I’m sure when the NFL schedule makers put this year’s program together, this looked like a potentially great game. The idea that Bill Belichick could coach a losing team two years in a row, let alone in three out of the last four seems too strange for them and I get it. But I was alive when the Super Genius ran the Cleveland Browns so I’m not ready to just pretend he can push an inferior team over the hump. That’s what will have to happen when the vastly superior Miami Dolphins come to Foxboro to face off against the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football.
The series goes all the way back to 1966 with Miami holding a 60-55 advantage in the all-time head-to-head record. And that’s not close solely from Belichick’s dominance over the last 20 years in New England. Miami, regardless of who they have at QB or head coach, has been a consistent problem for the Pats. Since 2017, the Dolphins are 7-5 against New England and won four in a row before the Patriots stopped the losing steak in penultimate game of last season, 23-21.
Tua Tagovailoa, of course, did not play in that game due to his concussion issues. Rookie Skylar Thompson was 12 of 21 for 104 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Teddy Bridgewater was 12 of 19 for 161 yards, a TD and a a pick in the loss. Mac Jones finished 20 of 33 for 204 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (+2.5, O/U: 46.5)
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
Broadcast: NBC
Kickoff: Sep. 17. 8:20 p.m.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-0)
The Dolphins played in the what was probably the best, most exciting game of Week 1, outlasting the Los Angeles Chargers 36-34 in a an instant classic shootout. Tua Tagovailoa wrapped his afternoon 28 of 45 for 466 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in the win. He was not sacked. Miami didn’t get much out of the running game, gaining just 70 yards on the ground with four different rushers, including Tua. Tyreek Hill was uncoverable, catching 11 balls for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Jaylen Waddle had four grabs for 78 yards. The defense sacked Justin Herbert three times.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (0-1)
New England shocked me, at least, hanging with the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles, losing in the final minutes 25-20. Mac Jones had a nice day under center, finishing 35 of 54 passing for 316 yards, three touchdowns and a pick. He was sacked twice. The Pats did nothing running the ball, gaining 76 yards with four different guys getting carries. Kendrick Bourn caught six passes for 64 yards and a TD. The defense sacked Jalen Hurts three times and held the Eagles to just 97 yards rushing.
THE PICK
The Pats are a frustrating team to pick, because they shouldn’t have been competitive in their game with Philly last week. They won’t be this week. Dolphins 31, Patriots 16
Last week
Straight up: 10-6
Against the spread: 9-7
Season
Straight up: 10-6
Against the spread: 9-7
Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.
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