Tuesday, March 29, 2016

2015 Season - Week #13

Houston @ Buffalo

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

HOUSTON                3                 0         7          17
BUFFALO                 7          3        21      10        41

BUFFALO - With 243 all-purpose yards, rookie-of-the-year front-runner Todd Gurley put his Bills (6-6) teammates on his back in the absence of Aaron Rodgers as the team cruised to a 41-17 victory over the Houston Texans (7-5) Sunday.
Without the services of their All-Pro signal caller, Rex Ryan's squad leaned on the rookie between the tackles and as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
"We have the next AP (Adrian Peterson) here," Rex Ryan said. "It's disappointing to not have Aaron, but we still have the ultimate weapon at our disposal."
The victory kept the once-fading Bills playoff hopes alive against the AFC South leading Texans (who had been undefeated against AFC East opponents during 2015).
"It's a statement game for sure," Gurley said. "People wanted to bury us but we will have something to say about it - believe that."
Following some pro-bowl caliber performances, Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer came back to earth against the stout Buffalo pass rush.
"I let us down today," Hoyer said. "That is the best defense we've faced all year."
The Bills next head to Philadelphia to take on the struggling Eagles. 

Baltimore @ Miami

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

BALTIMORE           3         0         3         3         9
MIAMI                      3         3         0         6         12      

MIAMI – A walk off 47-yard field goal from former Baltimore (8-4) kicker Justin Tucker sealed the victory for the Miami Dolphins (7-5) in a 12-9 slugfest Sunday morning at SunLife Stadium.
Tucker hit all four of his field goal attempts on a day where neither team could find the endzone against two of the league's top defenses.
"It was a battle from the first kickoff," Tucker said. "I have a lot of respect for all those guys over there - they keep battling the whole time."
Despite two fumbles in Ravens territory in the 3rd quarter, Thomas Rawls (who accounted for one of the untimely turnovers) and the Dolphins offense made enough plays to put the team in position to win at the end of regulation.
"Ryan made a great throw to Mychael (Rivera) late in the game," Rawls said. "It wasn't pretty, but we got the win."
On 3rd-and-11 at the Miami 21-yard line with only 1:21 remaining, Ryan Fitzpatrick hit Rivera on an out route that the tight end turned into a 42-yard gain. 
"Without that play it's a different ending," Fitzpatrick said. "They had all three timeouts and would have been in position to try to get the game-winner themselves. Mychael came up huge for us."
The Dolphins now find themselves in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race with a looming Monday Night matchup against the New York Giants. 

New York Jets @ Houston

                                    1         2         3         4       FINAL

NY JETS                   0         7         7         0        14
NY GIANTS              7         7         0         17      31

NEW YORK – The Bryce Petty-led New York Jets (4-8) kept it close until the 4th quarter but eventually fell 31-14 to the New York Giants Sunday afternoon.
Petty finished 22-43 on the day with 237 yards passing including a touchdown and an interception on the day.
Odell Beckham Jr. finished with 211 yards receiving in a day where the 2nd year player seemed impossible to guard.
"I didn't get a chance to whip-and-nae-nae, but we still go the W (win)," Beckham Jr. said. "I'm proud of our team."
Quarterback Cam Newton stayed in the locker room after halftime due to continued frustration with his on-going benching.
"I don't understand it," Newton said. "We weren't out of the playoff race - I don't get it."
The Jets next face off against the Tennessee Titans.

Friday, March 25, 2016

AFC East Rumblings

AFC East Rumblings

NEW YORK JETS
After the Cam Newton benching, rumors began swirling amongst NFL Insiders that Newton will be "readily available for the right price" at season's end. The New York decision-makers are looking at what the Denver Broncos received in 2008 for then 26-year old Jay Cutler (2 first rounders, a third, and quarterback Kyle Orton). NFL.com's own Ian Rapoport has already tweeted several times regarding candid conversations between Cleveland Browns ownership and the Jets about Newton's upcoming availability.  The St. Louis Rams and Houston Texans are also reportedly "very" interested in the 26-year old signal-caller out of Auburn.

BUFFALO BILLS
With Aaron Rodgers out for the season and the team sitting at 5-6 heading into a home game against the Houston Texans, there is no truth to the rumor that head coach Rex Ryan openly discussed "tanking" the remaining five games of the season.  Ryan, visibly distressed leaving Arrowhead Stadium Sunday evening, gave reporters some priceless, albeit profane, soundbites, but refuted the notion that he would instruct his team to lose.
"I'm so sick of the media," Ryan said. "I lose a franchise quarterback and you want me to be politically correct. Screw you."

