Meteorologists were calling for blizzard like conditions in Foxboro this week when the Miami Dolphins traveled to New England to take on the Patriots. The slippery conditions caught the Dolphins by surprise because they were not expecting it, they even wore their all white away jerseys during the game. The Patriots received the ball to start the game and despite being without their lead back and best offensive weapon Damien Harris, they were able to drive the length of the field and Mac Jones tossed a dart over the middle to Khalil Herbert for a touchdown. Coach Fallen knew he couldn’t get behind in this game because the Patriots sport one of the best rushing attacks in the league, so forcing Mac Jones to win the game was the best route in beating the Patriots. Coach Fallen wanted to deploy a run first and efficient passing offense in light of last week’s turnover disaster. In their first drive, Miami ran the ball four times, and Salvon Ahmed broke through a hole in the defense on 3rd and 1 down the sideline for a 50 yard touchdown. This was Salvon Ahmed’s longest run of the season. On their second drive of the game, Mac Jones led his offense deep into Dolphin territory, but on 3rd and short, Jaelan Phillips bull rushed his blocker and got a hit on Mac Jones. The Patriot’s quarterback saw his pass wobble into the waiting arms of Jerome Baker and this was one of the most pivotal turnovers of the game. The Dolphins were only able to score three after the turnover, but the game was broken wide open on the next possession for the Patriots. Mac Jones was staring down Hunter Henry as he ran towards the left side of the field, but Juanyeh Thomas followed him the entire play. Mac Jones threw up a prayer and Thomas was able to step in front of the pass and take it down the field for a touchdown, and The Dolphins took a commanding 17-7 lead that they would be able to hold onto and they were able to get a 29-19 victory over the New England Patriots to improve to 9-5.
Russell Wilson deserves a lot of credit for how well he bounced back after being scrutinized for how he played against the Buffalo Bills. Wilson completed 16 of his 20 passing attempts and he threw for 211 yards. Coach Fallen didn’t ask a lot of Russell Wilson this game, but he was pinpoint with his throws, and he will have another shot against the Buffalo Bills in week 16 to prove that he has what it takes to lead the Dolphins to a division title. The New England Patriots do not make a lot of mistakes but the Dolphins were able to force 5 turnovers this game. The Patriots have one of the best defenses in the league, but the Dolphins took advantage of the short field position that Mac Jones kept rewarding them with and ultimately, the Miami Dolphins have kept their playoff hopes alive for one more week.
Offensive Statline of the Game –
Salvon Ahmed – 20 carries for 138 yards and 1 touchdown. 4 receptions for 44 yards.
Salvon Ahmed had a season high in carries and yards against the Patriots. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry and took a lot of pressure off of his quarterback. Ahmed converted on multiple third and short situations and Coach Fallen will need to rely on Ahmed’s ability to carry the load in the last couple weeks of the season.
Defensive Statline of the Game –
Juanyeh Thomas – 3 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown.
It feels like we talk about this dynamic rookie safety almost every week. His ability to cover the entire field and run sideline to sideline has given the Dolphins a weapon on the defense. He is one of the top candidates for rookie of the year and the Dolphins will need him to take away the middle of the field against the New York Jets next week. The Dolphins were sound in their victory over the Jets earlier this season, but the Jets are not down and out yet, and they will be looking to spoil the season for the Miami Dolphins.
