Dolphins’ Momentum Halted In Lopsided Loss
- Updated: October 30, 2015
In a tough spot on a short week, the Miami Dolphins’ considerable momentum ran into a wall with a 36-7 loss to New England under the Thursday Night lights in Foxboro.
Tom Brady continued his revenge tour, carving up the Dolphins for 356 yards and four scores and keeping the Patriots unbeaten (7-0).
Ryan Tannehill failed on the big stage, missing key throws, wilting under heavy pressure and even whiffing on a shotgun snap over his shoulder for a safety.
Whether the Dolphins (3-4) can recapture their momentum remains to be seen, but they will have to likely do so without top pass rusher Cameron Wake who may have seen his season end with a second-half Achilles injury.
It was 19-0 at halftime when Miami showed its first sign of life on offense to start the third quarter. Lamar Miller, who had little room to run all night, burrowed in from a yard out to make it 19-7. It was Tannehill’s best work, going 4-for-5 on the march for 71 yards.
However, Brady and New England continued to click, answering with a 64-yard march that ended in a field goal and a 22-7 advantage.
In a bid to close within one score, Miami then bogged down at midfield, calling a power run with Miller on 3rd-and-2 that got stuffed by Sealver Siliga.
The teams traded possessions before Tannehill threw his second interception starting the fourth quarter. Duron Harmon stole a corner route pass on what seemed like miscommunication with receiver Rishard Matthews running a streak.
After a deep return, New England started in the Red Zone and needed three plays to go up 29-7. Brady found Julian Edelman from 10 yards out and the route was official.
The Dolphins’ ground game, which gashed the Texans last week for over 200 yards, was a non factor. Miller finished with just 15 yards on nine carries as New England filled the box and dared Tannehill to beat them deep. He was unable to do so with any consistency. In addition to the Harmon theft, Logan Ryan stepped in front of a forced Tannehill pass on a corner route to Matthews late in the second quarter. It was the first play after a rare forced punt by the Miami defense with the score just 9-0. It also resulted in another short field and more New England points - a 52-yard FG by Stephen Gostkowski.
It was an ugly performance by the Miami offense, but in particular, Tannehill’s propensity to struggle against quality opponents continues. The team’s franchise quarterback somehow finished with 300 passing yards, but most of it came in garbage time. In addition to his two interceptions when the game was still within reach, he was reluctant to escape the rush and use his legs to extend plays. New England registered five sacks on the night and many other hurries.
Miami lost right tackle Ja’wuan James in the first half to a toe injury. His status will need to be watched, as his replacement Jason Fox continued to struggle Thursday.
Wake seemed almost resigned to his fate when he went down, wide-eyed and saying nothing to trainers as if he knew this blown tire was a serious injury. At the very least, Wake will miss considerable time. At worst, at 33 years old, his playing career might have ended Thursday night.
Miami gets 10 days to get back on track, travelling to Buffalo in Week 9 for the second of three consecutive road games.
Jeff Clyburn
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