5 Crucial Numbers From Dolphins Win Over Patriots
Photo Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins came out of Foxborough with a 24-17 victory over the New England Patriots, following some last-minute thrills featuring a fourth-quarter lateral that nearly prolonged the action and further delayed the Sunday night news. Football is, as the cliche goes, a game of inches, and a fortuitous spot that put New England a few inches short of the first-down marker means the Fins are now 2-0 record and boast a one-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.
Here are five numbers that tell the story of the decisive victory.
6.7
The offensive star of the game last night was Raheem Mostert, who had 18 carries for 121 yards, which totals out to 6.7 yards per carry. The 31-year-old running back, who was the only skill player on either team to eclipse 100 yards with the ball, also found paydirt twice. Mostert’s second TD of the game was the big one, as he ran untouched for a 43-yard score to put the game out of reach for the Pats in the fourth quarter.
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Mostert’s first TD, an eight-yard scamper to the outside to give the Fins an early 10-0 lead, wouldn’t have been possible without a forced fumble caused by…
2
No. 2, Bradley Chubb, who has arguably his best game since joining Miami.
As time expired in the first quarter, the star defender smacked the ball out of Pats receiver Demario Douglas’ grasp after a completion. The fumble was then scooped up by DeShon Elliott, allowing Miami to begin the second quarter with the ball.
That wasn’t his only contribution, though.
As the Patriots were driving down the field late in the fourth quarter, Chubb threw down Mac Jones for a critical sack.
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On the night, Chubb totaled seven tackles (five solo), one forced fumble, one sack, two tackles for loss, and two QB hits.
1
A big reason for the success of the Dolphins’ offense was their stout offensive line. Mostert was able to find holes in the trenches, and Tua Tagovailoa was able to be protected and make the plays he needed to make.
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In their matchup with the Patriots, the O-line only gave up one sack, which was to four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon. It was the first sack the Dolphins have given up all year.
It’s even more impressive that they have been able to perform like this while Terron Armstead has been out for the first two weeks with a leg injury. The monster LT is expected back next week.
15
The success of the Dolphins’ O-line allowed Tua Tagovailoa to play the role of game manager perfectly. He threw for 244 yards and completed 21 passes; 15 of his 21 completions were for first downs, allowing the Dolphins’ offense to stay on the field and keep moving.
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Tua has always been noted for his accuracy as a passer, and the league is taking notice.
https://x.com/emmanuelacho/status/1703586421876109679?s=46&t=vB54MT3mB4XJLNYxXtrE5g
With the win tonight, Tua remains undefeated against the Patriots. He is now 5-0 in his career against arguably the greatest coach of the 21st century.
48:39
The Dolphins did an outstanding job of keeping the Patriots out of the end zone and the game out of reach. The opposing offense did not score a single touchdown until there was 11:21 remaining in the game, when Mac Jones found Hunter Henry on the right side for a six-yard score.
The defense went 48:39 without allowing a single touchdown. The offense did everything they needed to do to keep the game out of reach just as the Patriots’ offense started heating up in the fourth quarter.
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