Winners and losers from Patriots’ ugly loss to Dolphins in Week 18

Isaiah Houde
·3 min read
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The New England Patriots got off to an extremely slow start against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18.

Penalties were a major issue and Mac Jones’ early pick-six stalled the Patriots’ momentum. The pick-sick was following a seven-minute opening drive that resulted in a Jaylen Waddle touchdown. The theme throughout the season has been Jones’ inability to overcome a deficit — and that rang true against the Dolphins.

The Patriots’ rush defense allowed 195 yards on the ground and that’s another issue that’s haunted them the entire season. It is worth noting that key defensive players in Kyle Dugger, Dont’a Hightower and Myles Bryant weren’t available for the game.

Now, the Patriots have to rest up and prepare for a playoff game.

WINNER: RB Brandon Bolden

Brandon Bolden was the Patriots’ most productive running back.

Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson didn’t have terrible games, but Bolden was the playmaker who kept the team alive. He finished the game with 46 rushing yards and 20 receiving yards, with two total touchdowns. Harris and Stevenson combined for 71 rushing yards, 38 receiving yards — with Harris collecting a score.

LOSER: Special teams unit

Special teams mistakes hurt the Patriots in a major way against Miami.

To begin, the Dolphins attempted a fake punt on 4th-and-three and gained the first down after Bolden was flagged with an unnecessary roughness penalty.

The second big penalty came on a potential three-and-out that was killed by an illegal formation by Lawrence Guy.

WINNER: Hunter Henry

Hunter Henry did what he he’s been doing all season — produce.

The 27-year-old finished the day as the leading receiver with five receptions for 86 yards. He’s been the Patriots’ most explosive receiver all season and he continues to do so. Here’s some of his big plays against Miami.

LOSER: Wide receiver group

Outside of Jakobi Meyers, Jones wasn’t getting much help from his receivers.

Meyers finished the game with four catches for 70 yards, while Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor totaled four catches for 47 yards. The Patriots’ receivers haven’t been able to score on a consistent basis this year and Jones only could rely on his running backs and tight ends in the red area.

Agholor, who came back from concussion protocol, had an underwhelming day that was aligned with his season. N’Keal Harry, as he’s often done this season, came up with a non-productive performance as well.

Here’s an incredible catch by Meyers to offset the rough day by the group.

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