Patriots vs. Dolphins score, takeaways: Miami forces late fumble to spoil Mac Jones’ NFL debut

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.– It was that got the ultimate victory as he as well as the Dolphins had the ability to repel his previous Alabama teammate and the New England Patriots throughout their Week 1 opener 17-16. Turnovers were naturally an essential storyline, particularly late in the 4th quarter where it appeared like both sides were playing hot potato. The Patriots appeared to be on the front door of a resurgence win after was able to choose off Tagovailoa, however a fumble provided the momentum– and inside track to the win– back to Miami, which was able to merely go out the clock to transfer to 1-0 on the season.

Tagovailoa, who is going into Year 2 with the Dolphins, finished 16 of his 27 tosses for 202 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Newbie made his NFL debut and also caught 4 of his six targets from Tagovailoa for 61 yards and also a touchdown. On the other hand, Jones, New England’s 2021 first-round pick, performed well in his very first preference of genuine NFL action. He had some first-drive jitters that nearly resulted in a turnover yet at some point calmed down to complete 29 of his 39 throws for 281 yards and a goal. was on the getting end of the Patriots’ single touchdown of the day as well as tape-recorded a team-high 72 backyards on 5 catches.

Listed below, you can find our vital takeaways from Sunday’s opener.

Why Dolphins won

The Dolphins have room to enhance, but they were able to make sufficient plays to safeguard the roadway win. Miami made fast job of the Patriots protection to begin the game as Tagovailoa and the Dolphins violation travelled 80 yards down the area to increase 7-0 with loved one ease. New England’s protection did enhance throughout the night as well as supplied some resistance, yet Miami still was able to spend time as well as make prompt plays. Among those clutch plays came off the arm of Tagovailoa at the beginning of the second fifty percent. On a third-and-8 attempt from his own 27-yard line, the second-year Dolphins quarterback finished a 30-yard pass to DeVante Parker, that had the ability to keep his feet inbounds to make the amazing sideline catch. That extended a Dolphins drive that ultimately ended in a touchdown that showed to be the game-winner.

Brian Flores’ protection was likewise specifically stout at holding the Patriots to basket whenever they got within spewing range of completion zone. Why Patriots lost

We’ll dive a little much deeper into the details play that cost the Patriots the video game in our “transforming factor” area, but truth be informed, it’s too simplified to state New England lost this game because of one singular moment. While Jones as well as the infraction were able to do well on 3rd down throughout the game (11 of 16), they battled to find completion zone even when they obtained deep into Dolphins territory. Of their 4 red-zone chances, they racked up simply one touchdown. Turn overs were additionally a significant Achilles heel for this crime. Certainly, the Harris fumble confirmed to be the blade, however the Patriots put the ball on the ground a variety of times throughout the game and turned it over two times. New England was additionally asked for 8 penalties for 84 lawns, which is pretty uncharacteristic for a Bill Belichick-led club.

The Patriots outpaced the Dolphins in very first downs, overall yards, as well as time of property, however those turnovers as well as lack of ability to transform encouraging drives into touchdowns were just excessive to get over. It’s those mistakes mentioned above that added to the opening loss as well as will certainly need to be dealt with if they wish to be taken into consideration a contender in the AFC East this period.

Turning factor

With 3:35 left in the 4th quarter, Miami clinging to a 17-16 lead, and also New England knocking on the door of the end area following a Jonathan Jones interception, Harris took a first-and-10 lug up the ideal side of the area and also was removed by Dolphins edge Xavien Howard, that additionally recouped the fumble. The turn over came inside the 10-yard line and also effectively handed the video game back to Miami, that had the ability to go out the clock. That fumble spoils a strong start to the period for Harris, that had 117 lawns from scrimmage in the opener.

Play of the video game

Parker’s 30-yard catch is certainly worthwhile of this honor, but you additionally have to like the initiative from Patriots corner Jalen Mills to stop a Dolphins goal. He was initially beat and reversed by Dolphins receiver Albert Wilson however was able to recuperate and also displayed his athleticism by jumping to bat the die. That added to Miami opting for a basket heading into the halftime storage locker area.

What’s next

From here, the Dolphins will certainly go back to Miami and also wait for the defending AFC East champ Buffalo Bills, who are coming off a Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. As for New England, it will certainly go on the road for the very first time this season and also handle the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.