Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
5 things we learned in the Miami Dolphins’ game vs. the New England Patriots
BROWARD DOMINATED FOR THE PATS, AND AROUND THE NFL
Tom Brady’s best tools on the Patriots offense were graduates of high schools in Broward
County. St. Thomas Aquinas’ James White rolled for 112 total yards and two touchdowns and his fellow former Raider, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, snagged four Brady passes for 55 yards and a score. In addition, American Heritage (Plantation) alum Sony Michel churned out 112 rushing yards and a touchdown. Additionally, Aquinas’ Giovani Bernard scored two TDs in the Bengals’ game in Atlanta and Monarch’s Calvin Ridley caught a pair from Falcons QB Matt Ryan in the same game. Eight touchdowns in all.
DOLPHINS OFFENSE STRUGGLES MIGHTILY
After a 3-0 start that capitalized on big plays to score touchdowns, the Dolphins were simply unable to recreate any magic that lifted them to the AFC East lead against the Patriots. With DeVante Parker inactive after suffering a quadriceps injury in Friday’s practice, the Patriots jammed Dolphins receivers Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant at the line, and they were blanketed by defenders all game. Ryan Tannehill’s play suffered as a result, as he finished with a 47.9 rating. The Dolphins were abysmal on third down, converting just 3 of 11. And no Dolphins offensive drive lasted more than five plays until their final drive, led by backup quarterback Brock Osweiler.
INJURIES AFFECTING DOLPHINS’ DEPTH
Adam Gase may have to cut down on his quarterback room. The Dolphins saw starting cornerback Bobby McCain (knee) and starting center Daniel Kilgore (arm) leave the game in the first half due to injuries. Starting safety Reshad Jones (shoulder) missed his second straight game, while the Dolphins are already without defensive end Andre Branch (knee) and linebacker Chase Allen (foot). With starter A.J. Derby (foot) out, the Dolphins used backup offensive tackle Sam Young as a tight end to add another blocker on the field at some points on offense. And Young later finished the game at right tackle for Ju’Wuan James, who was hurt in the second half. Injuries are starting to pile for the Dolphins, who have four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster while most teams only carry two.
DOLPHINS COME CRASHING BACK TO EARTH
The Dolphins were aiming for their first win in
New England in 10 years and their first 4-0 start since 1995, but all they got was a harsh dose of realty against the Patriots on Sunday. The Dolphins saw all of their deficiencies come to light in a blowout defeat, with fast offensive weapons failing to get open because of a lack of size, and issues with depth all across the defense. Adding to Miami’s troubles were injuries to two more starters, joining a number of other Dolphins already missing in action. The Dolphins fell to 3-1, and may still have a lead in the AFC East after the Patriots loss. But how much longer will Miami be able to lead the division for the course of the season after Sunday’s game?
IS IT TIME TO GET CONCERNED ABOUT CAMERON WAKE?
Wake had a sack and some pressure against Raiders backup tackle T.J. Clemmings, but the other three games, his presence has been rarely detected. The good news? Of his 93 career sacks, only 22 of them have been in his first four games of his 10 seasons. More lessons from yesterday’s game onlineat SunSentinel.com/dolphins