The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots faced off in a Week 12 AFC East contest. We react to everything from throughout the game.
The Miami Dolphins faced the New England Patriots for the second time this season during a Week 12 AFC East division rivalry game. After beating the Patriots in New England in Week 5, Miami came into the game looking for a sweep of their rivals as well as a continuation of their journey back to relevance.
The game was never close - though the Patriots did make it a little worrisome late. Miami pulled their starters briefly in the fourth quarter, but a fumble recovery for a touchdown by New England led to a return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the offensive starters, leading to a comfortable win down the stretch.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle had a breakout game for a season in which he seemed like a forgotten member of the offense. He finished with eight receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown.
The defense dominated throughout the game, giving up just one touchdown late in the game. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, defensive tackle Zach Sieler, linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah, and linebacker Chop Robinson all got to Patriots quarterback Drake Maye during the game for sacks - Robinson had a solo sack along with splitting a sack with Ogbah.
Miami moves to 5-6 with the win and advances to the eighth position in the AFC playoff picture - one spot out of a postseason spot. They have a quick turnaround, however, as they play the Thanksgiving night game on Thursday at the Green Bay Packers.
Here are all our immediate reactions from throughout the game.
Patriots 15 - 34 Dolphins
New England started with the ball, but a false start penalty on third-and-three ended any chance for the Patriots to find a rhythm and they punted on a three-and-out possession.
Miami opened their first offensive drive with an 11-yard pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to tight end Jonnu Smith. The drive ended there, however, as running back De’Von Achane picked up seven yards on first down and an additional yard on second down, but an incomplete pass led to a punt.
The Dolphins did not punt at all last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. This week, they were forced to punt on their opening possession. Not the fast start Miami needed to make a statement as they look for the season sweep.
The second drive from the Patriots was a more sustained effort from them, but penalties were again the story. A scramble from quarterback Drake Maye for six yards and a nine-yard run from running back Rhamondre Stevenson moved the ball out to the Patriots’ 28-yard line, but they soon found themselves back to the 22-yard line after multiple false starts. They got back into rhythm and picked up 14 yards...
