(Adam Richins for BSJ)
FINAL: Dolphins 33, Patriots 24 - New England dug 27-10 hole
Patriots lose 3 of 4 down the stretch to be either 5th or 6th seed.
Patriots are now 0-3 vs. Tua Tagovailoa, and both the Dolphins and Bills have won 3 of 4 against New England.
Dolphins swept Patriots for first time since 2000.
Game was almost a carbon copy of the season opener. Fell behind early thanks to a Mac Jones pick-six. Trailed 27-10. Made a comeback. Defense couldn't get a stop for about the 23rd time this season.
If Raiders win tonight, Patriots go to Buffalo. Chargers win is a trip to Cincinnati.
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Regular Season Game #17: Patriots (10-6) at Miami Dolphins (8-8), 4:25 p.m.
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
TV: WBZ-4. 4. Spero Dedes (play-by-play), Jay Feely(color), Jenny Dell (sidelines).
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston. **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: BSJ Live Box | Dolphins media notes | Patriots media notes | Flipcard
BetOnline.ag Latest Line: Patriots -6.5, o/u 41
Weather forecast: Not great. Likely going to rain with some wind gusts.
MATCHUP
Patriots Media Relations
HEADLINES
- The 2021 Patriots are allowing an NFL-low of 16.9 points per game. Since 2001, the Patriots have allowed an average of less than 20 points per game or the season 13 times. If the Patriots allow fewer than 20 points in the season finale vs. Miami they will tie Baltimore for the league lead since 2001.
- The Patriots will finish in the top 10 for fewest points allowed in each of the last 10 seasons (2012-2021), tying Tampa Bay, who became the last team to reach 10 straight seasons (1996-2005) for the fewest points allowed.
- The Patriots have won 11 games 21 times in team history, including an NFL record 10 consecutive seasons from 2010-19. The Patriots have had 11 or more wins 17 times in Robert Kraft’s 27 previous seasons of ownership after having only four 11-win seasons prior to Kraft purchasing the team (1976, '78, '85 & '86).
- Hunter Henry needs one more touchdown reception to reach 10. Rob Gronkowski is the only other Patriots tight end to reach double-digit touchdown receptions in a single season.
- Through 16 games, Mac Jones' completion percentage is 67.6. The best completion percentage for a season by a rookie quarterback is Dak Prescott at 67.7 percent in 2016, followed by Justin Herbert at 66.6 in 2020 and Ben Roethlisberger at 66.4 in 2004.
- Patriots Media Relations
ROSTER MOVES
Patriots
- CB Myles Bryant went on the Covid list. LB Dont'a Hightower (knee) was ruled out.
- DT Daniel Ekuale, CB D’Angelo Ross, and DB Sean Davis were elevated from the practice squad.
- DB Shaun Wade was ill this morning and ruled out for today's game.
INJURY REPORT
BEDARD'S KEYS TO THE GAME
- Tackle. Dolphins have some slippery weapons and the Patriots didn't do a good job of tackling in the Week 1 loss. Don't make things harder. Watch Jaylen Waddle.
- Keep QB Tua Tagovailoa in the pocket and get people in his face. He gets very uncomfortable.
- Pound the rock with the run. Ride all three RBs. Titans ran all over this team.
- Win the special teams battle decisively.
- Again ... Get Mac Jones threatening all areas of the field. Use Kendrick Bourne as a weapon. Put him at X instead of N'Keal Harry.