Patriots playoff hopes still alive as defense crumbles to beat Dolphins

The New England Patriots extended the Miami Dolphins’ losing streak to five games in a 23-21 win that puts them on the verge of a playoff berth.

The Patriots will now head to TV to watch the New York Jets, who they must lose to become the last wild card team this week.

The Dolphins, now 8-8, much like New England, head into Week 18 needing to win and the Patriots needing to lose if they wish to qualify for the playoffs.

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Miami had to come into this game with Teddy Bridgewater under center, as Tua Tagovailoa continues to be in concussion protocol. But as Bridgewater put up a solid game, he injured his finger in his throwing hand and had to walk out, leaving rookie Skylar Thompson to take over.

Bridgewater’s injury came on a crucial play as he was picked on a pass to safety for Trent Sherfield and the Patriots Kyle Dugger took that interception home for a 39-yard pick.

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That gave New England a 16-14 lead, and they would later add it in the fourth quarter with an 11-play, 89-yard drive that allowed Jakobi Meyers to snatch a pass from Mac Jones for a metre. touchdown, a score needed to walk away with a win.

Thompson made a late push, rushing for 61 yards on nine plays for a Mike Gesicki touchdown that made it 23-21 with just under a minute left.

But the Dolphins couldn’t convert on the onside kick attempt, as Hunter Henry fell on it and allowed the Patriots to kneel the clock.

Jones finished the game with 203 passing yards and two touchdowns, his first coming on a seven-yard pass to Tyquan Thornton in the Patriots’ opener.

Skylar Thompson of the Miami Dolphins takes on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 1, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
(Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

Bridgewater would orchestrate a drive that saw Tyreek Hill rush two yards to tie the game at seven immediately after the Patriots goal, and he added an excellent throw to Raheem Mostert in the third quarter for a two-yard score to make it 14 -7 .

Bridgewater finished the game 12 of 19 for 161 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while Thompson went 12 of 21 for 104 yards.

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There haven’t been many rush games for either team in this contest, with the Patriots rushing for 77 yards to the Dolphins’ 86 yards. Rhamondre Stevenson had 42 yards on just eight carries, while Jeff Wilson Jr. had 45 yards on 15 carries. Mostert also had 29 yards on nine touches.

With the Buffalo Bills on the schedule next week for the Patriots, they’re certainly hoping the Seattle Seahawks can beat the Jets so they don’t have to worry about beating the current No. AFC.

Mac Jones of the New England Patriots checks out a play against the Miami Dolphins on January 1, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
(Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

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As for the Dolphins, they have the Jets on the schedule in Miami for Week 18.