Remember when the Dolphins were the Pats’ punching bag? Yeah, those days are long gone.
The Fins marched into Foxborough on Sunday and handed the Patriots a 15-10 loss, extending their winning streak over their AFC East rivals to three games. Both teams were desperate for a win, riding three-game losing streaks into this divisional showdown.
But it was the Dolphins who emerged victorious, proving that the balance of power in the AFC East might be shifting.
Dolphins Ride Rushing Attack to Victory
The Dolphins’ game plan was clear: run the ball and control the clock. And boy, did it work.
They gashed the Patriots’ defense for a season-high 193 yards on the ground, led by Raheem Mostert’s impressive return from injury with 80 yards on 19 carries. Jaylen Wright also made significant contributions, racking up a team-high 83 rushing yards.
This dominant rushing attack allowed the Dolphins to control the tempo of the game, holding the ball for over 34 minutes. They were also able to move the ball effectively, racking up 372 total yards against a Patriots defense that came into Week 5 ranked 24th in the league.
Offensive Woes Continue to Plague Miami
While the Dolphins’ rushing attack stole the show, their persistent offensive struggles reared their ugly head once again. For the fifth time in as many games, the Dolphins struggled to score points, only reaching the end zone once. They had to settle for five field goals from Jason Sanders, which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly a recipe for sustained success.
The Dolphins’ quarterbacks have been particularly prone to turnovers, accounting for five of the team’s six giveaways this season. Whether it’s Tua, Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle, or Tyler Huntley under center, the offensive inconsistency has been a recurring theme.
Special Teams: A Nightmare in Foxborough
Special teams were a mixed bag for the Dolphins, to put it mildly. While Jason Sanders was perfect on field goals, the rest of the unit struggled mightily. Punter Jake Bailey had a punt blocked and also fumbled a snap, giving the Patriots excellent field position on multiple occasions.
Looking Ahead: Can the Fins Keep it Rolling?
The Dolphins will look to build on this much-needed victory as they head into a Week 7 matchup against a beatable opponent in Indianapolis. However, if they want to make a serious playoff push, they’ll need to find some consistency on offense.
The talent is there, but execution has been a problem. If McDaniel can figure out how to unlock the Dolphins’ offensive potential, this team could be a dangerous out come playoff time.