FINAL: Dolphins 20, Patriots 7 - Defense did its job, but the offense did not as NE drops 4th straight to Miami, Tua taken at Hard Rock Stadium (Patriots)

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Patriots

FINAL: Dolphins 20, Patriots 7 - Defense did its job, but the offense did not as NE drops 4th straight to Miami, Tua

By Greg A. Bedard

Sep 11, 2022 • 1:18 am

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Well, it wasn't a disaster but it also wasn't very good.

In a game that was completely winnable if the Patriots had their offense of last season, maybe a bit improved, New England was largely weak on offense. It's not like the Dolphins were great either. They looked like a team under a new head coach, as their offense was choppy — especially QB Tua Tagovailoa, who had several turnover-worth plays — and the defense didn't look the same without CB Byron Jones.

This game was definitely there for the Patriots if they had their act together — even losing the turnover battle 3-0 — but they didn't.

There were breakdowns with the entire offense seemingly every third play. A blocking assignment here, bad play call there, miscommunication with Mac Jones and a receiver, Jones throwing the ball into a bad spot.

Mike McDaniel had two 4th down calls that led to 10 points, including a blown tackle by Kyle Dugger right before halftime.

The Patriots allowed a strip sack for a touchdown by Melvin Ingram.

Kendrick Bourne was benched for most of the game, finally got in and gave the Patriots a 41-yard play. Patriots couldn't buy a big play before that.

Defense played well. A lot to clean up and they'll get better, but they are very much behind where they should be.


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Regular-season Game #1: Patriots at Dolphins, 1 p.m.
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
TV: WBZ-4. Greg Gumbel (play-by-play), Adam Archuleta (color), AJ Ross (sideline).
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston. **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: Live Box | Dolphins media notes | Patriots media notes | Flipcard
BetOnline.ag Latest Line: Dolphins -3.5, 46 o/u
Weather forecast: Extremely hot and humid, and 50 percent chance of rain.

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ROSTER MOVES

Patriots elevated WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey and LB Harvey Langhi to the active roster.

Assume both are for depth/special teams reasons.

INJURY REPORT

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PREGAME READING/LISTENING

HOW THE PATRIOTS WIN

1. Stop the run: Forget about Tua and the passing game for now ... Mike McDaniel is more dangerous with his complex running scheme that if the Patriots don't defend it better than last season (195 yards for Miami in last matchup), they don't have a prayer.

2. Beat up RT Austin Jackson, C Connor Williams: Patriots should have a big advantage here when it comes to pressuring Tua and making him turn the ball over. Matthew Judon and Christian Barmore have to be beasts.

3. Make Mac comfortable: Dolphins threw the kitchen sink last year at Jones and it didn't really work when he had McDaniels and a confident line in front of him. If Mac is comfortable, the Patriots will win,

HOW BEDARD SEES IT

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