The Miami Dolphins finished their 2021 season with a 33-24 win over the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium to secure the season sweep over Bill Belichick’s team for the first time since 2000.
Miami’s defense made an impact early, as they forced Mac Jones into throwing an interception to cornerback Xavien Howard on their very first pass attempt of the game. Howard return the pass for a touchdown and gave his team a two-score lead, which New England has struggled to come back from this year.
Their offense was able to move the ball at points due to their success on the ground. Duke Johnson, Phillip Lindsay, and Tua Tagovailoa rushed 41 times for 195 yards, good for a 4.8 yards per rush average. They didn’t throw the ball with much success, other than a touchdown to Jaylen Waddle on the opening possession, but because of their running game, they didn’t need to.
Despite being eliminated from postseason contention the week prior, fans were still plenty engaged with this game. Here’s how they reacted throughout:
That's the record. Congrats @D1__JW pic.twitter.com/i7CwUarU6D
— The Dolphins Wire (@thedolphinswire) January 9, 2022
The Waddle is my favorite TD celebration going
— Trademichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) January 9, 2022
Xavien Howard is the best corner in the NFL. #FinsUp
— SportsProfessor (@sports_ptoad) January 9, 2022
Emmanuel Ogbah this offseason: pic.twitter.com/vtxP87gTD4
— Mike Masala (@Mike_Masala) January 9, 2022
Duuuuke love me a physical ball player.
— Graydon Fiske (@FiskeGraydon) January 9, 2022
You had one job Elandon Roberts.
Watching Zach Thomas all those years really ruined every other Fins inside lb for me.
— SweepTheLeg (@RarefiedLevin) January 9, 2022
of course itโs KVN i hate him so much
— ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ก๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฝ๐ช๐ง๐ฃ๐๐ง ๐ซ (@Waddle4Six) January 9, 2022
Van Ginkel – who took Van Noy's spot in Miami – goes untouched to sack Mac Jones.
— Luis D. Sung (@LuisDSung) January 9, 2022
Duke Johnsonโs usage last week was criminal coaching neglect
— michael (@mef_57) January 9, 2022
Some of the good that came out of this seasonโฆ Christian Wilkins has emerged into an absolute superstar
— Long Island Phins Fan (@MiamiofLI) January 9, 2022
What a difference NOT HAVING Jessie Davis in the game does ๐คฃ #FinsUp
— WiggyvsTheWorld (@WiggyvsTheWorld) January 9, 2022
Duke Johnson for starting RB next season, start the campaign now
— Everyone's favorite Pats/Bills/Bucs hater (@Kingofcastles88) January 9, 2022
That was a beautiful fumble by Jones. #FinsUp
— TUAVILLE (@tuaville) January 9, 2022
Tua RB1
— Pierce Dono (@DonoPierce) January 9, 2022
Dolphins decided they didnโt wanna play defense anymore
— Gump Cathcart (@bubbagumpino) January 10, 2022
Clutch play by Tua! Wish he would do that more often. A lot more athletic then ppl think.
— sports fanatic (@dribbler4life) January 10, 2022
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