New England Patriots: 5 observations from meltdown in Miami
The New England Patriots were stunned on what would be called the Miami miracle in a shocking 34-33 defeat to the Dolphins in the last seconds of the Week 14 matchup.
Something always goes wrong down in Miami for the New England Patriots.
Even on a day where Tom Brady looked once again like the ageless wonder. Even when Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman looked like the weapons they are. Even when Josh Gordon showed flashes of that 2013 guy who could take a slant pass and take it to the house. Even when the team blocked two punts on special teams, the Patriots found a unique way to lose to the desperate Miami Dolphins.
Yup, chalk Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake as the latest name Patriots fans will always remember. After two laterals, Drake scored a miraculous last-second touchdown to defeat the Patriots 34-33.
With all of Miami celebrating, the New England Patriots were left with their heads down and suddenly two games behind the Kansas City Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC.
Furthermore, the AFC East title was put on ice for at least another week. So, what happened?
While many people are labeling Sunday’s last second heroics as a miracle, it wouldn’t have happened if there weren’t a few meltdowns throughout the game. With the Patriots offense clicking, the game should’ve been put away late in the second quarter.
With the defense struggling to contain old man Frank Gore and…Brandon Bolden, the offense left too many points on the field. As is typically the case, those points came back to haunt the New England Patriots and may have changed the landscape of the AFC playoffs as it is probable the Super Bowl will now go throw Arrowhead stadium.