NO MORE REIGN: PATS ELIMINATED
Some things with the New England Patriots haven’t changed, such as Bill Belichick’s impassive demeanor, win or lose.
He wore a protective mask and offered only a few words as he stared into a camera Sunday and described his reaction to being left out of the playoffs for the first time in 12 years.
“Disappointed,” Belichick said. “But we didn’t deserve to win today.”
Moments earlier, he had acknowledged that the best team won by offering a congratulatory hug to his former assistant, Brian Flores.
The Miami Dolphins, coached by Flores, steamrolled Belichick’s Patriots 22-12 as the latest signal the balance of power has shifted dramatically in the AFC East.
The defeat eliminated the Patriots (6-8) from playoff contention, ending their NFL -record run of 11 consecutive postseason appearances in Year 1 of the postTom Brady era.
“We knew what was at stake,” receiver Jakobi Meyers said. “We have to take it on the chin and come back.”
The Patriots will finish at .500 or worse for the first time since 2000, the year they drafted Brady. They fall one year short of matching the Dallas Cowboys’ NFL record of 20 consecutive winning seasons.
“We know what the standard is around here,” quarterback Cam Newton said. “We just came up short. That’s doesn’t mean we’re not good enough, because we are. We just didn’t show it.”
The Patriots will finish with fewer victories than a division rival for the first time since 2000, Belichick’s first season in New England. He acknowledged a shift — at least on Sunday.
Injury report
Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, suffered an injury to his right leg in the second quarter of a loss to the Dolphins. Gilmore was hurt trying to change direction covering a receiver and was helped to the locker room.
Chiefs rookie running back Clyde EdwardsHelaire wasn’t putting any pressure on his left leg as he was helped to the locker room in the fourth quarter. X-rays were negative.
49ers running back Raheem Mostert left with an ankle injury. He’s missed four games because of an ankle injury this season. Safety Jimmie Ward sustained a concussion late in the first half and didn’t return. Defensive end Dion Jordan injured a knee and didn’t return.
• Texans right tackle Tytus Howard (concussion protocol) left in the second quarter. The team said Howard will remain in an Indianapolis hospital overnight as a precaution.
Seahawks rookie running back DeeJay Dallas was carted off after injuring his right ankle on kickoff coverage. Coach Pete Carroll said X-rays were negative and Dallas had a sprained ankle. Seattle played much of the game without two starters on the offensive line after left guard Mike Iupati left with a neck injury. Right tackle Brandon Shell was inactive with an ankle injury.
Washing ton linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton left with an elbow injury. Right tackle Morgan Moses missed time in the second half with a leg injury.
Lions right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai, starting for Tyrell Crosby, was ruled out for the second half with a concussion.
• Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis, who leads Tampa Bay with four interceptions, was ruled out early in the second half with a groin injury.
Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson went out in the first half after falling ill and did not return. Guard James Carpenter (groin) and cornerback Isiah Oliver (cramping) also went out.
Ravens cornerback Davontae Harris left with a thigh injury. Offensive lineman Tyre Phillips was evaluated for a concussion.
Vikings linebacker Troy Dye left in the third quarter for concussion evaluation. Defensive tackle Armon Watts limped off with a lower leg injury in the fourth quarter.
Eagles tight end Richard Rodgers (shin) was carted to the locker room near the end of the first quarter. Defensive lineman Josh Sweat ( wrist) left in the f irst half. Cameron Johnston was evaluated for a head injury in the third quarter.
Notable
Detroit kicker Matt Prater tied the NFL record for most field goals of 50 yards or longer. Prater made a 53yard field goal with 4:09 left in the third quarter to pull Detroit within six of the Titans. That gave Prater the 58th field goal of his career of 50 yards or longer, tying the mark first set by Sebastian Janikowski for the most in NFL history.
Dallas long snapper L.P. Ladouceur set an NFL record for regular-season games by a Canadian-born player, appearing in his 251st game on a first-quarter punt against San Francisco. The 39-year-old Montreal native broke kicker Eddie Murray’s record of 250 games from 1980-2000.