MIAMI DOLPHINS
Fresh off his monster 3-game streak that has included a pair of touchdowns, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries, cornerback Kyle Fuller has ramped up his Sherman-esque trash-talking wondering if he is the "best" cornerback in football.
"Stats don't lie at the moment," Fuller said. "Keep challenging me, you'll see."
Fuller's critics have lamented the second year pro due to his perceived issues with man coverage.
"Oh my gosh," Carolina Panthers defensive back Josh Norman said. "Dude has a good game and now he wants Canton. They are throwing at you because you the weak link!"
To his credit, Fuller has tried to downplay his recent remarks by pointing to the collective team effort, including the strong play by secondary-mate Calvin Pryor who has quietly become a premier playmaker for the Dolphins. 

Thursday, March 24, 2016

2015 Season - Week #12

Miami @ New York Jets

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                      2         10       10       14       36
NEW YORK              3         3         8         7         21

NEW JERSEY – After a Cam Newton benching, Bryce Petty led the New York Jets (4-7, 2-2 AFC East) on a spirited comeback that fell short to the dominant defensive effort by the Miami Dolphins (6-5, 3-2).
On a day where the Jets turned the ball over six times, Newton had four interceptions and a lost fumble before taking a seat on the bench after halftime with a 27.6 passer rating.
“I didn’t have it today,” Newton said. “Coach shouldn’t have pulled me – he is making a rookie coaching mistake. I am the leader of this team no doubt about it.”
Ryan Fitzpatrick played well for the Dolphins despite an early first half interception ending with 177 yards passing and a pair of touchdown passes to go along with 224 team rushing yards by Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael.
“You honestly shouldn’t be talking to any of us on offense,” Fitzpatrick said. “Our defense is amazing.”
Kyle Fuller and the rest of the NFL’s top-ranked defense put their statement on the game early sacking Newton and causing forced throws that were eventually picked off.
“I love our d-line,” Fuller said. “They harassed them all day and let us tee off in the secondary.”
The first touchdown of the game was scored by Miami’s Calvin Pryor on a 33-yard pick six of a Newton pass over the middle to Orson Charles.
“We wanted it man,” Pryor said. “It’s good to be over .500. We just have to keep it moving next week.”
Pryor also forced a fumble on a sack of Newton prior to intermission.
At his postgame press conference Todd Bowles made a bold statement on the team’s future.
“Cam Newton is not going to be my starter next week at the Giants,” Bowles said. “Bryce Petty is going to be our starting quarterback for the rest of the season.”
All eyes will be on Petty and the Jets next week against their neighbors from New York.
The Miami Dolphins head back home to square off against the Baltimore Ravens.

Buffalo @ Kansas City

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

BUFFALO                 0         10       0         0         10
KANSAS CITY        7         10       3         16       36

KANSAS CITY – The collective gasp of the Buffalo (5-6, 2-2) faithful could be heard across the country as the news poured in that quarterback Aaron Rodgers would miss the remainder of the season with a herniated disk.  The team’s 36-10 drubbing at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) was secondary to the injury news.
“I’m devastated,” Rodgers said. “This really hurts; not the physical pain, but being out and away from my teammates.”
After the Rodgers injury, the Bills played less than spirited football and seemed to be going through the motions.
“Not a lot to say,” Rex Ryan said. “It’s next man up so EJ, it’s your time to shine now.”
EJ Manuel started well in the place of Rodgers, going 7-for-7 before a turnover that started the team’s downward spiral towards the 26-point final deficit.
“I’ll get a week of practice in and see how it goes,” Manuel said. “Everything happens for a reason.”
The Bills host the Houston Texans next week.

