterward made it worse. You made a mistake. Regroup and get ready for the next play.
This team does not have enough room for error to hurt itself with avoidable penalties, especially in a close game where moving the ball is already difficult.
Gordon finished with 69 yards on 19 carries, averaging 3.6 yards per attempt. I still want him getting opportunities, but he needs to handle his frustration better. That reaction does nothing to help the offense.
3. The defense allowed too many explosive passing plays
New England was missing several of its top weapons, and Miami still gave up big plays through the air. DeMario Douglas had a 48-yard reception, while Kyle Williams scored on a 43-yard catch.
Maye finished 16/20 for 199 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He didn't need many attempts to hurt this defense.
Miami did limit his rushing production, holding him to five yards on eight attempts, and recorded three sacks. Those were positives after highlighting his ability to extend plays in the preview. But containing his legs means less when the defense still allows those explosive completions.
With the Patriots shorthanded at receiver, I wanted Miami to make their remaining weapons earn their production. Those big plays helped New England turn the game around.
4. The offense stalled after halftime
This was where Miami lost control. The Dolphins opened the second half with two three-and-outs and an interception. New England answered with touchdowns on three straight possessions, turning a 13-3 deficit into a 24-13 lead.
The interception came off a defender’s helmet. That matters, and I am not going to describe it like Willis simply threw the ball straight to a defender. But the offensive problems went beyond that one play.
Miami’s first two second-half possessions combined for negative nine yards. After the interception, the Dolphins put together an 11-play drive but came away empty following a missed field goal. They needed points during that stretch and could not get them.
Willis finished 21/32 for 211 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The late 84-yard touchdown drive showed the offense could still move the ball, but Miami needed that production earlier. You cannot go that long without scoring and expect a halftime lead to hold up.
Next up: Detroit
Miami hosts the Lions on November 8 at 1 p.m.
My focus heading into that game starts up front. Miami needs better protection and more consistent room for Gordon. I also want to see how the offense responds when its initial plan stops working. This week, it took too long to find an answer after halftime.
Defensively, keep building on the pressure while cleaning up the explosive plays. Getting sacks and limiting the quarterback’s rushing yards are encouraging, but the coverage has to hold up, too.
Last week gave Miami something to build on. This week showed how much work remains. Against Detroit, I want to see this team put together a full game instead of letting one bad stretch undo its good work.
This was a frustrating one. Miami led 13-3 at halftime and had a chance to build on last week’s win over the Jets. Instead, the offense stalled, New England found explosive plays, and the Dolphins lost 24-19.
The late touchdown gave Miami a chance, but it doesn't erase the stretch that let the Patriots take control. These are my four takeaways.
1. Jonah’s struggles showed up again
Jonah looked like the player who struggled last year. After seeing some encouraging things from the offensive line, this was disappointing.
Miami allowed five sacks. Those are not all on Jonah, but his performance was a concern, especially with Proctor already unavailable. This offense needs the guys who are out there to be dependable.
The running game did not give Miami much help, either. The Dolphins finished with 74 rushing yards at 3.2 yards per carry. Between protection issues and a lack of consistent production on the ground, the offense struggled to find a rhythm after halftime.
2. Gordon needs to keep his composure
Gordon’s untimely penalty was frustrating enough. Throwing a fit afterward made it worse. You made a mistake. Regroup and get ready for the next play.
This team does not have enough room for error to hurt itself with avoidable penalties, especially in a close game where moving the ball is already difficult.
Gordon finished with 69 yards on 19 carries, averaging 3.6 yards per attempt. I still want him getting opportunities, but he needs to handle his frustration better. That reaction does nothing to help the offense.
3. The defense allowed too many explosive passing plays
New England was missing several of its top weapons, and Miami still gave up big plays through the air. DeMario Douglas had a 48-yard reception, while Kyle Williams scored on a 43-yard catch.
Maye finished 16/20 for 199 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He didn't need many attempts to hurt this defense.
Miami did limit his rushing production, holding him to five yards on eight attempts, and recorded three sacks. Those were positives after highlighting his ability to extend plays in the preview. But containing his legs means less when the defense still allows those explosive completions.
With the Patriots shorthanded at receiver, I wanted Miami to make their remaining weapons earn their production. Those big plays helped New England turn the game around.
4. The offense stalled after halftime
This was where Miami lost control. The Dolphins opened the second half with two three-and-outs and an interception. New England answered with touchdowns on three straight possessions, turning a 13-3 deficit into a 24-13 lead.
The interception came off a defender’s helmet. That matters, and I am not going to describe it like Willis simply threw the ball straight to a defender. But the offensive problems went beyond that one play.
Miami’s first two second-half possessions combined for negative nine yards. After the interception, the Dolphins put together an 11-play drive but came away empty following a missed field goal. They needed points during that stretch and could not get them.
Willis finished 21/32 for 211 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The late 84-yard touchdown drive showed the offense could still move the ball, but Miami needed that production earlier. You cannot go that long without scoring and expect a halftime lead to hold up.
Next up: Detroit
Miami hosts the Lions on November 8 at 1 p.m.
My focus heading into that game starts up front. Miami needs better protection and more consistent room for Gordon. I also want to see how the offense responds when its initial plan stops working. This week, it took too long to find an answer after halftime.
Defensively, keep building on the pressure while cleaning up the explosive plays. Getting sacks and limiting the quarterback’s rushing yards are encouraging, but the coverage has to hold up, too.
Last week gave Miami something to build on. This week showed how much work remains. Against Detroit, I want to see this team put together a full game instead of letting one bad stretch undo its good work.
