The New England Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins in a regular season game at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, December 11, 2017.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on prior to a week 14 NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches his team warm up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterbacks Tom Brady (12) and Brian Hoyer (2) enter the field, before an NFL football gam against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) gestures before an NFL football gam against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up before an NFL football gam against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Former NFL player Randy Moss comments on ESPN before an NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft watches the team before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots outside linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) can't catch Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake (32), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and strong safety Patrick Chung (23), leave the field after a pass by Brady was intercepted by Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) attempts to tackle Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker (11), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler (70) attempts to swat down a pass by Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler (6), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots offensive guard Shaq Mason (69) and offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (71) watch the game from the sidelines, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) watches the game from the sidelines, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins tight end Julius Thomas (89) drops a pass but recovers it as New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) defends, during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hands the ball to New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33), during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) scores a touchdown as tight end Jacob Hollister (47) and Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) look on, during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) congratulates running back Rex Burkhead (34) after Bulkhead scored a touchdown, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs the ball, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots strong safety Jordan Richards (37) stands on the sidelines, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kiko Alonso (47) attempts to tackle New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots running back James White (28), left, is congratulated by wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) and offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (71) after White scored a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks down, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks to the offensive line, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots fullback James Develin (46) lifts New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) after Bulkhead scored a touchdown, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs the ball, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) holds the ball, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots offensive tackle Nate Solder (77) gets ready to play, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs the ball, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) watches the game from the sidelines, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) cheers the offensive line on the field, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) is seen on the sidelines, during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks to wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) on the sidelines at the end of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 27-20. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) sits on the bench during the end of the second half at an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 27-20. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins strong safety T.J. McDonald (22) defends New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80), as Amendola is unable to hold onto the ball, during the second half of an NFL football game, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 27-20. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase greets New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the field at the end of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 27-20. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks during a post-game news conference, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 27-20. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady talks during a post game news conference after an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 27-20. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Esta noche un decepcionante equipo de New England cayó derrotado frente a los Dolphins 27-20 en el partido jugado en el Hard Rock Stadium frente a 65,548 espectadores.
Recuento de las acciones
Un partido que empezó con el pie izquierdo para el equipo de Belichick con una primera mitad en donde Tom Brady solo completó 11 de 16 pases para 92 yardas. El QB de New England sintió el acoso de los pass rushers de Miami quienes se las ingeniaban para vencer con facilidad a la porosa línea ofensiva de los Patriots.
Defensivamente las cosas tampoco funcionaron muy bien, la ofensiva del equipo de Miami supo mover las cadenas y permanecer en el campo, logrando mantener sentado a Brady y a su ofensiva que solo vio acción por un total de 11:57 minutos contra los 18:03 de los Dolphins. Una pálida primera mitad para New England que se fue a los vestidores con una desventaja de 10-13.
"No fuimos lo suficientemente buenos en ninguna área, no fuimos lo suficientemente consistentes en ninguna área para ganar el juego", comentó un desanimado Belichick en su conferencia.
Brady inició la segunda mitad con el balón en su poder, pero el ovoide no tarda en cambiar de dueño cuando tras un pase profundo al WR Brandin Cooks, Brady es interceptado por el CB Xavien Howard.
El QB Jay Cutler recibe el balón en la yarda 46 de New England y completa una serie de campo corto con un pase de 25 yardas a su WR Jakeem Grant, extendiendo la ventaja 20-10.
Era la primera vez desde el 1 de octubre en que los Patriots permitían más de 17 puntos en un partido.
Una vez más Brady no logra mover efectivamente las cadenas y devuelve el balón a Miami, equipo que tras un pase de Cutler a su WR Jarvis Landry, anota un TD de 4 yardas extendiendo una vez más su ventaja a 27-10.
Ya para este entonces los Patriots habían perdido a Alan Branch (rodilla), debilitando aún más a una defensa que sentía la ausencia del DE Trey Flowers y del LB Kyle Van Noy.
Con un déficit de 17 puntos los Patriots inician el último cuarto con Brady comandando una sólida serie que acaba en anotación de James White y recortando la desventaja otra vez a 10 puntos (27-17 a favor de Miami).
La defensa se contagia con el buen trabajo de la ofensiva y con un juego de presión logra entregar a el balón rápidamente a Brady.
Sin embargo la idea de una remontada se esfuma rápidamente, Brady no hace mucho con el balón, siendo capturado por Ndamukong Suh y devolviendo el balón a Miami.
Tras algunos intercambios poco trascendentales de posición de balón, las acciones no varían.
Ya faltando menos de un minuto para el final, los Patriots se resignan con un gol de campo que acorta la desventaja a 27 - 20.
A continuación, las esperanzas se centraban en un onside kick que no tiene éxito y que pone fin a los intentos de New England de igualar el marcador.
Un juego como pocos
Una débil actuación con una ofensiva de Brady que en 9 intentos no consiguió ninguna conversión de tercera oportunidad, hecho que no ocurría desde el año 1991.
El QB de New England terminó su débil actuación completando 24 de 43 pases para 233 yardas, 1 touchdowns y 2 intercepciones.
Tal fue la mala actuación que Brady recién pudo conectar con Cooks (pase de 38 yardas) faltando 2:24 para el final.
Brady también fue capturado en 2 ocasiones y recibió 10 golpes.
"No puedes hacerlo mucho peor, estando en el campo no pudimos hacer muchas jugadas, fue una mala noche. Hemos tenido muchas buenas noches a lo largo del año, pero esta fue una mala noche", indicó Brady al final del juego.
El juego de carrera de los Pats tampoco contribuyó con la causa ya que solo sumó 25 yardas y 1 touchdown en 25 acarreos.
El juego de presión no pudo hacer mucho para frenar al QB de Miami. Cutler encontró a sus receptores con tranquilidad durante la mayor parte del partido finalizando su noche completando 25 de 38 pases para 263 yardas, 3 touchdowns y 2 capturas.
El WR Jarvis Landry fue su mejor arma con 8 recepciones, 46 yardas y 2 touchdowns, mientras que su RB Kenyan Drake comandó un ataque terrestre que sumó 120 yardas en 30 toques de balón. Drake también contribuyó en el juego aéreo con 5 recepciones para 79 yardas.
Resumiendo
Una actuación inexplicable en donde nadie está a salvo de las críticas. Los entrenadores no encontraban respuesta a lo que proponían los Dolphins, en ninguna de las fases del juego.
Los jugadores fueron incapaces de ejecutar sus jugadas en cada zona del campo.
Solo queda pensar que este juego es una excepción a la regla y que las aguas retomarán su cauce el próximo domingo. No queda de otra, los Steelers esperan.
Más vale llegar preparados a ese encuentro, confiemos que así será.
