The Miami Dolphins fell to 0-2 after a tough home loss to the New England Patriots, failing to capitalize on two late opportunities to steal the win. A wild fourth-quarter sequence — featuring back-to-back return touchdowns from Malik Washington and Antonio Gibson — kept the game close, but Miami’s offense couldn’t deliver when it mattered most.
Top two takeaways from the Dolphins' 33-27 loss to the Patriots:
Dolphins’ Defense Still a Major Problem
Miami’s defense was once again a problem. The Patriots’ running backs averaged 4.8 yards per carry, rookie QB Drake Maye added 31 rushing yards, and New England’s top two pass catchers were a running back and a tight end — a clear sign the front seven didn’t do its job.
On paper, a unit featuring Zach Sieler, Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Kenneth Grant should be dominant. Instead, it has been the Dolphins’ biggest weakness through two weeks. Until the pass rush and run defense start producing, the Dolphins will remain vulnerable — regardless of how well the offense plays.
Tua Struggled in the Clutch
Tua Tagovailoa had a strong middle stretch, completing every pass after his first drive until halftime and keeping the offense rolling into the third quarter. But in the clutch, he struggled — overthrowing Tyreek Hill on a key down, throwing a costly interception on fourth down, and failing to give his team a chance on the final two plays.
His 315 passing yards and two touchdowns look solid on paper, but the late-game execution left plenty of questions. Miami’s inability to finish drives in crunch time was the difference between 0-2 and a comeback win.
Up next for Miami: Thursday*, September 18 vs. Buffalo Bills (8:15 p.m. ET on AMZN)*
