Three stars from Miami Dolphins' 24-17 win over the New England Patriots
The Miami Dolphins got some great performances from some key players in their 24-17 win over New England on Sunday Night Football. Miami's offense was balanced – 30 runs and 30 passes – and effective on the ground, rolling up 145 yards on 30 carries (4.8 ypc). Tua Tagovailoa was also able to complete 21 […]
The Miami Dolphins got some great performances from some key players in their 24-17 win over New England on Sunday Night Football.
Miami's offense was balanced – 30 runs and 30 passes – and effective on the ground, rolling up 145 yards on 30 carries (4.8 ypc). Tua Tagovailoa was also able to complete 21 of 30 attempts for 249 yards while only being sacked once. The defense was sound against the run and hit Mac Jones 8 times. As such, there was plenty of good play to pick from.
Here are three Dolphins who stood out in a big way on national television Sunday night.
3) Bradley Chubb. Chubb had 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack, and 2 quarterback hits. His sack on the Patriots' final series ultimately helped Miami seal the win. He also pursued WR Demario Douglas and forced a fumble to end a Patriots drive in field goal range in the first quarter. A very solid performance from a player who needed to step up with Jaelan Phillips out.
2) Andrew Van Ginkel. The star of the game for Miami's defense. #43 was all over the field while registering a sack and three quarterback hits. He also helped keep Pats lineman Cole Strange from reaching the first down marker on the Pats' final drive after Mike Gesicki's wild lateral. Mike McDaniel said after the game that Van Ginkel probably knows the defense as well as anyone, and it clearly showed.
1) Raheem Mostert. 18 carries, 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. His numbers speak for themselves. His 43-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter was impressive, as he hit the hole and showed off his speed, which is among the fastest in the NFL, as he scored the winning points for Miami. This is as good of a performance on the ground as Mike McDaniel could have hoped for, especially against a New England defense that's as physical as it is, and Mostert led that charge.
Honorable mention: Jevon Holland, Tua Tagovailoa, Christian Wilkins, and Kendall Lamm.
– Holland had a big tackle for loss on a 3rd and 1 to force a punt and also helped Van Ginkel and others keep Strange from picking up the last first down, among other solid play.
– Tua was outstanding in the first half, which proved to be enough.
– The defensive line was awesome, holding the Pats to 88 rushing yards on 25 carries, and Wilkins was likely the best among them, with 7 tackles and a sack.
– Starting again for the inactive Terron Armstead, Lamm allowed no sacks for a second straight game. While Miami's entire offensive line is playing well, Lamm is the biggest story given he's the only reserve playing.
Dolphins 24, Patriots 17: Instant analysis
Thoughts and observations from Miami’s thrilling win over New England on Sunday Night Football
Featured image via David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
