Patriots Fall To Dolphins, 17-16

The Patriots dropped a very winnable game, 17-16 to the Dolphins. The loss drops them into a three-way tie for last place in the division, all other looking up at the mighty Dolphins and their 1-0 record. Next week is a trip to NYC to take on the Jets, here’s hoping they can straighten out their issues and take that one to even their record.

I don’t have time for the type of in-depth analysis I’d usually do. But it isn’t really necessary. The Patriots should win games where their offense outgains the opponent 393 yards to 259, where they rush for one yard more per carry, where their QB is 20 ratings points better, where they complete more passes (29) than the other team attempted (27), where they hold the other team to 36% on third down while converting 69% of their own, and where the other team has just two decent drives all day and only scores 17 points.

So how did they lose?

Penalties, especially the untimely ones. Twice they took field goals after penalties cost them a realistic chance at touchdowns. The Pats were penalized 84 yards to the Dolphins 28…  yikes!

Turnovers, especially the last one. Two young running backs will be running laps this week. Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled his second NFL carry, and mostly rode the pine the rest of the day. But even with all the mistakes, the late fumble by Damien Harris — at the Miami 5 yard line with 3:00 left in the game — *that* was a killer.

If he holds onto the ball, they have a great chance at a touchdown. Hell, they can kneel on it three times and kick the field goal to win at that point. The only thing he couldn’t do was turn it over, which he did.

Mac Jones wasn’t to blame, the receivers weren’t to blame, and the defense wasn’t to blame. It all falls squarely on the penalties and turnovers — things that drive Bill Belichick crazy.

I might write more about this later in the week, but probably not (I’m on my first vacation week since before the pandemic — and I need the R&R).

Most likely I’ll be back to my normal analysis next week; just don’t have the time this week.

But some quick thoughts:

1. Matthew Judon is a beast, but lost contain on one long run and had a stupid 15-yard penalty. So played great but BB has enough to humble him this week.

2. Jones was great against pressure, throwing a very catchable ball even when getting hit.

3. Glad to have James White back; he had a fantastic day running and receiving.

4. I have no idea how Nick Folk ended up as the kicker for this game. I can’t keep track of the moves they make with him and Quinn Nordin. But Folk was solid, and I guess that’s all that matters.

5. More of Josh Uche, please. The guy destroyed a blocker for a sack and just seems to have a knack for getting into the backfield quickly.

6. The new tight ends and receivers look really really good. Agholor did get a few deep shots and the other receivers were key in the controlled passing game.

Keep the faith,

- Scott

PS. 0-1!