Welcome, Dolphins fans, to the postgame recap. The Patriots have defeated the Dolphins in a tight game, 33–27. It will be a short week for the Dolphins as they head up north to play the Super Bowl–favorite Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. Let’s get into the recap of today’s embarrassing, disappointing, and frustrating loss.
Starting with the New England Patriots, Drake Maye looked like a 10-year veteran against another poor performance from the Dolphins’ defense. Maye finished with 236 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, and a completion percentage of 82.6%. Rhamondre Richardson averaged 4.9 yards per carry with 54 rushing yards on 11 carries. He also led the Patriots in receiving yards and receptions, hauling in five passes for 88 yards.
The Dolphins’ defense, for the second consecutive week, was putrid. The Patriots ran all over Miami, ending the game with 122 rushing yards. While it is understandable that Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver does not have much to work with in the secondary, it is completely unacceptable that the Dolphins’ defense can’t even stop a cold. Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson each recorded a sack, and training camp standout Willie Gay Jr. finally saw the field—making plays right away. It is questionable why he was given zero snaps last week against the Colts.
For the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa looked more like himself this week. He finished with 315 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and a completion percentage of 81.3%. De’Von Achane managed only 30 rushing yards on 11 carries, but he was a major weapon in the passing game with 92 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions. Tyreek Hill seemed back to form, recording his first 30-yard reception in over a year and finishing with 109 yards on six catches. Jaylen Waddle also caught a touchdown. Hill and Tagovailoa’s connection showed flashes of being restored, but late in the game, Tua missed a wide-open Hill that could have been a touchdown.
Defensively, the Patriots dominated the trenches. Milton Williams had two sacks—including the game-winner—while Robert Spillane, Harold Landry III, and K’Lavon Chaisson each added one. The Dolphins’ offensive line once again struggled, made worse by the absences of Austin Jackson and James Daniels. Kion Smith and Larry Borom filled in, but when the game was on the line, the line failed to protect Tua.
In August 2024, General Manager Chris Grier told the media, “You are more worried about the offensive line than we are.” Since that statement, the Dolphins have gone 8–11 in regular-season games, the offensive line has remained subpar, Grier’s seat has grown hotter, and the flame keeps rising. After today’s loss, the Dolphins as an organization appear completely lost—between Grier’s roster decisions, Mike McDaniel’s situational awareness and time management, and the players’ execution. It’s time to clean house.
The Dolphins have not beaten the Bills since 2022 and have not won in Buffalo since 2016. Miami enters Thursday’s game as a 12.5-point underdog and, realistically, has no chance. If the Dolphins fall to 0–3, it will be time for owner Stephen Ross to make a change. Fans have already put immense pressure on Ross, Grier, and McDaniel as patience has run out. A plane even flew over Hard Rock Stadium with a banner reading, “Fire Grier, Fire McDaniel.”
It is embarrassing that it has come to this, but if that’s what it takes to spark change, then so be it. Now it is up to Ross: either hang on for one more year with the same staff and alienate the fanbase further, or clean house and attempt to rebuild the right way.
Cover Photo Image: CBS Sports
