The Patriots needed to win today to clinch the #1 seed in the AFC. So they casually went out and crushed the Dolphins 35-14 in Miami. It was good to see the starters out there getting some snaps and playing hard. Resting players at the end of the season prevents unwanted injuries heading into the playoffs, but taking a game off can throw some players and teams off their late season groove. Bill played the starters until they built up a healthy lead late in the game. It was nice to see Micheal Floyd getting more snaps and learning the offense. His hard work payed off when he battled through multiple Miami defenders en route to his first touchdown as a Patriot.
The Dolphins have been scorching hot lately; winning nine of their last eleven games to end the season. The Dolphins should be proud of their season. They locked up a spot in the playoffs and turned their season around after a dismal 1-4 start to the season. Matt Moore has been solid for them as a backup but I’m not sure if he’ll be able to propel the Dolphins to a road playoff win. The Dolphins need Tannehill back to give them a chance of going far in the postseason. It also doesn’t help that their secondary has injuries which allowed Brady to methodically pick them apart. The Dolphins will have to go into Pittsburgh next weekend for a much anticipated rematch. The two teams met earlier this season in Miami, a game which the Dolphins went on to win 30-15.
You could hear the crowd chanting “MVP!” when Brady was out on the field. Brady has the best touchdown to interception ratio during a season, posting a 28/2 ratio. Brady finished the day going 25/33 for 276 yards and 3 touchdowns. The rushing attack was also solid today as they had over 100 yards combined. Blount picked up his 18th rushing touch down this season, the most by a running back since Adrian Peterson also had 18 back in 2009. As always the Patriots offense looked near perfect. Brady was surgical today throwing touch down passes to Bennett, Edelman, and Floyd. The Patriots finished the season 14-2 and their next game will be at Gillette against the lowest seed. It doesn’t get any better than this. One step closer to Houston.
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