Long playoff run ends for Patriots with loss to Miami
MIAMI — 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 post-tom Brady era.
“We knew what was at stake,” receiver Jakobi Meyers said. “We have to take it on the chin and come back.”
Cam Newton finished 17 for 27 for 209 yards, but for the second consecutive week he failed to get New England into the end zone.
“I just have to play better and be better,” Newton said. “We know what the standard is around here. We just came up short. That’s doesn’t mean we’re not good enough, because we are. We just didn’t show it.”
Flores’ Dolphins (9-5), by contrast, strengthened their chances of earning a wild-card berth. The Buffalo Bills (11-3) have already clinched their first AFC East title since 1995.
The Patriots will finish with fewer victories than a division rival for the first time since 2000, Belichick’s first season in New England.
“They competed harder than us,” said Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson. “They just flat-out beat us.”
Brady’s absence was again felt. Newton threw for 209 yards and ran for 38, but for the second consecutive game he failed to get New England into the end zone.
Also for the second week in a row, the Patriots’ run defense was manhandled, even though injuries left the Dolphins bereft of receiving threats. Undrafted rookie Salvon Ahmed and veteran Matt Breida helped Miami rush for 250 yards, the most allowed by New England since 2013.
The Patriots shut out the Dolphins in the first half, but then allowed three touchdown drives of more than 70 yards.
“It seemed like a bunch of stuff went wrong,” defensive lineman Chase Winovich said.
The Dolphins started possessions at their 2- and 10-yard lines, and each time grinded out a drive of at least 90 yards. They averaged 6.0 yards a carry, well above their Nfl-worst average of 3.6 for the season.