Dolphins Defeat Patriots 33-24, Tagovailoa Improves to 3-0 Against Bill Belichick

It wasn’t pretty but the Miami Dolphins pulled it off. With nothing to play for except pride and a winning record, the Dolphins upset the New England Patriots in Miami, Florida.

After losing to the Tennessee Titans the previous week and ending any hope of making the playoffs in a crazy season, Miami made the most of their final game. The Fins also swept the Patriots for the first time in 21 years, presenting a hopeful outlook in the post-Brady era.

The Alabama QB Matchup: Part II

This year, Mac Jones has cemented himself as the guy to lead the Patriots ship for many years to come. On the other hand, Tua Tagovailoa’s future is unknown in Miami after a crazy and disappointing up and down season in Miami; leaving many fans pondering if the team will make a move for Deshaun Watson or another QB this offseason.

In the season finale, neither QB starred with a thrilling performance, but rather, it was a close game fought out by both teams. Mac Jones threw for 261 yards on 20-of-30 passing with one touchdown and one interception. Tua Tagovailoa did not whip the ball up and down the field, however, he did not commit any turnovers. Tua completed 15-of-22 passes with a touchdown and 109 passing yards. The 23-year-old also had five rushes for 38 yards.

All and all, it’s safe to say that this is just the beginning of a great rivalry between these two young competitors.

Other Contributions

Unlike usual, Miami’s running game was very solid. RB Duke Johnson had 117 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. Former Pro-Bowler Phillip Lindsay, meanwhile, had 40 rushing yards on 11 carries.

Miami’s passing game wasn’t nearly explosive as many wanted it to be. No Dolphins receiver had more than 32 receiving yards on the day. Jaylen Waddle caught five passes and a touchdown, but only recorded 27 receiving yards. Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe and DeVante Parker both had two receptions.

Miami’s Defense

The Fins D came up big with three turnovers against the Pats elusive offense. It didn’t take long for Miami to get started, as Xavien Howard intercepted Mac Jones on his first pass attempt of the game. Miami would then capitalize again later in the third quarter, recovering a botched snap fumble after Ted Karras replaced David Andrews at Center for one play. Simply, it was a statement game for the Fins defense after being annihilated by the Titans offense in Week 17.

Game Notes

• Brian Flores is now 4-2 against Bill Belichick (2-1 at Hard Rock Stadium and 2-1 at Gillette Stadium).
• The Dolphins have won three straight games against the Patriots.
• The Patriots now went the whole season without having a single game where a receiver had 100 receiving yards or more.
• Second-year signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa is now 2-0 against rookie Mac Jones.
• On Waddle’s third catch of the game, he broke Anquon Boldin’s single-season reception record that was set back in 2003.

Next Up

The Miami Dolphins will not be headed to the playoffs. So, Miami will look forward to a busy and questionable offseason on the horizon.

The New England Patriots, meanwhile, are headed to the playoffs to play their division-rivals, the Buffalo Bills. Kickoff is on Saturday, January 15th, at 8:15 PM ET.

(Featured image by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)