BSJ Game Report: Dolphins 24, Patriots 17 - New England falls to 0-2 for first time since 2001

Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ loss to the Dolphins in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:

BOX SCORE

HEADLINES

Patriots fall too far behind ... again: The Patriots, who fell behind 16-0 in the season-opening loss to the Eagles, trailed the Dolphins 10-0 in this one, didn't score a touchdown until the fourth quarter when they trailed 17-3. They got the lead to seven twice in the fourth quarter but, once again, couldn't make the plays to win the game. They have now lost seven of their last nine games dating back to last season.

According to ESPN Stats & Info: This is the 1st time a Bill Belichick-coached Patriots team trailed by at least 10 points in each of the first 2 games of a season. The only other time Belichick's teams were down by 10+ in each of the first 2 games of a season was with the 1992 Cleveland Browns.

Dolphins own the trenches: Based off of Week 1 — the Dolphins getting run over by the Chargers and the Patriots holding up well against the Eagles — this was shaping up as a trench warfare game that favors the Patriots. Wrong. The Dolphins completely owned the Patriots' offensive line as they stopped the run (63 yards on 20 carries for New England's two backs) and harrassed Mac Jones throughout (four sacks, four additional QB hits officially). On the other side, the Dolphins ran for 145 yards (121 from Raheem Mostert) and Tua Tagovailoa was sacked once, averaged 8.3 yards per attempt and got rid of the ball lightning quick. Tagovailoa improved to 5-0 against the Patriots.

Cole Strange comes up inches short of extending the game: On fourth down with under a minute left, Jones hit Mike Gesicki short of the sticks and the tight end lateraled to guard Cole Strange. He was initially given a first down but he was ruled inches short of a first down after review and the all went to Miami.

Patriots get healthier on offense: While cornerback Jonathan Jones (ankle) being inactive was a tough blow, the Patriots got LG Cole Strange and RG Mike Onwenu back for the first time, and WR DeVante Parker was active. With Calvin Anderson starting against at RT, and having earned that place in camp, the Patriots were back to having 4/5ths of their line health. Vederian Lowe at LT for Trent Brown (concussion) was the only exception.

WR Kayshon Boutte was a healthy scratch, along with CB Ameer Speed, DE Anfernee Jennings and DE Sam Roberts. OTs Brown and Sidy Sow did not clear concussion protocol.

The Dolphins had two huge inactives with DE Jaelan Phillips (back) - their best pass rusher by far - and LT Terron Armstead. Former Patriots third-round pick Chase Winovich was active for the game.

SECOND GUESS

Benching Demario Douglas: The rookie receiver is one of the few Patriots weapons that can make plays with his legs, and he did that on a key reception in the first half — and then he fumbled after a good play from behind by Bradley Chubb. Douglas was not seen on offense again, forcing the Patriots to try to come back using both tight ends almost entirely the rest of the game. That's ridiculous. I don't think any other team in the league would try that. 

"We played all of our skill players. We had a lot of production on offense ... a lot of good players, can't play everybody."

THREE UP

CB Christian Gonzalez: The rookie continued his hot start to the season by being a big part of Tyreek Hill only catching 5 of 9 targets for 40 yards, with a touchdown coming against Kyle Dugger. Gonzalez had a great jumpball interception against Hill, the first of his career.

Matthew Judon: Had a sack and two tackles for a loss.

Hunter Henry: Caught six of seven targets for 57 yards and a score. The only wonder is why wasn't he utilized more?

THREE DOWN

Offensive line: I can't really separate them because they all had their share of poor plays. The bottom line is they got whipped by a group that whipped by the Chargers the week before. Four sacks and 3.2 yards per carry from the backs is a joke. I don't care who's healthy and not. That front is not that good.

DeVante Parker: Led the team with six catches for 57 yards but his lack of toughness on the boundary interception was glaring. He can't let that ball get picked off at the very least. A good receiver catches that ball.

Bill Belichick: Didn't have these guys ready to play again, was outcoached by Mike McDaniel and Vic Fangio, made a poor challenge of a 4th and inches play, argued the Marte Mapu personal foul when it was blatant, punted on 4th and 5 at the Miami 46 down 17-3 early in the third quarter ... the coach isn't on his game either.

INJURIES

Marcus Jones (shoulder/chest): Left with 11 minutes remaining in second quarter after reaching out for a tackle against Waddle. Didn't look good. Usually that's a pec or shoulder injury. Did not return.

Mike Onwenu: Was removed from the game in the second half for Atonio Mafi. Not sure if it was injury related, but it should be noted.

TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER

The Patriots just don't have enough talent on offense to compete unless they are perfect: If the Patriots play great defense, make every block, complete every pass and catch everything then yes, they have enough talent to compete with any team. The problem is, that won't happen very often so you need to make some chunk plays to make things easier and give you more breathing room. The Dolphins had six plays over 15 yards, including four over 20 yards and two over 30. The Patriots one play over 14 yards (18 yards) and zero over 20. They're taking a peashooter to a gunfight.

Belichick got outcoached: Mike McDaniel took what his team did against the Chargers and improved on it, especially early in this one. The Patriots were arguably worse in this one. The offense regressed. The defense gave up 237 yards in the first half, including three drives of at least 75 yards. The only real wrinkle the Patriots had was the great blocked field goal by Brenden Schooler. Not good enough anymore in this division.