Initial Reactions From the Patriots 41-14 Win Over Miami
There’s no other way to describe Monday night’s 41-14 win over the Dolphins other than to call it a “complete effort”.
As the television graphic pointed out, the Patriots became the first team in NFL history to score a rushing touchdown, a passing touchdown, an interception return for a touchdown, a kickoff return for a touchdown, and a blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown - all in the same game.
While the defense may have been frustrating to watch early on, they settled in and we saw a two interception effort by linebacker Rob Ninkovich, and Patrick Chung’s interception that he returned for a touchdown. All in all they gave up just 14-points defensively, which is certainly better than most expected.
Top that off with the fact that Tom Brady won his 100th career game, and Patriots fans have to feel pretty good about things as New England heads into their bye week.
Needless to say it doesn’t get any better than that.
We also saw a solid effort from runningback BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who ran suprisingly well against a tough Miami defense, finishing with 16 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown. While many had doubted whether he'd even make the roster a little over a month ago, he's proved to be a solid player here in this offense.
One downside to tonight’s game was the fact that wide receiver Randy Moss had his streak of 51 straight games with a reception in a Patriots uniform snapped tonight, although he had his chance on a fake spike by Brady just before the end of the half. On the play with time winding down, Brady did his best Dan Marino impression and tried to put it on Moss’ back shoulder, but Moss couldn’t quite spin around and make the play.
An amped up Brady came off the field and high-fived Bill Belichick, and now the Patriots find themselves at 3-1 and tied with the Jets atop the AFC East.
We’ll have more on this one in a few minutes.
Who was your player of the game? Rob Ninkovich, or Patrick Chung? Post your vote in the comment section below.