Friday, March 18, 2016

2015 Season - Week #11

Buffalo @ New England

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

BUFFALO                 10       17       3         0         30
NEW ENGLAND      0         14       0        9         23

FOXBORO – Tyler Lockett and Aaron Rodgers continued their Montana-to-Rice ways to help the Buffalo Bills (5-5, 2-3 AFC East) knock of the division-leading New England Patriots (8-2, 2-2) 30-23 Sunday.
Rodgers had a monster day with 451 yards passing and three touchdown passes with Lockett accounting for 203 of those yards with his 11 catches.
“He’s (Rodgers) a great quarterback,” Lockett said. “He trusts us all to make plays and I was fortunate enough to be in a bunch of good spots today – next week it could be someone else.”
The Tom Brady-less Patriots struggled to find their footing for most of the day. Brett Hundley, making his second start in place of Brady, missed 2 quarters with a thumb injury paving the way for third stringer Dominique Davis to enter the game and make things interesting.
With an invisible ground game putting up only 25 yards on the day, due in large part to the play of the Bills intimidating front seven, New England had to rely on their inexperienced signal callers to rally the comeback attempt that fell short.
“We lost a game,” Bill Belichick said. “We get to play another one next week.”
Buffalo travels to Arrowhead Stadium next week to face the Chiefs in an effort to move to 6-5 on the season.

Dallas @ Miami

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

DALLAS                   0         7         3         7         17
MIAMI                      7         14       3         7         31      

MIAMI – The team with the NFL’s best record took a major hit to their confidence Sunday as the Dallas Cowboys (8-2) were dominated by the Miami Dolphins (5-5) 31-17.
Thomas Rawls continued to support his case for the NFL Rookie-of-the-Year award with 284 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in a game that was never close.
“I’m not concerned with those awards at all to tell you the truth,” Rawls said. “Todd (Gurley) can have it – I just want to make the playoffs.”
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick continued his run of limited productivity with a 7-for-8 day with 142 passing yards, a touchdown, and no turnovers.
“That’s what I need to be here for,” Fitzpatrick said. “Leading this offense so we can wear the other team down and let our defense go to work.”
The NFL’s best defense put on another hard-hitting effort, which gave the Dallas training staff all they could handle.
The Cowboys rushed for only 78 yards on the day, and Tony Romo, who started the day averaging 330 yards per game on the season, finished with only 245 yards passing.
“We didn’t have it today,” Romo said. “They are headhunters at times, and it’s unfortunate in this day and age that they can get away with some of those hits.”
Miami will bring their defense along with their top-ranked rushing offense to MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets next Sunday.

New York Jets @ Houston

                                    1         2         3         4         OT       FINAL

NEW YORK              3         10       8         14       0         35
HOUSTON                 7         7         14       7         3         38

HOUSTON – Cam Newton’s 468 passing yards and four touchdowns were no match for Brian Hoyer’s career day with 418 yards and five touchdowns while completing 91% of his passes as the Texans (7-3) downed the New York Jets (4-6) 38-35 in overtime.
Newton kept stride with the on-fire Hoyer throughout and was able to lead his team into the endzone with :10 seconds remaining to put the game into extra time. However, a costly David Johnson fumble in overtime sealed the victory for Houston as they were able to move into field goal range.
“David’s been huge for us all year,” Newton said. “Tonight he made a mistake, I’ll give you that. But he’s young and will bounce back.”
On the day the Texans kept a clean sheet in the turnover column while claiming three takeaways, including the overtime fumble recovery.
“We have got to take care of the ball,” Todd Bowles said. “I don’t care if we throw for 500 and rush for 300, it means nothing if we aren’t protecting the rock.”
A visibly dejected Johnson was consoled in the locker room by wide receiver Devante Parker, who led all Jets receivers with 154 yards on six catches.
“That’s my brother man,” Parker said. “We got his back for life.”
New York will look to re-group against division foe Miami next week.

2015 Season - Week #10

Buffalo @ New York Jets

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

BUFALO                    0         10       7         3         20
NEW YORK              0         3         7         10       23

NEW JERSEY – The AFC East battle for the Empire State went down to the wire as the New York Jets (4-5, 2-1 AFC East) took out the Buffalo Bills (4-5, 1-3) in MetLife Stadium Thursday night.
The Buffalo offense followed the script of most of their first half of the season games with a hot start to the game. Aaron Rodgers led the team to a 17-3 lead that could have easily been more. But missed field goals and turnovers allowed a hungry Jets team to stay in it.
“For us, it’s about being able to finish games the right way,” Rex Ryan said. “We are a good team – we just need to start grinding out the end of games.”
With their offense stymied late in the second quarter, New York coach Todd Bowles made a bold call to allow Cam Newton to take full control of the play-calling at the line of scrimmage in what is now being called the ‘J-Gun’ by some pundits. Newton, with an empty backfield and five receivers at his disposal, began to slowly dissect the Buffalo defense while effectively negating their pressure.
“I’ve been begging for this control all year,” Newton said. “We’re a patient group and then make our move when it’s open downfield.”
Newton ended the day with 378 yards through the air which included a 42-yard strike to tight end Orson Charles that put the team in position to kick the game-winning field goal after running down the clock in Buffalo territory.
Rookie-of-the-Year candidate Todd Gurley had a game to forget on the ground, picking up only 17 yards on 15 carries. The first year sensation from Georgia was visibly upset in the locker room after the game.
“I just want a chance man,” Gurley said. “I want to be able to get us going on the ground and I didn’t do it today.”
Dan Carpenter struggled again for the Bills with a pair of misses, including a crucial push with 5:10 left in the 4th quarter that would have given his team the lead.
The Jets travel to Houston to take on the Texans next week while the Bills travel to Foxboro to take on the Patriots (8-1, 2-1).

