Old school football wins games.
And this one was as old school as it gets.
The Miami Dolphins ended their three-game losing streak with a 15-10 win over the New England Patriots. Both teams rushed for more than 150 yards and the Dolphins’ defense came up big to stop the Pats on a potential game-winning drive.
A much-needed bye week is next for the Fins but first, here’s a recap of Sunday’s divisional matchup.
Jevon Holland downgraded to out :
Holland suffered a hand injury early in the fourth quarter and was initially questionable to return.
The Herald’s Omar Kelly tweeted that Holland “just sprinted into the locker room with a trainer.”
A short time later, the Dolphins ruled Holland out for the rest of the game.
Elijah Campbell will fill in for Holland. Campbell would be back there with Marcus Maye, who started in place of Jordan Poyer.
Fullback touchdown alert :
Alec Ingold was absolutely exhausted.
Still, the fullback managed to scamper in for a 3-yard touchdown, his first of the season and the Fins’ first of the day.
The Dolphins now lead the Patriots 15-10 after Tyler Huntley failed to connect with Julian Hill on the two-point conversion.
Dolphins cut deficit to 1 :
Field goals on back-to-back drives have the Dolphins within one point of the Patriots.
Jason Sanders has all of the Dolphins’ points yet they still trail 10-9.
A positive for the Dolphins :
One word: the defense.
Miami’s defense is the only reason why the Dolphins remain in this game. Through two quarters, the Dolphins have limited the Patriots to just 98 total yards, three first downs and 16.7% third down conversion rate.
Although the defense has played well, the offense must step up if they have any chance of ending the losing streak.
Mistakes again killing the Dolphins :
A blocked punt. An errant snap that takes them out of field goal range. A botched snap and hold on a field goal attempt.
The small errors have absolutely killed the Dolphins who are down 7-3 at halftime. Eliminate those mistakes and the Dolphins would likely be leading the game.
De’Von Achane ruled out :
After taking a hard hit early in late in the first quarter, De’Von Achane was slow to get up.
Well, we now know why: Achane is being evaluated for a concussion.
After initially being designated as questionable, he’s now been downgraded to out.
The Dolphins are now down 7-3 after Rhamondre Stevenson scored on a 33-yard run. Their first lead of the season lasted just over six minutes.
Pregame inactives :
Safety Jordan Poyer and running back Jeff Wilson highlight Sunday’s inactive list. Other inactive players include quarterback Skylar Thompson, cornerback Ethan Bonner, offensive lineman Andrew Meyer as well as linebackers Channing Tindall and Mohamed Kamara.
With Poyer out, veteran safety Marcus Maye will start while Nik Needham, who was called up from the practice squad on Saturday, could provide additional support. Kamara’s inactive status is a bit surprising considering the loss of star edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who suffered a season-ending partial ACL tear in Monday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
The Dolphins will also welcome back running back Raheem Mostert, left tackle Terron Armstead, cornerback Kendall Fuller and receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who will make his season debut against the Patriots.
Pregame Dolphins reading:
Check out these stories prior to kickoff.
▪ The Dolphins need to clean up offensive issues ahead of divisional matchup against Patriots
▪ Kelly: A once-faded star should be given opportunity to shine bright against Patriots | Opinion
▪ Dolphins active Beckham, make two other moves. And notes on Achane, Jonnu Smith, more
▪ The Dolphins take on the Patriots in Foxborough. Here’s a guide to the game
▪ ‘A collective effort.’ With Jaelan Phillips out for the year, the Dolphins look for a replacement
▪ Kelly: Tyreek Hill needs a valuable lesson in leadership | Opinion
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