The New England Patriots control their playoff hopes and dreams yet again as their 23-21 victory over the Miami Dolphins awarded them possession of the seventh and final AFC playoff spot for 2022.
The Patriots will need to beat the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, however, if they wish to guarantee a spot in the playoffs. But they could also sneak in with a loss, if some other scenarios shake out.
The Patriots’ season has been up and down for the majority of the year, and the issues have stemmed from the offensive play-calling and lack of efficiency.
In the game against the Dolphins, the Patriots defense managed to slow down Miami’s top weapons, Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, to just seven catches and 107 yards combined with a depleted secondary.
Mac Jones was good, again, despite some play-calling issues. He went 20-of-33 throwing for 203 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. The Patriots offensive line managed to keep Jones protected, while the receivers benefitted from a depleted Dolphins secondary with more spacing than normal.