The Patriots have dropped their second straight game at home against a projected playoff contender. This time, the Dolphins’ track team offense was able to put New England’s defense on its heels at times while the offense was plagued by similar demons. The team entered Sunday night’s game without Trent Brown and Jonathan Jones but got back Cole Strange, Mike Onewnu, and DeVante Parker. Unfortunately, Jon Jones’s replacement Marcus Jones left early with a shoulder injury, Strange struggled in his debut, and Atonio Mafi struggled in replacement duty for Onwenu in the 2nd half.<\/p>\n
Tua Tagovailoa was held to a modest 92.2 passer rating, fewer than 250 yards passing, and throwing an interception to match his touchdown pass. He was formidable for the most part but crumbled a bit late with some key mistakes. Miami’s rushing offense was also surprisingly potent, with Raheem Mostert rushing for over 200 yards and a pair of scores. But the Patriots’ defense made plays when they needed to and gave the offense chances to come back from an early hole.<\/p>\n
Mac Jones made another valiant, if imperfect, effort to stage a comeback, but unrelenting pressure and poor execution from his supporting cast were too much to overcome. He was sacked four times in a 231-yard, one-touchdown, one-interception performance.<\/p>\n
This loss felt like a line in the sand for the team, as Matt Judon acknowledged while speaking to the media that they aren’t a bad team but must put an end to the late starts. For now, here are my key takeaways from the 24-17 defeat.<\/p>\n
OFFENSE FAILS TO OVERCOME THIN MARGIN FOR ERROR<\/strong><\/p>\n The Patriots consistently dinked and dunked down the field but got in their own way with poor execution, some questionable decision-making, and a pair of turnovers.<\/p>\n Actually think this was on Cole Strange https:\/\/t.co\/6ChDAlc1aB<\/a><\/p>\n — Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 18, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n