Clay's plays: Breakdown of Dolphins-Patriots

Well, any shot the Dolphins had at the playoffs disappeared during a third quarter onslaught by the Patriots. The bigger questions about the Fins now revolve around the more distant future: Is a coaching change on the way? Has Ryan Tannehill proven he can be your franchise QB?

For now, Dolfans are stuck reading the same script they have in each of the last six seasons -- home after the holidays.

Recommended Videos



Onto the plays:

3. Mike Wallace TD catch at the end of the 2nd quarter

As bad as this game was, there were a few bright spots for Miami. And they all involved the deep passing game. This was a beautiful throw and catch that was originally ruled an incompletion, but was overturned after replay. It looked as if this put Miami right back in the game, but that changed right after the break.

2. Brady converts 3rd & 11 with 17-yard run on opening drive of 3rd quarter

With Miami trailing 14-13, the Fins had a golden opportunity to hold the Pats to a FG on their opening drive. They forced a 3rd and 11 at the Dolphins 20, only to watch Brady convert the third down with his legs instead of his arm. LeGarrette finished off the drive with a 3-yard TD run on the next play to put the Fins in a 21-13 hole.

1. Kyle Arrington 62-Yd TD return of blocked FG to give Pats 7-0 lead

This was the type of play the Fins needed if they wanted to pull off the upset -- a huge special teams play that turns into six points. Unfortunately, it went against them instead of for them. After Miami opened the game with a 50-yard bomb to Wallace, they stalled out. On 4th down, Jamie Collins blocked Caleb Sturgis' 41-yard FG attempt that would have given the Fins the first lead of the game. Arrington picked it up and ran it back for the touchdown, giving you the feeling that this just wasn't going to be Miami's day.


About the Author:

Clay Ferraro joined the Local 10 News team in 2014 to take his dream job: covering big-time sports at a first-class station in paradise.