MIAMI GARDENS – Immediately after Miami’s defense gave up 234 yards speeding versus the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, coordinator Vic Fangio reported his device was very good adequate to get a substantial-scoring contest, but “not excellent enough to gain a great deal of games.”
The Dolphins turned it close to in 7 days 2 at New England, restricting the Patriots to 88 yards hurrying and halting them on a late push that could have tied or won the game.
“When you give up 34 points it is really a awful feeling,” linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel mentioned after Sunday night’s 24-17 win. “Naturally the Chargers have a fantastic offense, but it left a sour style in our mouths. And we undoubtedly came out with a thing to show tonight.”
Miami (2-) received its opener thanks to its high-powered offense led by Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. Against a Patriots crew that confined that connection — Hill experienced 5 catches for 40 yards — the Dolphins gained with protection and a well balanced offense that showcased an productive operate match.
Miami ran the ball 30 instances for 145 yards and experienced 30 go tries for 249 yards, an method that mentor Mike McDaniel mentioned was dictated by the Patriots’ defensive adjustments.
“I realized line-of-scrimmage engage in was going to be significant,” McDaniel stated, “but you have to sort of enable the game perform out and see what the defense is carrying out. If they are having some thing absent, a little something else is susceptible, so you just type of have to have fairness in your activity program.”
On protection, Van Ginkel moved from inside of to outside the house linebacker to switch Jaelan Phillips, who hurt his again in practice.
Van Ginkel experienced just one of Miami’s 4 sacks and a tackle for reduction. The Dolphins produced 8 tackles for reduction, twice as quite a few as they had from the Chargers.
Nevertheless, the Dolphins experienced to maintain on at the finish. McDaniel reported his team designed some blunders that really should be uncomplicated to accurate early in the time.
“I told the fellas in the locker home that they’re heading to feel like it didn’t need to be a nail-biter,” McDaniel claimed. “And that occurs a ton. You are fortuitous to get the gain in that understanding process of how to make guaranteed that that is not the case. But total, on the road, key time, division opponent, all those are very, quite useful game titles to be in a position to arrive up with a acquire.”
What is Performing
Tagovailoa’s poise has been important. The Patriots had three deep safeties on the area early to attempt and choose absent the deep passing sport, but he adjusted. Tagovailoa unfold the ball to 8 distinct receivers. Jaylen Waddle experienced 4 catches for 86 yards.
According to NextGen Stats, Tagovailoa, who is acknowledged for his brief release, averaged the fourth-swiftest time to toss (2.08 seconds) of any quarterback in a activity considering that 2020.
WHAT Requirements Support
The quarterback-middle exchange amongst Tagovailoa and Connor Williams has been an challenge dating to the preseason, and it charge Miami a probable 3rd-down conversion in the fourth quarter with the workforce hoping to shield a seven-point lead.
Tagovailoa explained he was “transforming up” pre-snap, which caused the miscommunication.
Inventory UP
Raheem Mostert experienced 121 yards speeding on 18 carries. The 31-12 months-aged also had a pair of dashing TDs, his first match with multiple rushing scores because the NFC championship recreation with San Francisco in the 2020 period.
Stock DOWN
Jason Sanders had a discipline goal blocked and skipped a 55-yard try that gave New England one particular last likelihood to gain. Sanders was 2 of 6 on attempts of 50-additionally yards past 12 months.
Injuries
Waddle is in the concussion protocol adhering to a helmet-to-helmet strike from New England’s Marte Mapu. … LT Terron Armstead missed his second straight activity as he carries on working with ankle, back and knee concerns.
Upcoming Techniques
Miami hosts Denver (-2) in its residence opener on Sunday.