Miami @ Philadelphia

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                      7         7         2         8         24
PHILADELPHIA    0         10       0         7         17

PHILADELPHIA – The Miami Dolphins (4-5, 2-2 AFC East) controlled the Philadelphia Eagles in all three phases of the game Sunday with an impressive 24-17 road victory.
The Miami duo of Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael piled up 232 rushing yards and an astounding 36-minute edge in time of possession for the game. Rookie fullback Roosevelt Nix scored twice and picked up two 4th-and-one conversions for the team.
“When we grind it out and take care of the ball, we can hurt you,” Nix said. “That defense we got puts fear into people. We want to bring that same hitting power to our O (offense) too.”
While on the field, albeit for a short period of time, the Dolphin defense yielded only 177 total yards, sacked Sam Bradford three times, and picked up a safety on the day after a 62 yard punt inside the 5-yard line by rookie special-teamer-of-the-year candidate Matt Darr.
“I love putting our defense in a position to be successful,” Darr said. “I definitely see our unit (punt team) as a potential scoring weapon for that scary group of defenders we have.”
The Dolphins will look to get back to the .500 mark at home against the Dallas Cowboys.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

2015 Season - Week #9

Miami @ Buffalo

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                      0         14       7         0         21
BUFFALO                 14       7         0         7         28

BUFFALO – It is not common for a team to dominate all three phases of an NFL game and find themselves eking out a 1-score win. But that is exactly the position the Buffalo Bills (4-4, 1-2 AFC East) were in as the final whistle sounded during their narrow 28-21 victory over their bitter rivals from Miami (3-5, 2-2).
After a hot start, the Aaron Rodgers led air attack looked unstoppable leading 21-0 in the second quarter.
Rodgers then threw a costly pick-six to Kyle Fuller.
On the ensuing possession, with time running down in the half, Rodgers was then strip-sacked leading to a 32-yard scoop and score by defensive end Leonard Williams.
“That really escalated quickly there before halftime,” Rodgers said. “I even tried to give them another shot earlier in the quarter (an interception in the end zone by Bobby Wagner that was returned 70-yards), but luckily our defense held them to zero points after that one.”
The giving was not over for the Bills after halftime when Tyler Lockett fumbled the ball after a vicious hit from Earl Thomas leading to Fuller’s second touchdown return on the day.
“They were the better team today overall,” Fuller said. “I do think we started to work after that rough start, but we put ourselves in a bad hole after they dominated that first quarter.”
The real story of the day was the dominating Bills defense that absolutely mauled Ryan Fitzpatrick and friends on the day. Midway through the third quarter the Dolphins had yet to crack the century mark for yards on offense.
Down seven, the Dolphins had two chances within the 3-minute mark to put points on the board. But with a 4th-and-8 from midfield and Fitzpatrick having to sit a play out after taking a hit from Geno Atkins, backup and much-maligned quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo took the field for one snap; a telegraphed interception that all but sealed the victory for Buffalo.
Garoppolo refused to speak to reporters after the game.
For the day, Rodgers finished with 282 yards and three touchdowns in addition to the three total turnovers. Despite his own fumble, Tyler Lockett put forth another impressive performance with 141 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns.
The Bills, now looking like legitimate playoff contenders, will head to New Jersey to face the Jets in Thursday night’s primetime matchup.
The Dolphins will limp over to the city of brotherly love to take on Chip Kelly’s Eagles.

