Tua's unbeaten record against the Patriots stands. The Dolphins handled the Pats on Sunday in a game that really wasn't as close as the score indicates. The Dolphins were up 24-0 at the half and never looked back. The Pats could not get into the red zone all game, and the one time they got into field goal range, Joey Slye hit the upright and missed.
The Dolphins eventually made it 31-7 and put in the backups. Skylar Thompson played only two snaps as he handed it off to Jaylen Wright, who fumbled, allowing Christian Gonzalez to scoop it up and take it for a touchdown. The rest of the game was smooth sailing, although McDaniel put the starters back in.
It was the win the Dolphins needed after failing to finish off the Raiders until the very end of the game last week. They now head into Green Bay on Thanksgiving night on a three-game winning streak.
Pure Dominance
As I mentioned above, this one was never in doubt. Twenty-four of the Dolphins' 34 points were scored in the second quarter, meaning the game was out of reach early. The defense kept Drake Maye in check, and they were game-scripted out of running the ball much. The Dolphins struggled to run the ball much themselves, averaging only 2.7 yards per carry, but it didn't matter because the pass offense was so good.
Jonnu Smith continued his hot streak and has established himself as one of the most important pieces on this offense. He led the team with 11 targets and had nine receptions for 87 yards. Smith's power and athleticism make him a dangerous weapon, and it's been great to see him thrive in this offense.
The Dolphins have momentum on their side, and the past three weeks will fill them with confidence. Thursday's game will test the team's grit and resilience and determine whether it can make a run in the AFC.
Waddle Lights Out
In the preview, I mentioned how I had been waiting for Jaylen Waddle to have a big game, but it had yet to happen. Right on schedule, Waddle has his best game of the season. With Tyreek Hill slightly injured and Christian Gonzalez covering him, Tua turned to Waddle, and he thrived.
His 144 yards were more than he had in the previous four games combined, and his eight receptions were also a season-high. Between Tua's injury and De'Von Achane and Jonnu Smith's increased involvement in the passing game, it's been a difficult season for Waddle. This game showed that he can still be an essential piece of the offense when he needs to be, and the Dolphins will need him to be at his A-game next month.
Pass Rush Continues To Improve
Defensive line, take a bow. After losing Jaelan Phillips in Week 4 and Bradley Chubb still being out from an injury he suffered last year, the D-line struggled early on. Chop Robinson was a project, and Calais Campbell is 38 years old. The Dolphins are still tied for having the 5th fewest sacks in the league, but 11 of their 21 sacks have come in the last three games.
Chop Robinson looks unblockable; all 3.5 of his sacks this season have come in the last four games. I noted in the preview that the D-Line should've found success against a porous Pats offensive line, and they did not disappoint. Zach Sieler continues his run as one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the league, which is another strong performance from him this week.
If the D-Line can continue this pace against better teams, this defense will be a true force to be reckoned with. The defense is playing with heart, a far cry from how they looked just a few weeks ago against Buffalo.
Bet Recap from Preview
Loss on Pats +7.5, but the Dolphins win as expected. The Pats could not keep it close; they've failed to cover the spread against Miami nine games in a row.
Up Next: Green Bay Packers
Massive game in Green Bay next. It's not necessarily a must-win, but it would certainly be a statement victory in a Thanksgiving primetime matchup.
Final Score: Dolphins 34, Patriots 15
Souza's Three Stars
1st Star- Tua Tagovailoa (317 Passing yards, 4 TDs, 0 Turnovers)
2nd Star- Jaylen Waddle (8 receptions, 144 yards, 1 TD)
3rd Star- Chop Robinson (1.5 sacks, 2 PDs, 3 QB hits, 91.5 PFF grade)
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