What happened? Revisiting the Patriots loss to Miami in 2013

The Patriots loss in Miami last year was devastating and an extremely costly loss. It costly them potentially home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Had they won home field throughout the playoffs who knows what could have happened in the AFC Championship game against the Broncos.

Brady has had a consistently tough time playing in Miami, as he enters this weekends game 6-6 in Sun Life Stadium. This time shouldn't prove to be any easier. Playing week one in Miami where the temperature will certainly be in the 90s at game time on Sunday. It should be a good early test for the Patriots.

Lets take a look at last years loss. What happened?

Looking back at the box score from the game it tells the whole story. Brady threw the ball fifty five times for 364 yards, two touchdowns and one INT to end the game. Brady was forced to throw the ball that much because they were only able to run the ball for ninety six total yards, a dismal performance on the ground and you do not want Brady throwing the ball fifty five times heading into the playoffs.

The Patriots defense was unable to stop the Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins offense. Tannehill completed twenty five of thirty seven passes for 312 yards and three TDs. The most intriguing match up to watch for this game will be Revis on Mike Wallace, Wallace was able to torch us last year combining six catches for 105 yards and a TD. Revis will most likely shadow him the entire game and will look to lock down Tannehill's number one target. If the Patriots can lock him down

The Patriots defense was simply on the field too much and was drained by the end of the game when they needed a stop most. If the Patriots want to come away with a win this Sunday they will be need to be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Establishing an early running attack will take the pressure off of Brady and the defense. With the extreme heat the defense does not want to be out on the field for long continuous drives, they need to get off of the field to be fresh for the fourth quarter. Look for this game to be a grind for the Patriots as most AFC East games are.


Follow me on Twitter at @aludwig, @patriotsmadness

For more of my articles, click here.