Jacksonville @ New York Jets

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

JACKSONVILLE    3        3         7          0         13
NEW YORK             0         3         7          7         17


NEW YORK – The New York Jets (3-5) kept their fading playoff hopes alive before their Thursday night matchup against their division rivals from Buffalo with a 17-13 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday at MetLife Stadium. 
Cam Newton played a conservative game with only 236 yards passing and a touchdown passes. The QB threw a pair of interceptions on the day, but was able to keep his team calm throughout.
"At this point it's all about getting the win," Newton said. "I don't care if it's pretty, ugly, or sweet."
Aaron Donald continued his run of solid play dominating the line of scrimmage all day for the men from Gotham. The defensive tackle out of Pittsburgh is quickly turning into one of the most disruptive defenders in the NFL.
"We have great coaches who go out there and let us play," Donald said. "I want us to go out there every night and dominate."
At 3-5, the Jets still have hopes of a playoff berth, but those dreams can be shattered if they are unable to continue the momentum on Thursday night against the Bills (4-4).



Friday, March 11, 2016

2015 AFC MVP: Jimmy Garoppolo? (NFL.com)

Jimmy Garoppolo: Your 2015 AFC MVP?

by Scoops Caligiri -  NFL.com Staff Writer
Friday, October 30, 2015

In what has become the meme of the month of October, Jimmy Garoppolo jumped, twisted and turned his way into Internet stardom while earning himself a seat on the bench.
What happened next has been well-documented: His Dolphins coaching staff and front office went out and traded for backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick from division rival New England in what was then viewed as an overreaction to a rookie (aerial) mistake.
Now, fast forward to Thursday night and Tom Brady being carted off of the Gillette Stadium turf with a broken collarbone for what looks to be the remainder of the regular season.
Instead of the bearded one taking snaps for the Brady-less Pats, you have rookie Brett Hundley (formerly back up to the pre-leaping Garoppolo Dolphins) calling the shots. 
Would the Patriots, now 6-1, continue to be contenders with Fitzpatrick under center? Perhaps.
Are they even favorites to win the AFC East now with Hundley calling the shots? Probably not.
The Garoppolo Floppolo did nothing to help Jimmy the player eventually earn the full-time gig in Miami, but it did earn Jimmy the jumper a special footnote in the 2015 season archives.
Fans in Miami, New York and Buffalo now have a second chance to dream about the playoffs with New England now in a vulnerable position.
The Jets (2-4), Bills (3-4) and Dolphins (3-4), each with a game left against the Patriots, all have a legitimate shot at unseating the Pats if they can move past their early season woes. 
"It changes everything now," New York coach Todd Bowles said. "It all starts for us in Oakland Sunday - this division is up for grabs."
Bills coach Rex Ryan was a bit less PC in his response.
"Boo-Friggin-Hoo. It's our time now."
Only time will tell for sure, but this AFC East race just got a whole lot more interesting.
Thanks @JimmyFlips.

2015 Season - Week #8

Miami @ New England

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                      7         0         0         10       17
NEW ENGLAND     0         7         7         0         14      

FOXBORO – Five days after being stuffed on 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line late against the Texans, the Miami Dolphins (3-4, 2-1 AFC East) not only saved their season with a last second win at New England (6-1, 2-1), but also changed the AFC playoff picture entirely after Tom Brady exited with a broken collarbone late in the 3rd quarter.
"You hate to win with an injury like that," Dolphins linebacker Eric Kendricks said. "I'm glad I hit him clean, but I definitely feel bad that he got hurt on the play."
The Kendricks hit on Brady that led to the injury followed an atrocious end zone interception by newly acquired quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick, who had been Brady's backup in New England until the ill-timed trade a week and a half ago, was able to redeem himself against his former club.
The veteran signal-caller hit tight end Clive Warford for 22-yards on 3rd-and-14 with under two minutes remaining before calmly finding Dion Sims for the game clinching score with 27-seconds on the clock to stun the home crowd.
"I'm only two weeks into this playbook, but I like where we're at," Fitzpatrick said. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity the Dolphins organization gave me and I don't intend on looking back."
The Miami defense stymied the Brady-led attack for most of the game before clamping down on Brett Hundley to seal the victory.
"After Sunday's loss, we wanted to get right back out and fight," Star Lotulelei said. "We are just gonna keep grinding and get ready for Buffalo."

The Dolphins travel to Buffalo next week to face the Bills (3-4, 0-2) in a pivotal AFC East showdown. 


