New England Patriots crush Miami Dolphins 41-14
Sometimes you can't listen to your critics.
The naysayers had it all spelled out for the New England Patriots. They couldn't win on the road, addled by a weak link in the form of their special teams. Not exactly. Brady threw only 153 yards for one
touchdown as New England - and their special teams - crushed the Miami Dolphins 41-14 on Monday night at Sun Life Stadium.
So what happened? Patrick Chung blocked two kicks on special teams, and the defence combined for four interceptions to give the Patriots their third road win in their last 10 away games.
The Dolphins were in control after the first quarter and had a 7-6 lead over the visitors at the end of the first half. Miami got off to a wonderful start and struck first putting seven points on the board.
The offence kept the defence guessing with a mix of both run and pass plays.
But the Dolphins were unable to extend their lead due to New England’s stout defence. Miami ‘s quarterback Chad Henne threw two interceptions in the first quarter, which ended the Dolphins’ drive and eventually
turned into six points for the opposing team as the Patriots settled for two field goals, with one coming as time expired at the half.
On the ensuing kick off, New England’s Brandon Tate gave his team a lead they would never relinquish with a 103-yard return for the score. A stunted Miami squad looked confused on their next offensive
possession and were forced to punt and it was all down hill from there. The Patriots lit up the score board in the second half, producing 35 points to Miami’s seven.
"We had a tidal wave hit us," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said. "It was a mess. Embarrassing. These fans deserve better than this."
Chung blocked a punt to set up a touchdown, than blocked a field goal that Kyle Arrington returned 35 yards for a score.
“We practiced everything that happened -- all of those blocks, and people doing their job allowed me to make a play," Chung said.
Henne, who went 29 of 39 for 302 yards and two scores, was disappointed with his performance and was pulled from the game after his third interception was returned by 51 yards by Chung for New England's
final score.
"Overall it's my fault," Henne said. "I'll take that one as a quarterback. I'll put that on my shoulders."
Tyler Thigpen came in relief for Henne but did fare much better as he tossed the Dolphins' fourth interception of the night. The loss drops the Dolphins’ record to 2-2, while the Patriots improve to 3-1
on the season.
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