PATRIOTS 35, DOLPHINS 17
The Patriots did to a lackluster opponent what they should have, knocking them out early then not letting them breathe. Bill Belichick thought this game was competitive in the fourth quarter, but few on the Dolphins sideline would have agreed.
Knowing Miami’s defensive front is weak against the run, the Pats trampled it. Scoring early put the Patriots defense in predictable situations that allowed it to take down Matt Moore as if the New York Sack Exchange had been reincarnated in New England. It hasn’t been, but six second-half sacks were impressive.
This was not so much a test as it was a pop quiz, the pop coming when the traditionally cheap-shotting Dolphins began to get chippy.