New York Jets @ Oakland

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

NEW YORK JETS   0        21        0         3         24
OAKLAND                10       7         7         7         31      


OAKLAND – With a 1st-and-goal opportunity late in the game, the New York Jets (2-5) couldn't figure out a way to even the score against the Oakland Raiders Sunday at O.co Stadium falling 31-24.
Quarterback Cam Newton had an uneven day with an impressive 403 yards passing but only one touchdown pass compared to a pair of interceptions.
"Not our day today," Newton said. "We turned it on there in the 2nd, but we had nothing the rest of the game."
Raiders rookie Amari Cooper shined in front of the home crowd with a 68-yard touchdown reception on the second play of scrimmage for Oakland and a phenomenal Odell later in the game.
"I don't know about calling in an Odell," Cooper said. "He didn't invent the one-handed catch - there are lots of guys making big plays every game."
After an impressive AFC East victory against Miami, the Jets have begun an untimely tailspin that needs to be corrected quickly if the team has aspirations of seeing postseason play.
"Obviously this is not where we wanted to be (2-5)," Tight End Orson Charles said. "There is nothing to do but to keep fighting."
The Jets head home next week to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Thursday, March 10, 2016

2015 Season - Week #7

Buffalo @ Jacksonville (London, England)

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

BUFFALO                 0         7         3         14       24
JACKSONVILLE    3         14       3         6         26

LONDON – Aaron Rodgers thought he had put his nightmare 3-interception day behind him with a 4th quarter scoring drive that put his team up 24-23 with 22-seconds remaining – All the Bills (3-4) needed was one stop.
Blake Bortles and the Jaguars had other plans in mind.
Three consecutive completions by Bortles left rookie placekicker Jason Myers with a 47-yard field goal for the win.
Myers delivered.
“Not a huge fan of that defense we ran there at the end,” Rex Ryan said. “We needed one stop and just couldn’t get it.”
The 3-pick game for Rodgers represented a low point for the All-Pro quarterback.
“I just don’t know what happened today,” Rodgers said. “The bye is coming at a good time for me and our whole squad.”
Markus Wheaton was the lone bright spot for the Bills offense with seven catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.
The Buffalo defense held their own in London versus a steady Jaguars running game, but couldn’t make enough plays in the end.
“I really thought we had them there with that late touchdown,” Clay Mathews said. “We will keep working and grinding.”
The Bills will try to rest up during their bye week before facing their division rivals from New York.

Houston @ Miami

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

HOUSTON                 7         3         7         6         23
MIAMI                      0         7         6         5         18      

MIAMI – The Ryan Fitzpatrick era in Miami (2-4) started slowly and ended in heartbreaking fashion with a 23-18 loss at the hands of the Houston Texans Sunday in Miami.
With a 4th and goal from the Houston 1-yard line with seven seconds remaining, the Dolphins were stuffed and had to limp off the field with the loss.
“That’s our mentality: running the football,” Joe Philbin said. “If we can’t get one yard we don’t deserve to win.”
Fitzpatrick threw a pair of first half interceptions, as he seemed to get his feet wet with the new offense.
“Not my best effort,” Fitzpatrick said. “No loss is forever, but this one stung a bit.”
Miami looked sluggish throughout and could not finish drives with touchdowns throughout the day.
Khalil Mack picked up two sacks on the day but was not able to help his team seal the deal in the end.
“Nobody likes losing,” Mack said. “I’m upset – that’s all I can say.”
The Dolphins will have no time to feel sorry for themselves as they head to Foxboro to face the Patriots on Thursday night.

New York Jets @ New England

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

NEW YORK              0         0         0         14       14
NEW ENGLAND     6         3         6         10       25

FOXBORO – The New England Patriots (6-0, 2-0 AFC East) were in control throughout as they dismantled the New York Jets (2-4, 1-1) Sunday at home.
Tom Brady didn’t mince his words after a game that was filled with trash talk on both sides.
“They came in chirping and talking,” Brady said. “They weren’t talking at the end.”
Jets coach Todd Bowles was less than happy with his team’s effort.
“I’m super frustrated with everything about that game,” Bowles said. “We never thought we’d be two-and-four – we have playoff aspirations.”
Quarterback Cam Newton played efficiently on the day but was unable to find any big plays on the day.
“They had a good plan to stop us,” Newton said. “It’s a division game, so we’ll get another shot at them.”
Runningback LeGarrette Blount ended the day with 26-carries for 144 yards rushing on the day.
“I heard all week about that d-line,” Blount said. “Didn’t seem like much to me.” 
The Jets will look to regroup next week as they visit the Black Hole in Oakland.