2. Dolphins Strike First… and Second
The Dolphins offense also started to find their stride off the missed field goal, with former Patriot Jonnu Smith emerging as the centerpiece of the team’s attack. Miami posted three big plays in a row to get their drive started.
Starting at their 35-yard line, Tua Tagovailoa connected with Smith for 12 yards, followed by a 24-yard strike to Jaylen Waddle that pushed the Dolphins to the Patriots’ 29. Another accurate throw to Tyreek Hill gained 10 yards, advancing the Dolphins to the red zone. Smith remained a focal point, adding a seven-yard reception to bring Miami closer to scoring. Though a run attempt by De’Von Achane was stopped for no gain, the Dolphins maintained their momentum with quick, efficient plays.
A costly neutral zone infraction by the Patriots on third-and-3 at their 12-yard line extended the drive, setting Miami up at the seven. Smith then capped off his standout performance with a seven-yard touchdown reception on third down, completing a methodical drive led by Tagovailoa’s steady hand and aided by a Patriots third-down penalty.
The Patriots responded with a three-and-out, punting the ball back to Miami and the Dolphins wasted little time adding a second touchdown with a nine-play, 66-yard touchdown drive.
De’Von Achane opened with a seven-yard run, and Tagovailoa then reestablished his growing connection with Smith with a pass of 13 yards to move into Patriots territory. Another strike to Jaylen Waddle gained 17 yards, setting Miami up at New England’s 24-yard line. After a short gain and an incomplete pass, Tagovailoa found Waddle again for a critical 14-yard reception on third down, advancing to the 9-yard line.
The Dolphins finished things off as Achane caught a screen pass from Tagovailoa and turned it into a nine-yard touchdown. Miami’s two scoring drives seemed almost identical as they grabbed a two-score lead.
Meanwhile, New England’s cold start included four first downs and five offensive penalties after four possessions, with three three-and-outs.