#TBT to the last Patriots-Dolphins Matchup
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| Alan Diaz | AP Photo |
Happy Thanksgiving Patriots fans! While you’re enjoying a day filled with family, food and football, take a look at this preview of the New England Patriots' game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
*This article is part of a weekly Throwback Thursday series that will feature key stat lines and short recaps of the last time the New England Patriots played their upcoming opponent.
Last Time Out…
The New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins last met on January 1, 2017 for their second faceoff of last season against their division foes. The Patriots won the game in a score of 35-14.
The Patriots took control early on and led 20-0 in the first half, before the Dolphins would score to make it a 20-7 game at halftime. New England’s offense wasn’t even forced to punt until late in the third quarter.
Major plays like Julian Edelman’s 77-yard catch-and-run touchdown aided by a monster block Michael Floyd, and Shea McClellin’s 69-yard fumble return aided in the 35-14 victory.
Noteworthy…
The win over Miami meant a lot of things for New England. They finished the regular season with a perfect road record and clinched home-field advantages throughout the AFC playoffs. The win also meant a series sweep over the Dolphins for the 10th time.
Brady finished the season with 28 touchdown passes and two interceptions, which is the highest touchdown-to-interception ratio in league history.
Julian Edelman had a career-high 151 yards on eight receptions.
The Stats…
Tom Brady went 25-of-33 for 276 yards and three touchdowns, while Matt Moore went 24-of-34 for 205 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
LeGarrette Blount and Dion Lewis posted strong rushing performances for the Patriots, with 51 and 48 yards respectively. Blount added a touchdown on the day.
For the Dolphins, it was Jay Ajayi who led the way with 16 carries and 59 yards.
Julian Edelman’s career day included eight catches 151 yards and one touchdown, including his 77-yard catch-and-run TD. Michael Floyd and Martellus Bennett added 36 and 33 receiving yards, while Chris Hogan and James White added 27 and 21, respectively.
Miami’s rushing efforts were led by Jarvis Landry who recorded nine catches, 76 yards and one touchdown. Kenny Stills posted the other receiving touchdown after a game with four catches and 41 yards.
The Patriots’ defense was led by Devin McCourty, Logan Ryan and Elandon Roberts who all recorded seven total tackles, including six solo each.
Linebacker Shea McClellin also posted a 69-yard fumble return for New England.
For the Dolphins, Tony Lippett recorded eight total tackles with two solo. Spencer Paysinger and Bacarri Rambo each added seven total tackles.
And Now…
The New England Patriots will square off against their AFC East rivals when the Miami Dolphins come to town on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. Game time is set for 1pm ET at Gillette Stadium.
Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan
