New England Patriots control playoff destiny with win over Dolphins

The New England Patriots eked out a win over the Miami Dolphins 23-21 in week 17 of the NFL season keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. Miami played without top quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, then lost backup Teddy Bridgewater to injury, and couldn’t keep up with a defense-led Patriots team.

The Patriot’s offense stuttered early but a late resurgence aided by a solid defensive effort albeit against an injured Miami offense. A win is a win no matter who you play in the NFL. All teams have injuries. It’s a fact of life in the league and that’s why depth is key to any team’s success.

The Patriots themselves played without several key defensive backs but were able to derail the even more injury-deprived Miami offense. But the key to the win was a defensive effort keyed by interceptions. One was a pick-six by second-year safety Kyle Dugger, his second in the past three games.  

New England Patriots did just enough to win

The Patriots’ offense showed some signs of life. Quarterback Mac Jones threw for 203 yards and went 20 for 33 for 203 yards, and most importantly two touchdowns. He did just enough for the slim two-point win. That was the good news.

Jones’ 60 percent completion percentage was average but he did hit the two touchdowns and critically importantly had no picks. That might have been the difference in the game.

The bad news is that to earn their second straight playoff appearance they have to beat the Buffalo Bills next week at Buffalo. That’s not going to be easy even if Buffalo has nothing to play for though they just may with the top seed in the AFC may still be undecided.

The Patriots’ defense once again was solid with their two interceptions with Jonathan Jones adding one to Dugger’s being keys to the victory.

Defensive tackle Christian Barmore had four quarterback hits including a sack and remains a key to the Patriots’ defense. Carl Davis Jr. also added the only other sack for the Patriots.

New England Patriots season is what was expected

As the season approaches its final regular season game next week in Buffalo, record-wise, it has gone pretty much as expected. This Patriots team looked like a 9-8 or 8-9 team and that’s exactly what it will be.

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Full disclosure, this space thought that it would be the offense leading the way to the mediocre season with the defense following behind. It’s been the polar opposite. With questionable coaching and an inconsistent Mac Jones and offensive line, the offense has sputtered.

The defense led by Pro-Bowler Matt Judon and emerging Josh Uche has been the team leader though they wilted a bit against top opposition.

Next week will determine whether the Patriots get a playoff berth. But beating Buffalo evener if the Bills have nothing to play for will still be a major challenge.

Too much bad water has gone over the dam for two decades for the Bills to want to hand the Patriots a playoff berth, no matter what it may mean for Buffalo. It says here they’ll be out to again spank the Patriots as they have the last three times they have played.

Buffalo is a far better team, has much better personnel, and is better coached. The Patriots will have a tough time getting that playoff bid by winning next week.