The New England Patriots are traveling on the road to Hard Rock Stadium, where they will face their division rivals, the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots have always struggled to win in Miami. In recent years, and even in the success of the Tom Brady years, winning on the road against the Dolphins has been a consistent issue for New England. This week, the 3-8 New England Patriots will try to reverse the losing trend, while the 4-6 Miami Dolphins try for a late playoff push.
Their Previous Matchup
In the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins previous matchup, both teams looked very different. The Patriots were in the midst of a losing streak, with Jacoby Brissett starting at quarterback. Meanwhile, the Dolphins starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa was out with a concussion, so they played recent signing Tyler Huntley. In this game, the Dolphins defeated the Patriots 15-10 after New England failed to score the go-ahead touchdown. Brissett had multiple chances to drive down the field and give the Patriots the win, but the offense could not click against a Dolphins team that was depleted with injuries. This game and loss were the catalyst for the benching of Jacoby Brissett in favor of first-round pick, Drake Maye.
The New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins have both improved since their previous matchup. Both squads now have their best option at quarterback, with Tua Tagovailoa recovered and starting for Miami, while Drake Maye won the starting job in New England. Because of this, both offenses are stronger. While New England still has their problems with receivers and offensive line, Maye undoubtedly makes them more dynamic. And with Tagovailia back and playing well, the Dolphins look like they are getting back into form. Miami is coming off two straight wins over the Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders and aim to continue that momentum.
The New England Patriots’ History in Miami
The New England Patriots history playing in Miami is not something they look at fondly. Even in the golden days of the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick dynasty, the Dolphins were the one division foe that was a constant thorn in the side, no matter how talented the team was. In their last 11 games in Miami, the New England Patriots are 2-9. This includes years where they went on to the playoffs and even won the Super Bowl but still managed to slip up against the Dolphins. One of the most egregious examples of this was the “Miami Miracle” in 2018, where the Dolphins upset the Patriots on a 52-yard lateral touchdown on the final play.
Things have only gotten worse for the New England Patriots since then. Once Tom Brady left and the Dolphins added Tyreek Hill, the division rivalry completely changed. It was the middling Dolphins having the mighty New England Patriots number. Now, it is the bottom dwelling Patriots going on the road to face a playoff contender that they can never beat. Since Tom Brady left the Patriots, they are 2-7 against the Dolphins and 0-4 in Miami. Their two wins were in 2020 when the Patriots were starting Cam Newton and in 2023 when the Dolphins were starting Skylar Thompson.
This Sunday, the New England Patriots will attempt to reverse their losing streak in Miami. While the Patriots are 3-8, there have been positives with the play of Drake Maye and the return of Christian Barmore. Even though they have nothing to play for, the Patriots are in close games nearly every week and could make things interesting. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins are riding a wave of momentum and looking to make a late playoff push at 4-6 with a healthy Tua Tagovailoa. The divisional rivals with face off at 1 P.M. with playoff hope and a losing skid at stake.
