Tyreek Hill torches the Patriots defense in 31-17 victory Sunday
Patriots now 1-5 vs dolphins in the Mac Jones era, Tua 6-0 vs Belichick
The Patriots fell to the Dolphins, 31-17 on Sunday and are now 2-6 for the first time since 2000.
The game was off to a positive start for New England when Mac Jones completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to Kendrick Bourne to go up 7-0 in the first quarter.
Unfortunately Miami started just as fast with Tyreek Hill catching a 42-yard touchdown with 22 seconds left to spare at the end of the first. Hill finished with eight catches for 112 yards and touchdown which was somewhat uncharacteristic against a Bill Belicheck led team who has limited him to a career average of 87.8 yards a game.
The Patriots trailed the rest of the way, in part due to the offense’s lack of converting on third down. Miami held the Patriots to 1-for-9 on third downs and 51 total plays on offense.
Injuries were a major problem for the Patriots in this game with Kendrick Bourne (knee), Devante Parker (head) and Ja’Whaun Bentley (hamstring).
Kyle Dugger had one his best games this season making nine tackles adding an interception and solo sack. Christian Barmore completed three solo tackles, two assisted and had one sack for a six-yard loss.
In an article I wrote a few days ago, I predicted Demario Douglas to have more than 26.5 receiving yards, he fell short with just 25 receiving yards but did see a team high in receptions with five and targets with seven.
Bourne finished the game with three receptions on four targets for 36 yards and a score. Another notable on offense in the loss was tight end Paraoh Brown, he caught two passes (two targets) for 33 yards, his longest went for 24 yards. Brown is becoming one of Jones’ go-to receiving options from the tight end position.
In related news, the Patriots are now third in overall draft position behind the Bears (2-5) and the Cardinals, who play the Ravens, will look to avoid falling to 1-7 in Week 8.
The Patriots will look to get back in the win column next Sunday against the Commanders (3-5).
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