Patriots 48 - Dolphins 28

The Dolphins had lots of issues in Sunday's game against the Patriots. For example, the most glaring problem was that we didn't stop them all day. Offensively, we abandoned the run and allowed them to control the tempo. We had penalties, no pass rush, poor coverage, and we couldn't even block their nose tackle! We were outplayed and outcoached. All of that, and the Dolphins still were right in the game and poised to recapture the lead (again) towards the end of the third quarter. With a first and ten at the Patriots 27, we were in scoring range down only three, and then the most important moment of the game occurred. Completely ignored by the media, the turning point of the game was when Jake Long left the field with an injury.

Despite all the issues that the Dolphins had against the Patriots, the game was back and forth the entire way and anybody's ballgame until Long's injury. When Long left, however, the wheels came off. Confusion ensued up front for Miami, and a sack and a holding penalty later, we were punting from the 40. The Patriots got the ball back and quickly responded thanks to a 62 yard completion to Wes Welker, and suddenly we faced a ten point deficit, instead of being ahead or even merely tied, as we had been in range for.

Regardless, though the odds had been stacked against Miami thanks to the turn of evens after Long's injury, they did not lay down and die. As they had all day, they fought hard back and showed their toughness. Pennington led a masterful drive featuring a long run after the catch by Bess and a beautiful touchdown pass to Ricky, and we were again down by just three. With the defense needing a stop, Dolphins stadium was rocking like never before, but it just wasn't enough. New England completed a couple of huge first downs and got the call when Moss pushed off of Goodman for a touchdown. When Pennington threw a pick on the next drive, it was over.

This was the critical turn of events that decided the game, and it was all precipitated by Jake Long's injury. Now we know the true value of the #1 overall pick, because despite all of Miami's inadequacies throughout the day (and there were many which we'll get into), they were still even with a very good team until he went down, and the icing was a questionable (re: horrible) call by the official.

One thing is certain: the Dolphins showed a lot of heart and toughness against the Patriots. Though the result wasn't in our favor, this is a Dolphins team to be proud of. Despite the outcome of the game, it is clear that the Dolphins ascent and the Patriots demise is imminent. The tide is turning, and everybody on both sidelines knows it.